Crossbills

It seems that my blog is not very current, but rather a place where I recall past highlights.

In spring, which now seems so long ago,I had several interesting visitors.

For several days I had some White-winged Crossbills visit the bird bath.

This one is acting all shy and turning his head away, but I think he is still cute.

A few days later, i thought I was seeing the same Crossbills, when I noticed they did not have the white wing bars.

Before long there were a number of the Red Crossbills coming to the bird bath.

These birds were very accommodating , allowing me to get very close to them.

That bill looks deformed, but that is exactly as it should be.

I have read that they use that crossed bill to pry open pinecones, their main source of food.

I hope you enjoyed my little visit with the Crossbills.

Nature gives us so much diversity and beauty, that we need never lack for things of interest to watch.

Welcome to My Home

I may never have the opportunity to welcome most of you, my friends, into my home, so I will do it virtually. The photos from inside are exactly as you would find it if you arrived unexpectedly.

As you pull up on my yard, this is what would greet you. Nothing exceptional, but it's my home.

I don't have a perfectly planned and manicured flower bed, but I like the color this adds to my yard.

Come on in. My deck, which needs to be restained again.

As we walk into the house, this is the first sight that will greet you.

Another angle of my kitchen. Lots of memories have been made in this room and around that table.

This is part of the kitchen/dining room. yes those are two telescopes on the floor. Both belong to Steve, and are used to capture images like the Horsehead Nebula photo hanging on the wall.

The corner cabinet holds my collection of roses and birds,most of which were gifts from Jake.

From the kitchen I invite to come into my living room. Find a comfortable place to sit, and yes, you may put your feet up and make yourself at home.

One corner of the living room has been turned into my little office. At that laptop is where all my blog posts are created. The photo above the desk is one of Steve's and the crosstitch on the other wall was one I did years ago. It is filled with flowers and Hummingbirds,

Yes, I do have an exercise bike there as well. I know it doesn’t belong in a living room, but it works for me.

Sit back, relax and let's chat, while I put on some tea or coffee.Today I offer you a slice of cinnamon loaf, a cookie or two, or some red grapes.

Thanks for choosing to spend some time together with me in my simple, yet cozy home.

You are always welcome here.

Beauty

As you look at some beauty I found on my yard, earlier in spring, think about how you and I can become more beautiful .

( All roses are miniature roses.)

Do you want to celebrate your ‘beauty’?

Here are some of the most important Beauty Tips I’ve read:

For attractive lips — speak words of kindness

For beautiful eyes — look for the good in others.

To lose weight — let go of stress, hatred, anger, discontent and the need to control others.

To improve your ears — listen to the Word of God.

To strengthen your arms — hug at least three people a day, touch someone with your love.

To strengthen your heart — forgive yourself and others.

For the ultimate in business, casual or evening attire — put on the robe of Christ it fits like a glove, but allows room for growth.

Best of all it never goes out of style and is appropriate for any occasion.

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.

Kaleida Marsh in May

Everytime I head out with my camera in hand, the results can be so different. Sometimes I have an idea as to what I'm looking for and at other times, most times actually, I have no particular plans.

Earlier in spring when the birds are becoming more active,it is fun to see just what I can capture.

A drive to the Kaleida marshes can bring a variety of photo opportunities .

There is always the blue Manitoba sky with a few puffy clouds.

That is one of those sights I just don’t get tired of.

On a good day, at least some of the birds will cooperate. 

On this particular day, I was able to capture a few images of the Black Terns as they were skimming the water in search of food.

These birds are sleek and fast, so getting good shots is not an easy thing to do. 

Another bird that is common at these marshes is the Yellow-headed Blackbird.They are beautiful with that bright yellow head. When they are in flight, the white wing patches are displayed, adding to the beauty.

Of course, as any photographer knows, we are seldom content to get just one picture, because the next one might be that perfect shot.

I like these shots, but will definitely be back there at some time, trying for better shots.

Think About It:

Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones,

you’ll start having positive results.

7 Steps to Happiness

As you scroll through a few pictures from a month or two ago, I hope you will enjoy the seven steps to happiness.

Think less,feel more

Frown less,Smile more

Talk less,Listen more

Judge less,Accept more

Watch less,Do more

Complain less,Appreciate more

Fear less,Love more

Bath Time

Today is Saturday,and as I think back to my childhood,my mind goes to Saturday's bath time.

I grew up in a rather poor home, oh, not that I felt it at the time, but looking back, I realize we would have been considered poor.

Water was always at a premium, so a daily bath was out of the question. Saturday night was bath time and it was special. I won’t go into all the details, but it was a lot of work for Dad to haul in enough water so we could get a good weekly cleaning. After all, Sunday was church day, so we had to be squeaky clean.

With those thoughts in mind, the following pictures show a Canada Goose making sure he/she is squeaky clean.

Got get that area under the wing good and clean.

Maybe throwing some water all over will help get the dirt out.

Oh! Can't forget about the head.

Finally, since geese don't own towels, just a good wing flap will set everything in place.

Something to think about:

“God sometimes takes us into troubled waters, not to drown us, but to

cleanse us.”