Thankful Thursday

I have much to be thankful for today, both personally and also for the life and activity surrounding our Still Waters Pond.

I love all the nature and natural beauty God has provided for us to enjoy here on our pond.

This Great Blue Heron came strolling by this morning.  Isn't he magnificent?

However, the Sand Hill Crane family were also there, having their morning breakfast...

and they weren't too sure about this unexpected "guest"...

So they stood guard and protected "Colt" until Mr. Heron passed on by

He waded on around the bend of the pond and didn't seem to give them a second look. Yes, Great Blue Herons are a predator type of bird, and if the parents weren't so vigilant he just might have been interested...but I think he's more into eating fish and frogs than fuzzy baby Sand Hill Cranes...

So the Crane Family happily resumed their morning foraging...

You may have noticed the Duct tape around the Bluebird House. Well, when we woke up this morning the door to the bird house was wide open again.   I was quite concerned as I ran down to the birdhouse to make sure that the babies were still okay.  I ran so fast that I didn't think to take my camera/phone with me, but I sure wish I had thought to do so.  Yes, indeed the baby bluebirds are very much alive. There was one standing up in the nest with his mouth wide open, expecting me to drop something juicy and good inside I'm sure!!  I couldn't tell how many birds there were, but I am sure there are more than two.  My main concern was to close the door and figure out a way to secure it better.

At first all I had was some blue painter's tape, so I used that, but I knew that wouldn't hold up very well if something pulled on it.  So when we went to town a little later we picked up some good strong Gorilla Duct Tape, and we wound it around the house and door so that it shouldn't be so easy to pull open again.

I was so very thankful that the birdies looked fine and the nest was still intact.  No sign of Mr. Black Cat hanging around, so I'm not completely sure if he is the culprit or not.

I was very happy to see Mr. and Mrs. Bluebird continuing to deliver yummy food to their babies throughout the day.

Mama Bluebird saw me sitting up on the back porch, so she waited on the perch above the birdhouse for a long time before she would go inside to feed the babies.

She looked my way a few times as if to say "Thank You" for taking care of my babies this morning. But now will you please leave so I can give them this food? You know I don't like to go inside the house if anyone is watching!"

Or maybe she just wanted to give me a few good photo ops, because she knows how crazy I am about taking her picture!

I think she said, "Hurry up already and take the picture. This bug is getting too wiggly in my beak, and my babies are hungry!"

While Mama Bluebird was inside feeding the babies, Papa Bluebird waited his turn outside with another juicy looking morsel in his beak.

Isn't he beautiful?  I am so thankful God has allowed us this joy and privilege of watching His amazing creation in action!! It truly brings joy to our days.

Meanwhile, look who has discovered the "Secret Garden"!!

Don't you just love this message?

Oh, you can be assured, wherever "Colt" is wandering about, Mama and/or Daddy will always be close behind or before him.

I am glad they found a place to let their minds be at rest for a spell...

So today I started out the day (after my early excursion to take care of the birdhouse) by going to the Eye Doctor. I haven't been in several years, so I know I was overdue.  Thankfully they didn't find any major issues, but my eyes have changed a bit and I will be getting some new glasses. I guess it's time. I think I've had these for over five years.

Here I am in the waiting room at the Eye Dr.  My eyes have been dilated and I am waiting to go in for the exam.  I was playing "Wordle" on my phone. Have you ever played it? It's challenging and fun. It's good for the brain!!

Hubby got my attention.  He was there too because he has a problem with lower eyelashes that want to grow in toward his eyeball and that causes a lot of irritation. The Dr. was very kind to remove them for him. However, it's something he has to go back and do every few months because they keep growing back.  So anyway, we were both there waiting. And I am very thankful for this new eye dr.  We had to change because of our insurance, but I think it's going to be just fine.

I am thankful for these pretty yellow daylilies and tulips below.  We went shopping for some other kind of flowers for something special tomorrow, but couldn't find them anywhere, so these will have to fill the bill.  I will tell you more about that tomorrow. 

Someone asked about this cute little embroidered bunny rabbit in the basket, and if there is a story. Well, to be honest, I don't remember exactly where I got that bunny rabbit! I am sure someone gave it to me some time ago, but at this moment I cannot remember who or where, but I love it and I put it out every Easter!  If the person who gave me this bunny is reading this, please forgive me, and please identify yourself! I feel bad that I can't remember the details!! But I am thankful for the gift, whoever you are! 

Well, I think it is time to say goodnight. I am thankful for this blog and the opportunity to visit with so many sweet and precious people out there in blogland. I apologize for not always being able to get around to every new post, but I do try to keep up. This week has been very busy with Dr. appointments and other things. I am thankful that our reports are good and God is taking care of us. I know there's a lot of sorrow in the world right now, and I pray for the people in Ukraine and also here at home. As we approach Easter, my heart is filled with the joy of my salvation and the reminder that because Christ arose from the dead, we too will have everlasting life through faith in Him.  

Reminds me of the song, "Because He Lives"... Here is Carrie Underwood singing this powerful song.

God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;

He came to love, heal and forgive;

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,

And feel the pride and joy he brings;

But greater still the calm assurance:

This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!

And then one day, I'll cross the river,

I'll fight life's final war with pain;

And then, as death gives way to victory,

I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!

(written by Bill and Gloria Gaither)

 And that's why I am thankful!!!  

Have a blessed and wonderful rest of your week. Thank you for all the kind and sweet comments on my previous posts. I've been reading and enjoying them. I hope I can get around to responding to more, but just know that I am very thankful for YOU!