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Borrego Springs, CA

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

This and that

Since I last posted, there hasn’t been much that’s been exciting around here.  I roved on Sunday morning, and worked the VC in the afternoon.  We had a whopping six visitors for the day, sold nothing in the nature store, and closed up in record time.  I was able to get a few pictures during my roving time, so that’s what you’ll see tonight.

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It was cold enough in the morning that this pied-billed grebe didn’t have to worry about any alligators snacking on it in Alligator Pond.

Yesterday morning, I attended a two hour refuge staff meeting that included welcoming a new staff member, Cindy, who will have her office in the VC.  Guess I’ll be seeing her often and getting to know her.  She likes birds, so I think we’ll get along just fine.

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Found my three sandhill crane friends again in the field around the secret pond.  My guess is this is a family of cheese heads (from Wisconsin).  Looks like the adults are on the outside of the pic with the youngster in the middle.  The top of its head doesn’t seem as red as the adults.

A couple of other bloggers have talked about the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) that has been going on across the Americas since 1900.  With a surgery date of Jan. 8, I will be able to participate in the refuge CBC on Dec. 29.  During yesterday’s meeting, I talked with staff member Art, and will be traveling with him in a boat that day to count the birds out in the swamp.  I’m excited about that!  Any time I can get out on the waters of the Okefenokee swamp I’m a happy camper. Rolling on the floor laughing

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The cranes were a little skittish on Sunday, and soon silently took flight.  Cranes are usually pretty vocal, but they were quiet as mice this time.  I try to stay far enough away that I don’t disturb them.

A good share of today was taken up with a trip to Kingsland, GA, to take care of errands.  I’ll probably talk about some of my purchases tomorrow night.  Spending a little time at the Publix grocery store was amongst my stops.  I succumbed to their individual packaging and bought a slice of cheese cake.  I so appreciate being able to buy just one slice as apposed to a whole cake.  That one slice will last me three days.  Once again I ended up with more in my cart than was on my shopping list.  Some day I’ll learn not to go grocery shopping when I’m hungry. Disappointed smile

IMG_1402                                                        Adios, my friends.  See you next time!

I actually got a promised call from Mayo in Waycross this afternoon.  My pre-op appointment to be checked out to be okay for surgery and meet with the anesthesiologist has been scheduled for Dec. 31.  If all goes well, I’ll have something to celebrate on New Year’s Eve!

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                                                                              THE END!!

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

18 comments:

  1. Even on a quiet day you can find some great bird shots. But then we've come to expect nothing less... ;c)

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  2. those cranes felt the change in weather heading your way soon I guess...

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  3. Good luck Judy, glad you finally got your appointment. Love the sandhills! I miss seeing them.

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  4. Looks like the lighting was on your side for todays pics. Enjoy that cheesecake!

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  5. Well its about time... glad they finally scheduled you :)

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  6. If you learn to shop for groceries with a full stomach think of all the fun stuff you'll miss.

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  7. Sounds like things are finally moving forward for you as they should with Mayo. Glad to hear it.

    I love that you are going to be out ON the swamp for the bird count. COOL BEANS!!

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  8. Glad you are just about ready for the big S....Better living through Science...You buy one piece of cheesecake and it lasts you 3 days....SAY WHAT?????

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  9. So glad you finally have a date. Your 2013 wll be a much one healthier one.

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  10. The shot of the cranes flying overhead - the top one looks like a perfect 10 for form. Legs straight, head up, arms out, sooo pretty.

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  11. If I'm not hungry when I go into a good grocery store, I get hungry while I'm there. I remember Publix having absolutely the best bakery of any supermarket I've ever been in.

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  12. Great bird pics, Judy - awesome even. Your surgery schedule is moving ahead fast. It looks like the only thing that can stop it now is if the world ends on December 21st - then, of course, it wouldn't matter.

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  13. Glad to hear you finally have your surgery scheduled. Hope everything goes well. I'll be off Internet the next four days and again for 4 days over New Years. But I'll catch on the details of your surgery.

    Glad you have sandhill cranes. I had several flock fly over my last campsite, but didn't see any on the Christmas count.

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  14. Wishing all goes well at the Mayo

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  15. Happy for you that you'll be able to do the bird count.... and from a boat no less! Wow! I envy you!

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  16. Beautiful pictures and great "the end" shot.

    Won't it be nice to spend the next year on a brand new hip? Hope everything goes well for you.

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  17. Hi Judy, sorry to send this via your blog, but can you tell us again what make and model refrigerator you had installed? We will be looking for one in Las Vegas. Did you investigate the Samsung with French doors. Thank you so much. Carol

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  18. Glad to hear things are moving right along for your surgery.

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