Ole Folks

It is sad, but funny, to listen to my elderly parents.  Mother can't hear and Daddy can't get around too well.  Most of the time they stay mad with each other not because of what was said, but what they thought was said.

Unwanted Visitors

The shrill cry of a young hawk had me scrambling for 4 week old biddies and my precious chihuahuas early this morning.  Prayers were interrupted as I watched and waited for the deathly dipping swoop of this bird in search of prey.   So beautiful to watch as they glide swiftly and gracefully through the sky, these keen eyed predators are deadly to my small animals.

The hens ran for cover and Miss Betty and her chicks froze where they stood.  How this feisty hen conveyed to her chicks the danger of moving is a wonder.  They held the frozen position for 3 minutes before resuming their foraging.  The hens are still staying close to the porch or under the shrubbery - both favorite havens.  The roosters are on patrol, one in the front yard and one in the back. 

Last week my beautiful rooster tangled with this beautiful creature and lost a cone and most of his neck feathers.  He survived the attack and his valiant efforts to protect his flock of hens paid off.  Matilda fell prey to a hawk last fall. An aging Rhode Island Red hen that could no longer flee as quickly as she once could, Matilda was caught in the deadly talons of a large hawk hunting in the area. 

Snakes, hawks, owls, weasels, coyotes and cats are deadly to my menagerie and it appears we have them all.  That's one way to keep me on my toes.  Until next time . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Road Trip

Hubby and I have been tossing around the desire to head north toward Maine on an adventure.  What at one time would be a spontaneous trip is now a well planned excursion.  Three weeks ago hubby started talking about it seriously and walked in on a Wednesday and advised we were leaving for Maine on Thursday.  Didn't happen, but the following week we took off driving.  Spent four days driving the Gulf Coast.

The towns were much the same as the ones around middle Georgia.  So many closed businesses, abandoned homes, homeless people.  There is more construction on the coast which is probably recovery from the hurricanes.  The after effects of Katrina is still much in evidence with complete lots bare of buildings with only foundations left in the wake.  Isaac didn't hurt the landscape quite so much but there was much sand on the sides of the roads. 

In Niceville, Florida we dropped in on some friends and enjoyed a good visit.  I really miss seeing them each week and haven't played Trivia since they moved south.  Moved on to Panama City and got in some great beach walking in the shallow surf. 

I am still looking forward to the Maine trip, but I want more than a long weekend on the road.  Maybe in the Spring, after the thaw we will head north.  I also would like to see Key West again and Kansas draws me a bit (maybe it is Dorothy and her red shoes).

Today I am heading to see my youngest granddaughter play soccer.  I hear she is the best!