Guess who's back?
Yep! Our bluebird couple is back again! They've been staking out their claim on the birdhouse again, and seem to be seriously building another nest inside!
Yes, we had cleaned it out from their last brood, and so it was open and ready for a "new family". I am assuming this is the same couple. (I didn't get a picture of the female. She was busy either sweeping out the house inside, or gathering twigs for the new nest)
I understand that they normally do have three broods per season, so this would be #3. The first batch was destroyed by a predator. The 2nd batch we watched fledge out of here about two weeks ago. Here's the LINK to that on Lily Grace's adventures, in case you missed it. Can they really be ready for another new family this quickly? I guess so...So we will be watching and waiting to see what "develops". I will keep you posted.
Meanwhile, this young Red Shouldered Hawk has taken up this territory for his claim as well. He's been quite busily patrolling the trees all around Still Waters Pond, chasing off any intruders. I just hope he will protect our Bluebird family rather than "invite" them to dinner...
Here he is, keeping a hawk's eye on his "claim".
It is interesting to watch and to hear his keen cry as he swoops through the air, warning off any who dare to usurp his authority. Maybe we should call him the "Sheriff". LOL.
Oh, hello! He does have a fuzzy youngish face, don't you think?
So, what else is new in the neighborhood you may ask?
Well, Lily Grace and I have been on a few walks over at our walking trails...
We had a follower trailing along behind us, bringing up "the rear"...LOL
Sorry this is a little blurry. He was caught in the act! LOL. Yes, that is how Lily gets to go on walks, fearlessly helping lead the way through the wilderness! But lately it's either been too hot or raining and she's had to stay at home. Plus, I've been having a lot of neck issues, (yes, even WITH "My Pillow", although I think it has actually helped), and I am having to leave my heavy camera at home rather than wear it around my neck, and also leave Lily at home rather than carry her.
(I know there are some who are truly wondering about me right about now...LOL. You're not alone. My son just about fell off his rocker when he read a comment I made on Facebook about Lily Grace and I singing "This Little Light of Mine...". He literally had to call me up on the phone and ask me if I was all right. Well, what do YOU think??? Of course I'm just fine!!! And Lily has a wonderful singing voice!)
Today I had the wonderful experience of having an MRI on my neck, trying to determine just what is really going on in there. About half way through the extremely noisy procedure, everything came to a screeching halt, and all was silent and the lights went out. The power had gone off in the building, and they had to come "rescue" me from the machine. The machine was stuck in the high up off the ground position, so three technicians (all ladies) had to come and help me step down to get off of it. I was surprised to see how high off the ground I was, and there were no steps to get me down...so they just had to kind of "carry" me and let me gently glide down their arms as they held me. That was a great adventure! Had to go wait in the waiting room until the power came back on...thankfully it wasn't too long...and then we could start the process all over again. Actually, they were able to start where they left off, so I didn't have to endure the pounding all over again for that first session...just for the rest of it. I was sure happy for earplugs! I can't imagine how bad it would have been without them! So anyway, I have an appointment with my doctor next week to find out the results. He's probably going to say something about "old age"...
Remember a few weeks ago when I was talking about "Fanning Away"? Well, one of my Facebook friends had commented about remembering the old fans they used to have in churches with pictures of Jesus on them. She said how she hadn't seen any in a long time. I was thinking in my mind that I had seen one somewhere not too long ago, and sure enough! This past Sunday our choir did not sing, so I got to sit in the pew next to my hubby for a change. And what did I see right before my very eyes in the pew in front of me???
Yep, there He was! Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, well, the picture of Him there, on the back of one of those wonderful old fans!!
(Interesting that if you look on the bulletin you will see that we sang "Open My Eyes That I Might See, Glimpses of Truth Thou hast for me..." I love it when God "opens my eyes" to see the special things He has there for me...)
And I thought I was right that these were usually sponsored by either an Insurance Company or a Funeral Home or something like that. Sure enough! Why this one is from an insurance company in Georgia I'll never know. We are pretty far away from Macon, Georgia here in north central Florida. But maybe someone left it here from there...it looks pretty old. But is sure is beautiful, don't you think?
Well, I think that's about it. I've been going back through my photos from the week to make sure I didn't miss anything important. I took this picture this morning when I was having my morning cup of tea. The tag on the teabag says: "Make today's !DEA tomorrow's REALI-Tea"
I like that "idea". What ideas do you have today that could become tomorrow's "reali-tea"?
Here's some things to think about as we close this for today:
"But you, be strong and do not lose courage,
for there is reward for your work."
2 Chronicles 15:7
I like what this little devotion from "Choose Grace" says:
"God wants to use your hands, your intelligence, and your efforts to build His kingdom,
the place where grace dwells."
I hope you enjoyed this little "menagerie of thoughts and things" today.
They say "variety is the spice of life."
Have a blessed Thursday evening and also a good "Friday Foto Friends" day.
I hope they can find out what is going on in your neck and find a way to help you. having pain eventually wears a person down. I hope you get to watch those bluebirds raise another family. I have read that the young from the first brood will help feed the next ones.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ruth. I hope they can figure it out too. Right now it's not too bad, but it comes and goes when you least expect it. Of course it wasn't hurting so much when I had the test, but hopefully it will still show what kind of "damage" is in there. Yes, the bluebirds are busily building another next inside the house. I am excited that we will get to watch this all over again. Makes life more exciting to see new life happening before our eyes! Have a blessed weekend.
DeleteI'm so glad to see the bluebirds are back, they are fun to watch. That was some ordeal you had to go through with the MRI. Let us know what the doc has to say. I do remember those fans but I think I was a child the last time saw one. That must be pretty old!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Martha. Yes, I am excited about the bluebirds coming back. I do hope they will have another batch of babies to watch. I was getting bored with no birdies to watch. Yes, the MRI ordeal was interesting to say the least. Just not your normal thing...getting stuck up in the air in a MRI machine in the dark...all's well that ends well. I will let you all know what the results are. And I know, I remember those fans from childhood too, so yes, they are OLD. I am surprised this one is still there and in such good shape. Maybe it's a reproduction or something. I am going to ask if they have anymore in a closet somewhere. I'd love to have one to keep for old time's sake. They are really special. I hope you have a good week. I know it didn't start out to good for you. (((hugs))).
DeleteThat's funny that your son had to check on you!! We know you are okay!! Nice that the bluebirds are back. I hope the falcon leaves them alone! At least the eggs are protected in your lovely birdhouse! That cobbler looks delicious - as I know it is, if you made it! I always love your photos and hope your MRI results give you some good news that there is help for your pain! Keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteThank you for saying I'm okay. LOL. Sometimes I do wonder myself! But life is just too short to be proper and straight laced all the time. Girls just wanna have fun, including Lily Grace. LOL. Thank you for your good thoughts. I hope the MRI will show something that is reasonably fixable. We shall see what happens.
DeleteYikes on that MRI mishap, Pam! No doubt the 3 techs appreciated your good humor throughout it all. I'll be praying for good results! So much good stuff today, I don't know where to start. I'm laughing at your witticism, "bringing up the rear." Too, Benton's reaction to Lily singing, "This Little Light of Mine." (Why not?) That old fan is so cool! I wonder if someone's not missing it right now; or, that's their normal spot while worshipping. Not naming names, but 'some' folks get downright territorial about their accustomed spots. 😉 Love the bluebirds -- I didn't know they were 3-fers! Enjoy your evening, and I hope your neck isn't too bothersome. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteIt made for an interesting day. Not every day you get stuck up in the air in a MRI machine in the dark... Oh, I am glad you caught my drift on "bringing up the rear." I thought that was pretty clever myself. LOL. Oh, and I know all about people's "normal spots" for worshipping. I could tell you stories about that, but not necessarily at this church. Everyone is pretty flexible. But that fan's been there for ages I am sure...it's obviously as old as I am. at least. My neck has "spells" of pain, and lately they've been so annoying and frustrating, I had to finally complain to the Dr. to please check this out. I hope it is fixable without having to chop off my head or something drastic like that. LOL. I'm in a rare mood tonight. Thank you for writing. You always "get it". Have a great day!!!
Delete"...all was silent and the lights went out. The power had gone off in the building, and they had to come "rescue" me from the machine."
ReplyDelete😳
This deserves a post of its own! Glad they got you out of there. I won't point out the obvious... a person in an MRI machine is probably not someone who wants to climb down, even with help, so why are there no stairs or escape chutes or something...hmmm... I guess I did point out the obvious!
That church fan looks like an antique. The advertising alone sets it back fifty years or so. If the church ever tries to clear them out, be sure to keep one!
😄 Have a happy Thursday!
So nice to hear from you, Sandi! I can always count on you to zero in on the best parts that most others just seem to gloss over. LOL. Re: an "escape chute" from the MRI...I know what you mean. Obviously, I started out on the ground, and I honestly didn't realize the thing had risen up in the air so high. I never felt it going higher, so I was really surprised when they said to me, "Stop! Don't try to step down!!" I was at least five feet off the ground! LOL. Yes, they do need some kind of escape chute, or steps at least. Can't have any metal around there, so they had to be careful what they brought in the room I guess. Anyway, I survived and lived to tell about it. And yes, I should check the church to see if there are more of those fans. The church is quite old, and there may well be more stashed away in some remote cupboard somewhere. I may have to ask about that before they all disappear. But it does add to the charm of the lovely old building to have those there. So, I hope you are doing well...I miss your posts. Thank you for popping in for a visit! Do come again and we'll have tea.
DeleteYikes! Good thing you aren't claustrophobic when the power went out. I know a few people who would have FREAKED had it happened to them. Whatever they see in there, I hope it's not bad and something they can help. There isn't anything to be done for mine...degenerating disks and arthritis. Old age aggravated by 16 years of driving a bus. I remember those fans! It's probably been 5-10 years since I last went to the fair in the next county over, but there was a church group there each year that still passed them out. Oh, I bought some peaches yesterday. I am soooo going to have to try that cobbler. Thanks for the kind words of encouragement and the prayers left at my blog. I appreciate it very much.
ReplyDeleteThankfully I had my eyes closed and I was thinking about different hymns and Bible verses, and I didn't even realize there was a problem until they came and told me what was going on, and not to try to step down because I was over 5 feet up in the air. I don't know why they have to raise those things up so high, but I guess that's part of the way it works. I am a bit claustrophobic, but Jesus was in there with me and I was just fine. As far as what they see, I imagine it will be a lot like yours...degenerative arthritis and old age, aggravated by...old age! LOL. I've already had major back surgery in 2007, and I was warned then that my neck could be next, so we shall see what we shall see. God is in control and I am trusting Him. I just don't want to have to take pain pills. I am resisting them as much as possible right now, and God is helping the spasms to subside. Of course they would be feeling fine when I'm being examined... Oh, I do hope you will enjoy your cobbler. Please take a picture and let us know how it was!! You are a soul sister my friend...praying for you.
DeleteI did enjoy all your little thoughts. Of course, the bluebirds are adorable and the hawks worth noting for their beauty. I remember those fans too. Of course, when I attended that little church in my sidebar it didn't have anything but a window unit. I actually have no idea how we survived without air but we only had a window unit until I was in high school and my schools had some A/C but only turned them on in really bad heat which was often more in September than May or early June. My dorm in college didn't have A/C either. I must have been a lot tougher.Anyway, I digress. Enjoyed reading along.
ReplyDeleteHa Ha, Sandy...we come from the same era of no AC in the south. It made us the tough, strong women we are today. We survived childhood and youth without AC, we can do anything! We are survivors!! Ha Ha!! Thank you for visiting along with me today. It was a bit of a ramble, but that's retired life...
DeleteSo sorry you're having neck problems! I went through all that back in 2005-2009. It was awful. I was in so much horrible pain. "They" kept saying there was no cure and loaded me up on too many pain killers, but God took great mercy and rescued me from all this. I was giving up, thought I would never be right again, and considering not sticking around anymore ... yeah, I went there in my mind. He had GREAT mercy on me. Now I tell everyone about His mercy and healing power. He is AWESOME and powerful with His love. I pray you will be healed soon too.
ReplyDeleteI have one of those type fans. I pinned to the guest bathroom wall because the words on it proclaim the power of Jesus and all His wonderful names. Such comfort.
Sending Prayers & Blessings. xx
Dear Pamela, I am sorry to hear that you were having such serious neck pain, but very thankful that God has healed you. I am resisting pain meds and trusting God to heal me as well. I've already had major back surgery in 2007, so hoping it doesn't come to that again. My neck actually feels better than it did a week ago, but it is very fragile and feels like it could go right back into the same spasms as it was doing frequently over the past couple of months. So I am being very careful with what I do right now, giving it time to heal. I wanted the MRI to be done so we would know what we are dealing with, and what specifically we need to pray for. God is in control, and I am very thankful for His awesome healing power. Thank you for your prayers. Ah, I'd love to see your fan! "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus...There's just something about that Name..."
DeleteI enjoyed your post and loved seeing the bluebirds and the hawk. God has made such wonderful creatures for us to enjoy. Hope all is well with your neck and I hope you have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathy. Yes, I am excited the bluebirds are back and are very actively building another nest in the house! We were getting bored with no birdies to watch, and God sent them back to entertain us. This is what happens when you retire, so I hope you are ready! LOL. Thank you for your kind thoughts regarding my neck. Praying that God will speed His healing to these old bones and joints and ligaments. May your weekend be blessed as well.
DeleteI so enjoyed this post today, Pamela. Variety certain can be the spice of life! Especially love the photos of the juvenile hawk; we have some in our woods that we certainly hear, but can't always see. And I never realized that bluebirds could produce three times in one season - remarkable! Do hope you have the joy of seeing the fledglings again.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
It will be exciting to see if they do make it all the way through again to fledging. That is quite the adventure. I feel sorry for the mother bluebird, however. That's a lot of mouths to feed in a short span of time! Do take care, and know that I am keeping you and your mother in my thoughts and prayers.
DeleteI love the beautiful old church fan. What a lovely and varied blog. That's so good, the variety. Beautiful bird. We don't see them that much here in The Netherlands
ReplyDeleteThank you, Aritha! I am so glad you visited. Are you saying that you don't see the Bluebird or Hawk in the Netherlands, or birds in general? Just wondering, as you have beautiful woods and trees and water...I would think there are a lot of birds as well...but maybe you just meant this variety of bird. The Bluebird is not a very common sight here either. We only started having them here at our house this past spring. Last year they flew in for a day or two and then left. But this year they stayed because we had a house ready and waiting for them. It's been quite the fun adventure to watch them. I hope you are doing well. It is good to hear from you.
DeleteThat is so sweet with the birds coming up. Such beautiful photos. OMG on the power going out. I would have been having a panic attack. I don't like MRI's anyway unless they are just doing the legs and even that was bad with my head out of the machine but it was all the way to the top.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debby. We are enjoying watching the bluebirds again, building their nest and hopefully they will have another sweet family. Thankfully when the power went out I was actually laying in there with my eyes closed, singing hymns to myself and thinking about Jesus, and I really didn't even know about it until they came and told me. I was quite surprised to know that I was so far up in the air! I am very thankful that God was in there with me all the while, so I never panicked. So very thankful indeed.
DeletePam: You have always entertained me with your pictures of God's animals. The bears where you used to live and now the birds where you live. I didn't know that bluebirds had three broods a season. I find that interesting. Peace and blessings to you.
ReplyDelete