Sunday, May 29

Molly with her patriotic scarf.

The elusive pileated woodpecker, just happened to land in the tree while I was talking with Sara and had my camera next to me!

This red-winged blackbird has been hanging around in our wet yard for about a week.

A female cardinal with an attitude.

This juvenile Blue Jay was about 30' up in a tree about 30' from our deck. I love this new zoom!

The weather today was sunny and hot. A little more humid than yesterday but it was dry so I think it was perfect. After church we went to dinner at York Steakhouse with Sharon and Betty to celebrate both Andy's and my birthday. We ate until we couldn't eat any more! When we got home I was able to mow a big section of our yard. I also played around with my new camera, a birthday present to myself for our upcoming trip to Alaska. It's the new Canon SX30IS and so far I love it. It has a 35x digital zoom and is still a point and shoot camera. I can hardly wait to get a bear in my view finder. I hope everyone has an enjoyable Memorial Day.

Saturday, May 28

Found this baby snapper when I was cleaning the fish pond. He's pretty cute!

Remebering those lost on U.S.S. Arizona at Pearl Harbor.

Trying desperately to get caught up and every time I think I'm getting ahead, something happens to set us back. I finally got the hot tub drained and refilled and the following morning we had no water because the water pump burned up. Monday we got that fixed and then I uncovered the pool so we could get it opened up and running by June 4. I also cleaned out the lower fish pond but when I went to fill it I noticed the hose was putting muddy water in. Don't know what is up with that, hope the well isn't going dry. Wouldn't that be a kicker, with all the rain that is running through our yard for the last 2 months and our well is going dry?? Waiting on the plumber to come out to give me his insight and fix my outside water pipe that I let freeze last winter. Luckily I did get the bottom mowed before the water came back up on Friday. Today it is slowly draining back out with only a few pools left. Well, time to get outside and see what else I can get done and hope I don't find anything else that needs fixing. Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Thanks to all the military and all they do. A special thanks to our son in law, Matt, serving in the United States Navy.

Tuesday, May 24

We received more good news today from Lily's pediatric opthalmologist. This is Trish's facebook post. "Just had an awesome doctors appointment at A. I. Dupont. It's the first time we have seen Dr. Chaudhry since her initial diagnosis. Everyone was very emotional and Chad and I can never thank her enough for finding this cancer so early, it is extremely rare to find it at such an early age. Thank you Dr. Chaudhry. What a blessing all of Lily's doctors have been.

Thursday, May 19

A Yellow-Throated Warbler, a new bird at my feeder and has a lovely song.

A Chipping Sparrow, I think this is one of my favorite regular visitors to my feeders

The American Goldfinch, we called them "wild canaries" when I was growing up, is a regular at my thistle feeder.

Wow, only 1 month until we leave on our Alaska trip. I don't know about the rest of the group but I am really excited. Our group this time includes our friend Sharon who travels with us on a regular basis and Barb, who will learn that vacations aren't for relaxing but for exploring. We are doing some really cool things this trip that we haven't done on our previous travels. I booked with my travel agent, Wigi Tozzi, who is located in Anchorage at Alaska Vacation Store. http://www.alaskavacationstore.com/ Included in the itinerary is a visit to Anatuvuk Pass, an Eskimo village, above the Arctic Circle in Gates of the Arctic National Park, a 3 night stay at Ma Johnson's Hotel in McCarthy, in the heart of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, a 1/2 day Glacier Hike, a tour of the Kennicott Copper Mine and on our last days, a Bear/Wildlife viewing tour in Katmai National Park. Most of our stay will be at Bed & Breakfast lodging. I used to think I would never like staying at a B & B, but after Mr B booked our first trip to Alaska and we stayed at a few, I have changed my opinion. I am looking forward to some serious bird watching while we are in Fairbanks, Valdez and Homer. I hope the birds and the weather comply. Although, our creek is running right through our yard now, and has for the past 6 weeks, my feeding stations have been teaming with migratory birds, many that I have never seen at my feeder. Have a happy Thursday, Friday is almost here and the weekend is supposed to be dry and sunny. Funny thing, last night they were saying that it is warmer in Anchorage, Alaska this week than it has been here in Ohio!

Monday, May 16

On Friday, Lily had her second MRI since her surgery. Today they returned to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to meet with the oncologist to discuss the results. The following is Trish's report that was posted on Facebook: "Just got awesome news for Lily. Her tumor and her lymph node have gotten smaller. We go back in 3 months for another MRI and a nuclear scan but as for now this is great news. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers." When Trish called, she said the doctor was very pleased with the scans. The next scans are scheduled for August.

Sunday, April 15

I just dropped my sister off at the airport. It was so nice having her here and it was nice that she brought the warm weather and sunshine with her. Unfortunately, it looks like the good weather will be returning to Atlanta. Please let the rains stop soon. The mosquitoes are killers and the grass is growing faster than we can get to it. The only bright spot now is the Baltimore Oriole that has been feeding at my feeding station. I hope they build their nest close to the deck so I can watch them over the summer.

Saturday, May 14

Grandma swinging Lily on Mother's Day.

Friday's visit to the zoo, feeding the lorikeets

Aurora swimming in her pool.

Brutus is lounging in his pool!

We finally did get our yard mowed and just in time for more rain. And after the warmer temperatures this week, did I see that it is going to get cold again? My sister has been in town this week and it has been very enjoyable having her here. Yesterday, we took a little time off from working in the yard to visit the zoo. Judy especially enjoyed seeing the new Polar Frontier and both the brown and polar bears put on a good show. We have also been eating out, way too much, but last night was great as we dined at the Old Bag of Nails. Keep our little Lily and her mommy and daddy in your prayers as they get the results from Friday's MRI when they meet with the oncologist on Monday. Looking forward to sunny days ahead!

Sunday, April 8

Happy Mother's Day! I am still in Dover but will be heading back to the Monsoon State later today. The weather here in Delaware is much nicer and I want to bring it back to Ohio. Yesterday was the big One Year Birthday Bash for our little Lily. We all had a wonderful time celebrating our little miracle and Luke only had one really big meltdown when he was told he couldn't taste the cake before the party. Ed, Peg and I are having the time of our lives playing with the kids. Luke and I went to see Hoodwinked II yesterday, and I would suggest saving your money. It wasn't very good and I rarely say that about any animated movie. Luke fell asleep before it even started, not a good sign! Well, I hope that everyone enjoys the day! And we can keep praying that the rains will stop and warm weather will be here soon.