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Borrego Springs, CA

Friday, December 14, 2012

Roving in the fog and cold

It was another morning of chilly temperatures, low cloud cover, and scattered fog.  I was assigned to rove for the morning, but encountered no visitors.  That was no surprise to me.  I put today’s hybrid refuge vehicle in drive and toddled along at about five miles per hour.  I had the window down, but the heat turned up as well.

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I found one of the huge fox squirrels hunkered down on the top of a burned tree stump in the middle of the pine trees and saw palmettos.  Can’t you just feel the cold wetness of this morning?

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All of the birds seemed to be fluffed up to keep themselves warm including this red-shouldered hawk.  The dark dingy conditions made taking pictures a bit of a challenge.  I was surprised this raptor sat still as long as it did.

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But eventually it got tired of me looking at it, and took flight.  At least it gave me a nice view of it’s red shoulders for which it was named.  On days like this when there are few visitors, and I’m just crawling along, my mind has plenty of time to conjure. 

Today I was thinking about what my brother and I will eat while I’m recuperating from surgery.  I’ve been trying to get some meals made and frozen ahead of time in preparation.  It’s been about 45 years or so since we’ve resided in the same abode, so I’m not sure of his likes, dislikes, or cooking abilities.  Seems to me the only thing I remember him preparing in the past is turkey chile with beans.  I’ve never really been a fan of chile, and I’m thinking it might not be too pleasant in this small enclosed area after consuming beans.Smile with tongue out

So far, I’ve got some turkey noodle soup, a meatloaf, and a Hamburger Helper meal frozen.  First time I’ve ever used Hamburger Helper.  I also want to make another spinach quiche, and perhaps I’ll provide the ham for the Christmas dinner here so I’ll have those leftovers.  I’ve got plenty of North Carolina shrimp on hand, and some sweet Italian sausage so I don’t think we’ll starve.

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Anyway, back to my roving.  I checked out the not so ‘secret’ pond near the Homestead.  I’ve always expected to find some sandhill cranes here, and today I finally found them.  There are lots of cranes out on the wet prairies, but you have to be in a boat to see them.  I shut off the engine and just enjoyed watching them feed in the field next to the pond for about twenty minutes.

Surprisingly, the skies cleared in the afternoon.  The blue skies didn’t do much to raise the temperatures, and I only had two visitors while working the VC in the afternoon.  I have tomorrow off, and will be driving to Kingsland for groceries and such.  Don’t expect much excitement there though.

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

14 comments:

  1. I've never seen a fox squirrel - that thing is huge! Thanks for sharing the picture.

    Your "meal plan" sounds like a good idea. If your brother can't cook, there's always good frozen stuff at Costco or Trader Joe's (if you have one nearby).

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  2. We finally had some blue skies here part of the day and I'm sending them on east.

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  3. We had some really great shrimp tonight. I defrosted some large shrimp, rinsed and dried them. I put them into a plastic bag with a large shot of Lawry's Lemon Pepper seasoning mx and some olive oil. I let them set on the counter for about 15 minutes while I worked on the rest of the meal. When everything else was ready, I heated the broiler, dumped them on the broiler pan and let them broil for 5 minutes. Easy but very yummy.

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  4. Maybe we should all send a simply to prepare recipe for your brother to tackle while he's there :)

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  5. I just read yesterdays post as well as todays was havinging internet problems last night
    Anyway great news about the surgery and that your brother will come stay with you.

    All pictures are the best thank you.

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  6. Well it was cold and dreary here in AZ also. so don't feel to bad about that. As for what we will eat I have Ma's recipes here. Maybe I'll bring them along and see what we can conjure up between the two of us.

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  7. dang you made me shiver today... stop it!

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  8. I am with Donna. I have never seen a fox squirrel. I'm not sure huge is the right word. From the picture it looks gigantic.

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  9. Wow, no one will have to cook since you are preparing now. Heck, I'll come take care of you ;-). I've never seen a fox squirrel before either. Need to google them. He looks interesting. Construction ran off the sand hill cranes here...I just don't get all this constant new housing here...

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  10. Another great day even though dreary. We've got the dreary here too. What I wouldn't give for a big dose of sunshine.

    Sounds like you and Kurt could have some fine eating recreating Ma's recipes. Not to mention all the memories that will go with them.

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  11. After reading your post, I feel soggy and chilled. But so much to see, even with the weather as uncooperative.

    So if there is a fox squirrel, is there such a thing as a squirrel fox?

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  12. Dreary. What an appropriate word! Fortunately, there's stark beauty in nature in the winter.

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  13. Being a man, you better supply your freezer with Marie Callendar pot pies, frozen pizzas and Hungry Man Dinners...Actually, I love all 3 of those comfort foods..and...NO PREP!

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  14. I saw a "stuffed" fox squirrel at a VC in FL once, but to see a live one in person has to be amazing! It looks bigger than Brandy. Good luck on your surgery next month and hope you enjoy spending quality time with your brother. He is a mighty nice brother to drive all that way to help his sis out and I bet he will enjoy working on your "honey do" list.

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