Although chilly, it was a beautiful sunny day as Emma and I emerged from the rig for her first outs. Since wild turkeys are so abundant on the refuge, I decided we should go for a ride so I could get a picture of this bird on its most prominent day on the calendar. I’ve seen turkeys everyday I’ve been out on the refuge, so I figured it would be a piece of cake to find them.
You know what they say about the best laid plans… Not a turkey was to be found this morning. So, I’m including this stunning photo that I posted last year from the Texas Parks and Wildlife site.
Since the refuge was closed for the holiday, we were able to drive about knowing we were the only ones on the wildlife drive today. We took an hour and a half to do the eight miles, and lingered at favorite spots enjoying the peace and quiet.
The deep blue skies, reddish orange of the cypress trees, greens of the pines, and yellows from the deciduous trees presented a beautiful palette of color to appreciate. I took time to honor this day of Thanksgiving, and marveled at nature’s gifts that I find all around me. I continue to remain thankful for the life I am allowed to live.
Along about 2:00, all of us gathered in the Volunteer Village double-wide trailer for a traditional feast of turkey and all the trimmings. Fellow volunteers Barb and Barry did most of the work in providing our repast, and I really appreciate all of their work. It was a delicious meal!
Afterwards, the men watched football while the women kibitzed. Near the end of the game we all decided to watch a DVD up in the auditorium of the Visitors Center. There is a big screen and surround sound that is like being in a movie theater. Barb’s grandson had a part in the movie, so that added interest to the show. Well, it was a movie about an infection that was spreading worldwide and killing people including the grandson. (I can’t remember the name of the movie) I only lasted about twenty minutes into it, and had to leave. It was a little too graphic for me. 
While I didn’t find a wild turkey that survived to live another day, I was able to find the ‘bluebird of happiness’. 
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
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Apparently the turkeys were aware of the day and hid out. Happy Thanksgiving Judy.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful day to me, a little bit of solitude and a little bit of socializing. Perfect! Thanks for sharing and a very Happy Thanksgiving to you and Emma!
ReplyDeleteSounds like it was a wonderful peaceful Thanksgiving for you both. Happy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a nice peaceful day. Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteFabulous turkey picture wherever he was! Thanks for sharing. He's magnificient!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good day. I don't blame you about the movie. Me too. I just can't watch violence of any kind.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wild turkeys have a few more smarts than the average domestic turkeys - they undoubtedly were hiding out until all the carving knives have been put away!
ReplyDeleteSmart turkeys you have on that refuge. A wonderful Thanksgiving Day. Did Emma get a special treat today?
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you and Emma. Beautiful Tom turkey even if not there today for you. I am definitely a Walton person...that is why some of my DVDs are wearing out :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a wonderful relaxing day, Judy. Glad for you! I would have especiaaly enjoyed the nature drive... how peaceful it must have been!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving Judy! Nice to have friends to share the day with!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving Judy.
ReplyDeleteGood night, John Boy. Good night, Mama.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful Thanksgiving. Those turkeys will be back out today, I'll bet. I'm with you about movies -- can't take the graphic stuff. I'd rather read the book (if there is one). Happy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteI love wild Turkeys. We saw one almost as big when at Davis Mountains this spring. It was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving Judy!!!
ReplyDeleteWe ran into (not literally) some Wild Turkeys in the mountains of Arizona...what a surprise! Sounds like you had a wonderful day doing what you love, riding with Emma enjoying God's gifts of nature...and chowing down on comfort food!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteGlad your day was good yesterday. we have seen lots of wild turkeys at some of the parks we used to frequent, but none as splendid as the one you have pictured. All the ones we used to see were kind of scrawny.
ReplyDeleteSo you could not find any turkeys? Are you SURE you know where that one came from on the table?
ReplyDeleteHey there Ms. J.
ReplyDeleteHappy Day After. Just reading about the hip thing. You picked one of the best facilities in the country.
May it be a piece of cake, or pie, or whatever ;)
Hips are much easier than knees, but you'll still need a lot of assistance for a while, so plan accordingly.
You couldn't find a Turkey? You should have searched Blogland - we're here by the dozens!!
ReplyDeleteSweet post, we're happy for you and glad to see you enjoying all of Mother Nature's gifts, most of them wild, but one of them cooked, too!
ReplyDeleteWe are pleased that you had a good Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteThe bluebird of happiness is in the bottle of Wild Turkey, dontcha know.
ReplyDeleteI think that gorgeous turkey deserves to be in your Thanksgiving post two years. What a beauty!
ReplyDelete