tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52465582102618634202024-03-13T00:55:26.298-05:00Starting OverMy current obsession is the birding and wildlife trails of Texas. I'm trying to visit them all. There are 9 of them, some with over 100 sites. This may take a while... Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.comBlogger410125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-88569564452319893722014-01-29T22:37:00.002-06:002014-01-29T22:37:30.607-06:00I believe I've outgrown this blog. I've opened one just for birding with only my own photographs. <br />
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<a href="http://birdingacrosstexas.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://birdingacrosstexas.blogspot.com/</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-51892883084164029952013-05-29T22:52:00.000-05:002013-05-29T22:52:02.069-05:00Wild Bird Wednesday: Neotropic Cormorant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cormorants have become one of my favorite birds to watch. <br />
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Unlike ducks, their feathers are not waterproof. I often see them drying water-logged wings in the sun.<br />
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That's not a stick or a snake, it's a cormorant swimming under water with just the head and neck above water. <br />
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That's a big fish he caught.<br />
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Yesterday, I found these juveniles harassing mom.</div>
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Photos taken on Heron Island at Smith Oaks (High Island, TX), Shangri La (Orange, TX), and Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana. <br />
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I'm linking up with <a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/2013/05/wild-bird-wednesday-46-some-australian.html" target="_blank">Wild Bird Wednesday</a>. Stewart has posted Australian cormorants this week. They look a bit different than mine. No, I didn't do it on purpose. Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-19792903599000133712013-04-16T21:17:00.000-05:002013-04-16T21:17:10.446-05:00Wild Bird Wednesday: Fighting Flycatchers <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been MIA for a bit - working hard but playing harder. I've done quite a bit of travelling and bird-watching. I'm back just in time for Wild Bird Wednesday with a few of the more than five hundred photos I now have to wade through. </div>
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Is it wounded? Dancing? </div>
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Then there were two and I thought it was two males fighting. They were all over the place. On the ground...<br />
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In the trees...<br />
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Or maybe they were a male and female doing...ummm...errr...something else...<br />
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Then I noticed this guy would try to sit by them during an occasional lull in the action and realized they were two female Vermilion Flycatchers. <br />
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What!?!? Ladies, you've got it backwards. <br />
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Photos taken in Rio Grande Village, Big Bend National Park.<br />
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For more birds from around the world, or to link up your own, visit <a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/2013/04/wild-bird-wednesday-40-pink-eared-duck.html" target="_blank">Wild Bird Wednesday</a>.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-41057595871567868822013-02-25T21:24:00.000-06:002013-02-25T21:58:14.390-06:00PPW-E 114: Gambill Goose Refuge <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Prairies and Pineywoods Wildlife Trail - East<br />
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Instead of trying to make the 7-hour drive back home to Houston from Oklahoma in a single day I picked a site close to the state line, located the closest town, and divided the trip in half. I checked into the Days Inn of Paris, Texas on Sunday evening, planning to get an early start in the morning. <br />
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It turned out to be a good choice. Exploring this site does not take very long so it's perfect if you're just passing through. Most of the refuge is off-limits. You can only bird from the road driving in or from the small parking area. There is a fenced-in area containing feeders in front of the lot, signs on either side advising restricted access beyond, and someone's front yard in the rear. (It is not a good idea to trespass in Texas.)<br />
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At first I was disappointed because there were no geese inside the fence. Not even one. Then I heard honking. They were in the fields beyond the signs. Bring your zoom lens and binoculars. <br />
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Unlike the domestic geese I've seen in the city parks, these do not approach begging for food. (I hate those geese. They peck me if I don't feed them!)<br />
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These were fun to watch. The pairs stuck close together honking, eating, running, or just standing in unison. </div>
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All the geese are gone by late May, so visit in winter.<br />
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Birds seen this visit: Canada Goose, Red-winged Blackbird, Savannah Sparrow.<br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-3163901220860628252013-02-21T19:22:00.000-06:002013-02-21T19:22:10.427-06:00Lake Thunderbird State ParkI'll start with the best photos of the weekend taken while bird-watching in Oklahoma. The ring-billed gull is my favorite of a bird in flight yet. I'm improving.<br />
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The white-breasted nuthatch was spotted near a campground parking lot. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19Z7b1H-tSgs4LgMW6IIsMnl2GenwgVl-3iZmanNi3xadErrKV1bYH1zvuJG2kTwvUS_GeXJ7N6Wvkl5_NYRf8E8lqHSNIV-eygd07Dq_DZU826atsC9nUbEhKvbqSy7XDMOIRftpaESP/s1600/white-breasted+nuthatch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19Z7b1H-tSgs4LgMW6IIsMnl2GenwgVl-3iZmanNi3xadErrKV1bYH1zvuJG2kTwvUS_GeXJ7N6Wvkl5_NYRf8E8lqHSNIV-eygd07Dq_DZU826atsC9nUbEhKvbqSy7XDMOIRftpaESP/s400/white-breasted+nuthatch.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The wood duck was hanging out with mallards and geese in the lake next to the zoo. I've never seen so many different colors on one bird.<br />
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One of the outdoor groups I've joined - HATS (Houston Area Trails) - posted a trip to search for snow and bald eagles in Oklahoma. There were a few snow flurries the night I arrived, and some of it stuck to the ground. Check.<br />
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We signed up for a tour at Lake Thunderbird State Park to try to find the bald eagles. It was terrible. The woman leading it was an hour late and didn't bother to let us know. Once she did arrive she turned what was supposed to be a 45-minute informational session into an hour and a half, then spent 20 minutes putting on her shoes before we headed out to finally hunt for the birds. <br />
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We found one! Mission accomplished! OK, she's redeemed - sort of. She did provide some information that was interesting and useful, but it could have been condensed into a much shorter lecture.<br />
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I only got one photo of the eagle before he flew away. Although more than sufficient for identification purposes, it's not sharp enough to publish here. I've been told there are bald eagles at the Baytown Golf Course and also at Hermann Park. I'll get a better photograph one day.<br />
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I do get to add him and three others to my lifelist! Hooray! My list is not that long since I'm new to birding, but it's a thrill every time.<br />
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It's nice to travel with people who don't think you're nuts for pulling over and parking on the side of the road to photograph birds and to continue to photograph them until they've moved on or you've captured them from every possible angle, whichever comes first. At one point, we parked and left the car to chase photos of a deer herd. We returned to see a police vehicle parked behind us with lights flashing. <i>Uh-oh.</i> Turns out he was just making sure everything was all right. Once we confirmed we were alive, not lost, and not broken down he wished us luck and went on his way. Cops not harassing, but being helpful - that's a welcome change. Another woman in an SUV slowed down to make sure we were not having car problems. She waited until we returned her thumbs up, then accelerated and continued on her way. Norman, OK is apparently a very friendly town. <br />
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We spent the rest of the afternoon and much of the next morning looking for more eagles. We didn't find any. <br />
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Birds seen this trip: American Crow, Bald Eagle, Canada Goose, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Chickadee, Wild Turkey, Ring-billed Gull, American Coot, Northern Cardinal, Mallard, Red-shouldered Hawk, American Robin, Eared Grebe, Wood Duck.<br />
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I'm posting to this week's <a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/2013/02/wild-bird-wednesday-32-tasmanian-native.html" target="_blank">Wild Bird Wednesday</a> with 40 minutes to spare...Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-33894862715087584162013-02-17T20:47:00.000-06:002013-02-17T20:47:20.705-06:00Scavenger Hunt Sunday: Oklahoma City Zoo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The previous two SHS hunts I did at zoos were so much fun, I did it again. This time was in Oklahoma City, OK. The items are candy, pink or red, love, kisses, and smile.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Candy</span> for sale in the gift ship.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxymPn7RdQAwN9Bq_00eYnyHJMiRIwjytxE03R9PPCdXlJ50WKnQtceiL5pc0CveK8B1BCk6k7nvaqHkYayTEgTzoh54VaD7UOviQbX3XaKKc_vY97_VjNuNUEUqlVCScy0h1IvNZIO4E/s1600/IMG_2394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxymPn7RdQAwN9Bq_00eYnyHJMiRIwjytxE03R9PPCdXlJ50WKnQtceiL5pc0CveK8B1BCk6k7nvaqHkYayTEgTzoh54VaD7UOviQbX3XaKKc_vY97_VjNuNUEUqlVCScy0h1IvNZIO4E/s400/IMG_2394.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;">Red</span>-throated bee-eater.<br />
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Chimps showing some<span style="color: blue;"> love</span> and affection for each other...<br />
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...and sharing <span style="color: blue;">kisses</span>.<br />
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Who says hippos can't <span style="color: blue;">smile</span>?<br />
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See other interpretations or link up your own at <a href="http://www.ashleysisk.com/2013/02/scavenger-hunt-sunday-136.html" target="_blank">Scavenger Hunt Sunday</a>.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-66847595620397074472013-02-13T18:47:00.000-06:002013-02-13T18:47:13.313-06:00UTC084: Challenger 7 Memorial Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, Upper Texas Coast</div>
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I visited Challenger Seven Memorial Park, named in honor of those who died in the space shuttle explosion, during a break in the rain early Sunday afternoon. Black vultures perched atop light poles greeted me. They are beautiful in a macabre sort of way. I do appreciate the service they perform. </div>
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At most sites I've visited alone so far, people have approached to chit-chat. This time it was a park official. At least he had some useful information to contribute. <br />
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"If you were here 45 minutes ago, you would have gotten some great photos of deer," he said.<br />
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"I'm more interested in birds."<br />
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"Oh, well you need to drive down this road and around the curve where we have some viewing platforms."<br />
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I parked where he suggested and soon heard a commotion. I looked just in time to see a hawk on the ground, clearly attempting to capture something. When I got close enough to the tree to which I'd seen him return, I discovered a pair of red-shouldered hawks. Neither was eating, so it's possible their prey got away. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFeFmns4Mk5y6bAq6ENYb6PpaByXqomLOS04Tr_zzSHN3lPI1xdzJKCN67oiw1ZwMotVeZ3zVSLeyT5bW0q0b5M_ypDNyx5noADy7xoVYeruLjrfGLLjBiSI37MAzcjucHgXcg23zl5u7/s1600/red-shouldered+hawk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFeFmns4Mk5y6bAq6ENYb6PpaByXqomLOS04Tr_zzSHN3lPI1xdzJKCN67oiw1ZwMotVeZ3zVSLeyT5bW0q0b5M_ypDNyx5noADy7xoVYeruLjrfGLLjBiSI37MAzcjucHgXcg23zl5u7/s640/red-shouldered+hawk.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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There was only one bird hanging out at the viewing platform I visited. A snowy egret was busily hunting for a meal. He almost seemed to be shivering. Then I realized it was because he was shuffling his feet, trying to stir up something edible from the bottom. I've never seen one do that before. Every once in a while I'd capture a glimpse of bright yellow feet, confirming his identification. <br />
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I didn't get to spend very much time at the park before it started raining again. There were more viewing platforms and a nature trail I didn't explore. The forecast called for possible severe weather (lightning, hail, strong winds), so I didn't think it wise to stay. I did see more birds than I expected at this time of day. Two killdeer were among a large flock of starlings, and some caracaras were scratching and pecking at the earth almost like chickens - both new birds for my checklist.<br />
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Birds seen this visit: Great Egret, Black Vulture, European Starling, Killdeer, Northern Mocking Bird, Eastern Bluebird, Snowy Egret, Red-Shouldered Hawk, Crested Caracara, Laughing Gull. <br />
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I'm linking up with <a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/2013/02/wild-bird-wednesday-31-pied.html" target="_blank">Wild Bird Wednesday</a>. Please visit to see more beautiful birds from around the world.<br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-23855078024300173592013-02-10T19:45:00.000-06:002013-02-10T19:45:39.715-06:00Scavenger Hunt Sunday: WebsterDuring a short break in the rain today, I did a little bird-watching and scavenger hunting in my current hometown. This week's items are the small things, illustration, valentine, work of art, and window beauty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fDtLADz-OlXC8c7zfirIuW1j378Hz87uRWhjo7UZ_YH2oc267Jh2ULOnurbY5PrhtOhlqZ2ywebDvxfdvvXi5G-9i86RiIfWY2cgcSKpaW6rZ8pQfSKa39bT9WfHmX0EkbI1AoH7NBrb/s1600/IMG_2196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fDtLADz-OlXC8c7zfirIuW1j378Hz87uRWhjo7UZ_YH2oc267Jh2ULOnurbY5PrhtOhlqZ2ywebDvxfdvvXi5G-9i86RiIfWY2cgcSKpaW6rZ8pQfSKa39bT9WfHmX0EkbI1AoH7NBrb/s320/IMG_2196.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><span style="color: blue;">Small things</span></i> make a big difference - like putting trash where it belongs.<br />
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<i><span style="color: blue;">Illustration</span></i> of a bird on the sign marking the nature trail and boardwalk.<br />
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This was actually taken last weekend in Nassau Bay, but it was perfect for the prompt. I think Mr. Pelican Brown has found his <i><span style="color: blue;">valentine</span></i>.<br />
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I got excited when I saw the sign pointing to the Mother Earth Eco-Sculpture, thinking I would see a real <i><span style="color: blue;">work of art</span></i>. I don't get it. <br />
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I've always liked windows made of the brick glass that allows light through, but still allows for privacy. I was surprised to find the attempt at <i><span style="color: blue;">window beauty</span></i> in a public restroom of a city park. <br />
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To see other interpretations, or to play along yourself, visit <a href="http://www.ashleysisk.com/2013/02/scavenger-hunt-sunday-135.html" target="_blank">Scavenger Hunt Sunday</a>.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-3118050984595255432013-02-06T21:21:00.001-06:002013-02-06T21:21:06.901-06:00UTC 083: Nassau Bay Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, Upper Texas Coast</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFaSMuJpcWqXO2M6X_SMqdvAkrYaePpg6Dg6nnykiViw6hVCv0eaJ2C2xNXZKRVQEAYc6LunCZzLBW9l2E9DYGkOHL4zqN7ZaEU8G2w5sUha_Hp12ikR-ITXCgTzAdvnaqFHHVDj-ancF/s1600/heron,+cormorants,+and+pelicans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFaSMuJpcWqXO2M6X_SMqdvAkrYaePpg6Dg6nnykiViw6hVCv0eaJ2C2xNXZKRVQEAYc6LunCZzLBW9l2E9DYGkOHL4zqN7ZaEU8G2w5sUha_Hp12ikR-ITXCgTzAdvnaqFHHVDj-ancF/s640/heron,+cormorants,+and+pelicans.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was not expecting much from this site because the map/guide stated this is "not a major birding destination", but is included as a respite for business travelers. I was pleasantly surprised. I saw a greater variety of birds at this park than the others I have visited so far this year. In the photo above a great blue heron, two brown pelicans, several double-crested cormorants, and a neotropic cormorant (the little one) seem to be harmoniously sharing a platform. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmay4nuruwmCcr169J0UrrjOpUEXy6z8od7lGoE1DJeoQ7_F2VlpF8CBRsKNYvSdSDgx__X1O0woKnhdnWIY4bqcoMnyiKmjpTaeUtA8eeneblhH6F48LzClFcuZM5t5DjCOhtjKsOD-Qa/s1600/White+pelican+pursuing+small+duck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmay4nuruwmCcr169J0UrrjOpUEXy6z8od7lGoE1DJeoQ7_F2VlpF8CBRsKNYvSdSDgx__X1O0woKnhdnWIY4bqcoMnyiKmjpTaeUtA8eeneblhH6F48LzClFcuZM5t5DjCOhtjKsOD-Qa/s640/White+pelican+pursuing+small+duck.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not quite as harmonious were the American white pelican and smaller ducks. He tried several times to approach and they wanted nothing to do with him. Seeing the size of that beak, I can understand why. Was he hunting them? A little internet research confirms he very well may have been. <br />
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The gold tones in the photo are a reflection of the sunrise. I got up early and arrived at the park just as the sun was coming up. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7G876rqf2YSvSX8BXEhIG-IlcGsb7EE3CGE0qfF8_ba8LeRhhD3acX9lj2k6frYpoTNZw3qzroVbeCunaDcnY64x7U8bOq34A5ZKCjl6Hd06vnHSOVfihFnh9WdWynmAu-EL8ulf3STE/s1600/monk+parakeet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7G876rqf2YSvSX8BXEhIG-IlcGsb7EE3CGE0qfF8_ba8LeRhhD3acX9lj2k6frYpoTNZw3qzroVbeCunaDcnY64x7U8bOq34A5ZKCjl6Hd06vnHSOVfihFnh9WdWynmAu-EL8ulf3STE/s640/monk+parakeet.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another pleasant surprise was the small flock of monk parakeets I found here. I knew there were places descendants of escaped pets now breed in the wild. I didn't realize one of those places was less than three miles from my home.<br />
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This one is dining on an acorn.<br />
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I also found and photographed my first warbler. The yellow rump, yellow patch on the chest, and yellow crown revealed in a second photograph confirm he's a yellow-rumped "myrtle" warbler. The audubon version has a yellow throat.<br />
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When I first arrived, there was only one other vehicle in the parking lot with the owner nowhere in sight. As other people starting arriving I was asked, "Are you a photographer?" and "What kind of camera is that?" They didn't exchange quick, pleasant greetings - they wanted to hold conversations. I'm glad I live in a friendly town and won't complain, but I can't find birds and talk at the same time. It was time to go.<br />
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Birds seen this visit: American Coot, Mallard, American White Pelican, Ruddy Duck, Greater White-fronted Goose, Grackle, Rock Pigeon, Monk Parakeet, Great Blue Heron, Brown Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Neotropic Cormorant, Yellow-rumped "myrtle" Warbler, Laughing Gull, and Great Egret. <br />
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This is a multi-use park with picnic tables, restrooms, fishing pier, enclosed dog runs, covered basketball court, and playground. <br />
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I'm linking up with <a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/2013/02/wild-bird-wednesday-30-green-rosella.html" target="_blank">Wild Bird Wednesday</a>. Visit to see other amazing birds from all over the world or link up your own. Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-78848967506829212022013-02-03T18:26:00.000-06:002013-02-03T18:26:46.173-06:00Scavenger Hunt Sunday: Nassau BayThis week, I went bird-watching and scavenger hunting in a local park. This week's items were hidden, plain, left, fast, and peace. <br />
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A parakeet nearly <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><i>hidden</i></span></span> in the grass by his green feathers.<br />
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The female mallard is very <i><span style="color: purple;">plain</span></i> compared to the male.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQnJKl6nj8KHeQBPs5lTjKann8AwPL5ROFb9iWGbbmJ3utky_AOzi-O2tZgU5vNerQDWe-f_OA9Z7aw9HYatuuBhYHQyJetP6Flt-OtmLn7FbpLttzdY3wszv6PKvHmunLgIDnm392dKT/s1600/IMG_2122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQnJKl6nj8KHeQBPs5lTjKann8AwPL5ROFb9iWGbbmJ3utky_AOzi-O2tZgU5vNerQDWe-f_OA9Z7aw9HYatuuBhYHQyJetP6Flt-OtmLn7FbpLttzdY3wszv6PKvHmunLgIDnm392dKT/s640/IMG_2122.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A goose balanced on his <i><span style="color: purple;">left</span></i> foot.</div>
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A gaggle of geese, <i><span style="color: purple;">fast</span></i> asleep.<br />
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I wonder if keeping the little dogs away from the large dogs helps to keep the <i><span style="color: purple;">peace</span></i>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrrb__2ucxHfh0PSBtOYFz4t0hJE4G3k47N-AyCkFmAzHgwYfSLTrH0_uBluS7DeiDX3bYGgRZVVKip1tNJmubo2xfKvzuvXMz6i4aGP1LB8Tv-c-VBFcBN6gzLLVIumS2J9sPgIKO7t5/s1600/IMG_2176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrrb__2ucxHfh0PSBtOYFz4t0hJE4G3k47N-AyCkFmAzHgwYfSLTrH0_uBluS7DeiDX3bYGgRZVVKip1tNJmubo2xfKvzuvXMz6i4aGP1LB8Tv-c-VBFcBN6gzLLVIumS2J9sPgIKO7t5/s320/IMG_2176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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See other interpretations or link up your own at <a href="http://www.ashleysisk.com/2013/02/scavenger-hunt-sunday-134.html" target="_blank">Scavenger Hunt Sunday</a>.<br />
<pre style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-center; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.ashleysisk.com/category/scavenger-hunt/"><img alt="" height="150" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4795223164_aa1eb66c07_o.jpg" title="Scavenger Hunt Sunday with Ashley Sisk" width="150" /></a></pre>
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-80206068463717018142013-01-31T19:05:00.000-06:002013-01-31T19:05:35.419-06:00I'll Huff and I'll Puff...and I'll blow those houses down!<br />
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I had an appointment with my asthma specialist today. There is a lung function test that I hate because it's always so difficult. There are three houses on a computer screen and I have to try to blow through a tube and knock them all down. That darned brick house never wants to fall.<br />
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Well, today I knocked them all down with no problem! Could it be because of all the hiking I've been doing lately?<br />
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Not exactly related, but I like this song, and a house does get blown down...<br />
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-36564757223173326792013-01-30T17:34:00.000-06:002013-01-30T17:34:04.608-06:00UTC 091: Hermann Park / Houston Zoo <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail - Upper Texas Coast</div>
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I tried to time my arrival late enough so that it wouldn't be just me, the birds, and the derelicts, but early enough that I could still see some birds. I arrived around 8am, which seemed to be just about perfect. This was confirmed by a jogger who stopped to talk to me. She wanted to know if I was looking for the bald eagles that had recently been sighted and tried to steer me in the direction they might be found. She made it clear that I was not safe here before daylight. "Make sure there are joggers around." </div>
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I'm not sure if she was exaggerating, but this is an urban park in the United States' 4th largest city. It's probably wise to err on the safe side. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam Houston statue. He's pointing toward Hermann Park. </td></tr>
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I didn't find the bald eagles or the hawks she said were often to be found in the Japanese Garden. I did find plenty of other birds, though.<br />
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I either saw several blue jays, or this one was stalking me. Do you ever find yourself wondering if birds watch people as intently as people watch birds?<br />
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This is the first ring-necked duck I've ever seen. He's wintering on the lake within the park. The ring around his neck is not evident in this photo, but that unique bill helped identify him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTC_RzBUKUNg5pvHP2bPAbEURvw-8fFlxypGARJ7wXqm18aJxm8WZxbgUj_Oju1EIlkU4vTEY-78108rXJT1PLibDb0ZTvvd-Iy5wYM4Qo0PLW29NGgDR9TnvC_nlLJrAyaOo673M9DWPl/s1600/Double-Crested+Cormorant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTC_RzBUKUNg5pvHP2bPAbEURvw-8fFlxypGARJ7wXqm18aJxm8WZxbgUj_Oju1EIlkU4vTEY-78108rXJT1PLibDb0ZTvvd-Iy5wYM4Qo0PLW29NGgDR9TnvC_nlLJrAyaOo673M9DWPl/s640/Double-Crested+Cormorant.JPG" width="610" /></a></div>
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There are two different cormorants to be found on the Gulf Coast, so it took a closeup of his face to confirm he is a Double-Crested Cormorant. You can also tell by the slight crook of the neck if seen in flight.<br />
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I saw some sparrows bathing in a puddle and headed over to a bench, planning to sit quietly and watch. A pair of mountain bikers stopped and began conversing quite loudly, chasing them off before I could identify them. Would it have been rude to ask, "Are you going to ride or chit-chat?" I stayed a few minutes, hoping they'd move on soon. They didn't. <br />
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The park was becoming more and more crowded with people as the morning went on. I decided it was probably a good time to head over to the Houston Zoo, which is within the park. They have some amazing birds to see any time of day. There's an aviary where birds (more than 200 according to my map/guide) fly freely within the enclosure, as well as the usual cages. I don't think I'm supposed to include them in my diary, though. It doesn't really count if they're captive. <br />
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Birds seen this visit: Mallard, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Blue Jay, Mourning Dove, Ring-necked Duck, Rock Pigeon, American Coot, Double-crested Cormorant, Snowy Egret, Grackle, domestic geese, domestic ducks.<br />
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This is a large, multi-use, city park with jogging, walking, and biking trails, picnic areas, grills, playgrounds, and restrooms. There is also a train, a zoo, a theater with free performances during the summer, and a golf course. The Houston Museum of Natural Science, IMAX theater, planetarium, and butterfly center are across the street. One could easily spend an entire weekend here.<br />
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The park and zoo are wheelchair accessible. <br />
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I'm linking up with <a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/2013/01/wild-bird-wednesday-29-fondness-for.html" target="_blank">Wild Bird Wednesday</a>. Visit to see more birds or link up photos of your own. <br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-87953329874246225332013-01-29T19:03:00.000-06:002013-01-29T19:03:02.707-06:00HOTW012: White Shaman Preserve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Heart of Texas Wildlife Trail - West </div>
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That's the Pecos River. Hidden down there are some amazing paintings between 1,000 and 100 years old. </div>
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The Rock Art Foundation conducts weekly tours of the White Shaman Shelter. I was extremely tired and sore from the <a href="http://jnnfr271.blogspot.com/2013/01/hotw-011-seminole-canyon-state-park-and.html" target="_blank">Pressa Canyon tour</a> the day before, but this was the main reason I drove so many miles to get here. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKA6EBdZTS-B_oOrD81fX4HgZxhU99N8mVhBVxMTcHpckeBBbVg-Knc-DhriSX-3e2Y4Me4Wk2EEwDXpJI8HK8GR3OYbYCsAbrcffLvZg7DDhSzg329eW6K2Vd8xwZKuiKLKzrXnnIbrh/s1600/White+Shaman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKA6EBdZTS-B_oOrD81fX4HgZxhU99N8mVhBVxMTcHpckeBBbVg-Knc-DhriSX-3e2Y4Me4Wk2EEwDXpJI8HK8GR3OYbYCsAbrcffLvZg7DDhSzg329eW6K2Vd8xwZKuiKLKzrXnnIbrh/s640/White+Shaman.JPG" width="384" /></a></div>
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I came to see him - the White Shaman. My photos cannot compare to being there in person. The hike is not as difficult as Pressa Canyon, but it does require a somewhat steep descent into the canyon and then up non-regulation "stairs" (more like a stone ladder). There is a chain along the most difficult parts which proved very helpful. <br />
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There are also displays depicting the people that lived here and what life may have been like for them. <br />
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Although this is part of the wildlife trail and there is certainly wildlife to be found in this area, including bears and mountain lions, our tour did not coincide with prime viewing hours. We saw only a lone deer spooked by one of the guides on the rim as we were making our ascent at the end of the tour.<br />
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The only restroom I saw was an outhouse next to the cabin our guide decided to show us even though it was not part of the official tour. I suggest making a pit stop en-route. Seminole Canyon SP is 1.4 miles down the road. If you're camped there, use the facilities before you leave. <br />
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I cannot remember any part of the tour that was wheelchair accessible. <br />
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This week, I'm linking up to <a href="http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/2013/01/130-outdoor-wednesday-212.html" target="_blank">Outdoor Wednesday</a>.<br />
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<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZaA5c0oVBMM/UQhcxnugGEI/AAAAAAAAFhI/j5rQwt-UuY4/Outdoor-Wednesday-logo_thumb1_thumb1%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-10688071054134559952013-01-27T17:55:00.001-06:002013-01-27T18:00:23.685-06:00Scavenger Hunt Sunday: Houston Zoo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lace: Sunday Morning means it's time to lace up my walking shoes and head out on a scavenger hunt. </div>
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Bling: I donated $2 toward care of the animals and received this bracelet.</div>
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Wood: Wooden pathways wind through the primate area. <br />
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Fuzzy: For some reason I thought the word was fluffy. Fuzzy works, too. <br />
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Fabric: What a life! This chimp is napping in a hammock high in the trees. I didn't notice he had a blanket until I uploaded the photos. That's fabric x2.</div>
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See other interpretations of this week's items or link up your own at <a href="http://www.ashleysisk.com/2013/01/scavenger-hunt-sunday-133.html" target="_blank">Scavenger Hunt Sunday</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><a href="http://www.ashleysisk.com/category/scavenger-hunt/"></a></span><br />
<pre style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-center; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" height="150" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4795223164_aa1eb66c07_o.jpg" title="Scavenger Hunt Sunday with Ashley Sisk" width="150" /></pre>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-49828481218646301312013-01-23T22:06:00.000-06:002013-01-23T22:06:17.170-06:00HOTW 011: Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic SiteHeart of Texas Wildlife Trail - West<br />
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Most people come here for the ancient rock art. The above pictographs are located in Fate Bell Shelter, a moderate hike from park headquarters. Visitors are not allowed into any of the shelters or the canyon without a guide. <br />
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We took a longer, much more difficult tour. Eight miles of hiking took us to some amazing rock art. This is not a tour for anyone not in very good physical condition as parts of the route (I would say trail, but there's not one) require wading through waist-high water, climbing boulders, and bush-whacking through some very mean plants. It is worth the effort if you're up for the challenge. <br />
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We were able to see many birds, as well. <br />
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The Cactus Wren paid a visit to our campground on Sunday morning.</div>
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White-Throated Swifts provided entertainment during our lunch stop on the tour, twittering loudly as they flew in and out of cavities in the canyon wall.</div>
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A Red-Tailed Hawk observed from the rim as we made our way along the canyon floor. </div>
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Also seen this visit: Northern Cardinal, Savannah Sparrow, Northern Mockingbird, Flicker, Pyrrhuloxia, Roadrunner. </div>
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A Canyon Wren was heard but not seen.</div>
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The park and campgrounds are wheelchair accessible, but the canyon is not. </div>
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I'm linking up to <a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/2013/01/wild-bird-wednesday-28-shy-albatross.html" target="_blank">Wild Bird Wednesday</a>. Visit to see more birds or to post your own. </div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-58423718443021773722013-01-21T19:10:00.000-06:002013-01-21T19:15:05.162-06:00Scavenger Hunt Sunday: West Texas Road Trip<div style="text-align: center;">
1) Basket: I stopped in Hondo, TX and bought a basket (aka cart or buggy) of groceries because there were no food services where I was headed.</div>
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<pre style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">2) Park: Seminole Canyon State Park, my destination.</pre>
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<pre style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">3) Auto: This little automobile and I have taken more road trips than I can count.</pre>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFInGOq_WU5aJZ541kze6dfHHNUe6oX-NMUzUahCRkeF6-QUrjFz-RqmBofWATNIL8gMteDdiaM69cdPCccJe1EMfylP6KtTv-gXSNxozmPHKI0CdPtzyO82J2KLZiyEQQNotnWxDPSgFe/s1600/IMG_1702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFInGOq_WU5aJZ541kze6dfHHNUe6oX-NMUzUahCRkeF6-QUrjFz-RqmBofWATNIL8gMteDdiaM69cdPCccJe1EMfylP6KtTv-gXSNxozmPHKI0CdPtzyO82J2KLZiyEQQNotnWxDPSgFe/s400/IMG_1702.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<pre style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">4) Recycle: An example of how to recycle old tires was on display at one of the rest areas along the way. They are used to create the pavers shown, and on children's playgrounds.</pre>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvyDu3hU0wv-qqgCPPcFqUBdZCUt8Wybqu9DxoAYD7oYEVQppInE1vIL5N4gLDz13i9EUuLJJcSc1AZDb8LbI8-poNa_KCm1C4QEDvXcvhrSbFFqMNCPBQcvWymVQIazEfVCc7QzPywML/s1600/IMG_1706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvyDu3hU0wv-qqgCPPcFqUBdZCUt8Wybqu9DxoAYD7oYEVQppInE1vIL5N4gLDz13i9EUuLJJcSc1AZDb8LbI8-poNa_KCm1C4QEDvXcvhrSbFFqMNCPBQcvWymVQIazEfVCc7QzPywML/s320/IMG_1706.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<pre style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">5) People Watching: In these parts, the Border Patrol does most of the people watching. This was taken approaching one of the checkpoints where I was asked if I was a United States citizen as a K9 officer made a pass around my vehicle. </pre>
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<pre style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">See more interpretations or link up your own at Scavenger Hunt Sunday. <a href="http://www.ashleysisk.com/category/scavenger-hunt/">
<img alt="" height="150" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4795223164_aa1eb66c07_o.jpg" title="Scavenger Hunt Sunday with Ashley Sisk" width="150" /></a></pre>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-81589286477920712552013-01-15T19:19:00.000-06:002013-01-15T19:19:46.216-06:00UTC 077: McHale ParkThe Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail<br />
Upper Texas Coast<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeOgsihnnxksy8qcyqWOIV3QvVYkX2tq8iv4frsWY97_4zgMP0VC3JRLjWSZ4qGrjBpE1k3N877VMbppibijxXAq-24Gh7TkzFjtABpAUmhsolViENpKIYvmtyE8G5K07QQKUiOH8gXuF/s1600/IMG_1662+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeOgsihnnxksy8qcyqWOIV3QvVYkX2tq8iv4frsWY97_4zgMP0VC3JRLjWSZ4qGrjBpE1k3N877VMbppibijxXAq-24Gh7TkzFjtABpAUmhsolViENpKIYvmtyE8G5K07QQKUiOH8gXuF/s640/IMG_1662+(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown Pelican</td></tr>
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I was on my own this weekend, so I visited tiny McHale Park on the western shore of Galveston Bay only a 10 to 15 minute drive from my home. Possibly because rainstorms prevented me from arriving until early afternoon, I didn't see any flotillas of white pelicans as my map / guide suggested I might in winter. I did spot a couple of Brown Pelicans under the Kemah bridge. <br />
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Brown Pelicans, the state bird of Louisiana, are the only non-white pelicans in the world. I hope to capture a photo of one diving. They fly over the water looking for fish, then point themselves like an arrow and plunge headfirst from the air. It's an impressive sight. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willet, winter plumage.</td></tr>
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I spotted the willet from the viewing platform in the park. It's a first for me, and I had to rule out other birds. It doesn't have yellow legs, doesn't have a short or curved bill, etc. Some breed along the Gulf Coast, but it's quite likely a winter visitor, spending summers as far north as central Canada.<br />
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Part of the fun in bird-watching, for me, has been reading about the birds I've seen.</div>
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McHale Park is a very small waterfront park in League City consisting of a parking lot, grassy area with two benches, rocky beach, and a gazebo-type viewing platform. </div>
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No entry fee. </div>
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No overnight stays allowed.</div>
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No restrooms or drinking water are available.</div>
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No picnic tables or grills.</div>
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The viewing platform is wheelchair accessible.<br />
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Species sighted this visit: Boat-Tailed Grackle, Ring-Billed Gull, Laughing Gull, Willet, American Coot, Brown Pelican, Turkey Vulture </div>
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More photos are posted on the Starting Over Facebook Page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.469710289760063.111071.138755582855537&type=1&l=f93d4f76d4">http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.469710289760063.111071.138755582855537&type=1&l=f93d4f76d4</a> </div>
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Since many people find my blog posts via Google these days, I'm including info that might be useful to them. Constructive suggestions are welcome. <br />
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I'm linking up with <a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/2013/01/wild-bird-wednesday-27-white-faced-heron.html" target="_blank">Wild Bird Wednesday</a>. Visit to see more beautiful birds from all over the globe or link up your own photos. </div>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-4725897186659421922013-01-13T19:58:00.000-06:002013-01-13T19:58:50.861-06:00Scavenger Hunt Sunday: Galveston Bay <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPpAWAheR4h4pEIWdUl33_QWkRQmG8mD5XUvxpbo0ew9sNxt1NYU7PCXV3yBY4vbSrqc7WcLZSDwahyphenhyphenFc1gRdAQPvpAly70k2Xg-SMA9Kq0CWgpAwAN57LVPKWv_iFFt9-XrXkZZMxnPX/s1600/IMG_1674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPpAWAheR4h4pEIWdUl33_QWkRQmG8mD5XUvxpbo0ew9sNxt1NYU7PCXV3yBY4vbSrqc7WcLZSDwahyphenhyphenFc1gRdAQPvpAly70k2Xg-SMA9Kq0CWgpAwAN57LVPKWv_iFFt9-XrXkZZMxnPX/s640/IMG_1674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I completed this scavenger hunt outside, while bird-watching along the western shore of Galveston Bay. That's a brown pelican in the photo, with some seagulls in the background.<br />
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Backside<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOf7pEu928lWPHsnfGGf9zqj2NIqerptxTeweBA-sfDMBCl6b3GdlJnik0ir-ARowK6T3e57NADIGg8YrlpxwnEDGvXLfqqgI48bNDVboBr_yqUJLfnk2QhTt2-SxTXx-Vef-Iqov_66f/s1600/IMG_1619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOf7pEu928lWPHsnfGGf9zqj2NIqerptxTeweBA-sfDMBCl6b3GdlJnik0ir-ARowK6T3e57NADIGg8YrlpxwnEDGvXLfqqgI48bNDVboBr_yqUJLfnk2QhTt2-SxTXx-Vef-Iqov_66f/s400/IMG_1619.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The seagull wasn't interested in posing for me. He kept showing me his backside.<br />
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Little Things<br />
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Tiny droplets of rainwater on little clovers.<br />
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A Cup of...<br />
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It used to be a cup of coffee. Now it's trash. This annoys me.<br />
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Reflect<br />
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The puddles created by the morning thunderstorms reflect palm leaves. <br />
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See other interpretations or link up your own at Scavenger Hunt Sunday.<br />
<pre style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-center; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.ashleysisk.com/category/scavenger-hunt/"><img alt="" height="150" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4795223164_aa1eb66c07_o.jpg" title="Scavenger Hunt Sunday with Ashley Sisk" width="150" /></a></pre>
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-10412005468559188482013-01-09T21:12:00.000-06:002013-01-09T21:12:29.411-06:00UTC 117: Brazos Bend State Park The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, Upper Texas Coast<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9adkCkn223qlK8nTDoHwBpBbrsheUnfp8lZXkMlnakBLYx_mqibYsQYiHTQS3N61ZZ0uWxrehvkwuSBh6nUgy3ksMRlEej9eIQHFfceHA2PRNGGNkvXax20qKMoC7i75tngaEKj1fprU/s1600/IMG_1537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9adkCkn223qlK8nTDoHwBpBbrsheUnfp8lZXkMlnakBLYx_mqibYsQYiHTQS3N61ZZ0uWxrehvkwuSBh6nUgy3ksMRlEej9eIQHFfceHA2PRNGGNkvXax20qKMoC7i75tngaEKj1fprU/s400/IMG_1537.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We only saw one alligator on this trip, and zero snakes. </td></tr>
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I dragged myself out of bed at 6:30 am, the time I was originally planning to leave. It was so warm in bed, and so not warm outside. I had to go, though. I told everyone I knew that I was going on a 5 -7 mile hike, and I told all of you I was starting my new project. </div>
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"No excuses," I told myself. Get your a@@ out of bed. "NOW!" </div>
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I was the first one there. I stopped at park headquarters to buy a new park pass for the year, then drove to the nature center where I was to meet up with other members of BCO. They just happen to be visiting many of the sites along the wildlife trails that are my new project. I don't have to do this all alone. Hooray!</div>
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The first birds I noticed were Turkey Buzzards. Hundreds of them. Ten or more to a tree. I took a few pictures of them from the parking lot, then started making sure I had everything I needed. Water, hat, gloves, snacks, binoculars, camera...I decided not to bring the binoculars. I should have taken them. They're on the do not leave behind list for next time. </div>
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As my fellow hikers began arriving, the turkey vultures (aka buzzards) took to the skies. There seemed to be a hundred or more circling overhead. "Everybody keep moving," someone said. <i>Good idea</i>, I thought to myself. <i>Don't look dead.</i> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anhinga drying its wings.</td></tr>
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Even with our 20-plus, noisy group walking way too fast, we saw quite a few birds. For the most part, they ignored us. If we got too close, they'd fly far enough to stay out of reach, but didn't leave. On the trail by the picnic area at Elm Lake, we saw White Ibis and Little Blue Herons. Further along the same trail, we saw American Coots. We climbed the observation tower and could see White Pelicans, Great Egrets, and a group of sleeping Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks with their heads tucked under their wings. </div>
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On the trail leaving the tower, I saw my first Anhinga. They don't waterproof their feathers, so they can often be seen drying them in the sun. My field guide says they swim with their bodies submerged and only their heads out of the water, resembling a snake. I'm going to have to keep my eyes peeled for that. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBM2v7R1y5kYwKEAvQfeJ4-j63F3csT7qZDlvZBWj9YU2Trc-CkXw-rrV1IOsrlzE8Fty3sxJk2Z4HtTMXQXosykgknRNecIqAObYA7L8YAbvkmVCje8RPz1S9vH9l4U4ewZRhDDQAmGA/s1600/IMG_1520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBM2v7R1y5kYwKEAvQfeJ4-j63F3csT7qZDlvZBWj9YU2Trc-CkXw-rrV1IOsrlzE8Fty3sxJk2Z4HtTMXQXosykgknRNecIqAObYA7L8YAbvkmVCje8RPz1S9vH9l4U4ewZRhDDQAmGA/s400/IMG_1520.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Bluebird</td></tr>
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After the hike, I saw a bunch of tiny birds near the picnic tables at Elm Lake. I got excited, thinking they were Painted Buntings. Nope. I downloaded the pics, pulled out my book to confirm, and realized they were Eastern Bluebirds. They are beautiful little birds, though, so it's hard to be disappointed. </div>
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There are more pictures on my blog's Facebook page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.466933870037705.110556.138755582855537&type=1&l=067cf5468d">http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.466933870037705.110556.138755582855537&type=1&l=067cf5468d</a></div>
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Restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, and grills are available. Overnight camping is allowed in designated areas for an additional fee. The picnic area is wheelchair accessible. </div>
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Species seen this visit: Turkey Vulture, White Ibis, American Coot, Black-Bellied Whistling Duck, Great Egret, Anhinga, Vermilion Flycatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Little Blue Heron, American Crow, Tri-Colored Heron, American White Pelican </div>
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I'm linking up to <a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/2013/01/wild-bird-wednesday-26-dusky-moorhen.html" target="_blank">Wild Bird Wednesday</a>. Please visit to see more birds from around the world and link up your own photos if you have them.</div>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-82166350955132247322013-01-05T21:46:00.001-06:002013-01-05T21:48:15.486-06:00Days 71 - 75: Soup, Sunsets, and Storms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tomorrow, my outdoor group is hiking at a state park that just happens to be a site on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. I can become an active member again and begin my new project at the same time. I'm excited!</div>
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In the meantime, I've been continuing my photographic project 365. </div>
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Day 71: Garlic</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSspxNr94PI9L-4tSqkKQXrmP4YYZKCNjY7dCFeZfBB9yzbvtKMgE6bzAW3bRRNlNCusvM8Uv93VcOjvZcApyTEt9Gtodq1TB8nxmGH1OAvnMlnlJws_qnfvWLcYBnrsor0uX-QU4e-FDP/s1600/IMG_1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSspxNr94PI9L-4tSqkKQXrmP4YYZKCNjY7dCFeZfBB9yzbvtKMgE6bzAW3bRRNlNCusvM8Uv93VcOjvZcApyTEt9Gtodq1TB8nxmGH1OAvnMlnlJws_qnfvWLcYBnrsor0uX-QU4e-FDP/s400/IMG_1310.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Where do you store your garlic? Until recently I put everything in the refrigerator. Apparently, that's not ideal.</div>
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Day 72: Onions </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oEhKUuRX07Y3gdyEOBQAXYIE6fVoBnf0LXN2eUQX3JAFoc3nUoq36Z3y36MYQ2a4G9pviZBGT65Jhk5k25aKOhEhx18vKbJ1plKSQEyiTVycXpAs8zhlRShSjFb7IqFVjujcWB_9E45G/s1600/IMG_1344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oEhKUuRX07Y3gdyEOBQAXYIE6fVoBnf0LXN2eUQX3JAFoc3nUoq36Z3y36MYQ2a4G9pviZBGT65Jhk5k25aKOhEhx18vKbJ1plKSQEyiTVycXpAs8zhlRShSjFb7IqFVjujcWB_9E45G/s320/IMG_1344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I still keep onions in the fridge. I heard a rumor there are less tears that way. </div>
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Whoever wrote the recipe I used for black bean soup must have a very different concept of large than mine. It called for two and this was just one (almost 2 cups).</div>
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Day 73: Lost </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtZLksnf9259p18tDAzCedwcP2so3m1lnLYDY_7GFLh1MFLQBjWR2L-ZtOjNaAKO63JBtnfFJzwbtvI4IEOHuATwPrSm6e2jOAVkfhDbTrhQm8gPTxgPYYhwjejud3btJpslm4sTFSfaS/s1600/IMG_1328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtZLksnf9259p18tDAzCedwcP2so3m1lnLYDY_7GFLh1MFLQBjWR2L-ZtOjNaAKO63JBtnfFJzwbtvI4IEOHuATwPrSm6e2jOAVkfhDbTrhQm8gPTxgPYYhwjejud3btJpslm4sTFSfaS/s400/IMG_1328.JPG" width="376" /></a></div>
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A <i>Lost</i> marathon should reduce the temptation to buy jewelry. They put so many beautiful pieces on clearance sale at the end of the year, I had to buy a few of them. </div>
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Day 74: Moon at Sunset </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-OvQwYafJUVXyPOaJhxy1ktWtAp7rkGr2m7-_ckmwZ30KdaAtE1OelQO2geuPbI8J5zIk0Q41PgEL0ZEBxSRcM-NUjbKmrxEgr3A9uEhoCc47QFuiq3GiNy1c5PD30VwKiKtRRJDXG4d/s1600/IMG_1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-OvQwYafJUVXyPOaJhxy1ktWtAp7rkGr2m7-_ckmwZ30KdaAtE1OelQO2geuPbI8J5zIk0Q41PgEL0ZEBxSRcM-NUjbKmrxEgr3A9uEhoCc47QFuiq3GiNy1c5PD30VwKiKtRRJDXG4d/s640/IMG_1351.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The moon rose before the sun set, so it was surrounded by purple clouds.</div>
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Day 75: Rain</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U5rB-X10fuqaAcUtiH0IG5AUDGC_yRvzjhcEKdTXZNwHdozl9ksHxdsl_oCUNb1Ul97X5p-CtBgw6_nBYbGGtFcIXJBH8PxMoYDo1t3rR0t5nHJhHLGiNIlPH74tW5vzgazSMsq8McdU/s1600/IMG_1372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U5rB-X10fuqaAcUtiH0IG5AUDGC_yRvzjhcEKdTXZNwHdozl9ksHxdsl_oCUNb1Ul97X5p-CtBgw6_nBYbGGtFcIXJBH8PxMoYDo1t3rR0t5nHJhHLGiNIlPH74tW5vzgazSMsq8McdU/s320/IMG_1372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's been doing a lot of this lately. </div>
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-33018948835776220452012-12-24T18:09:00.000-06:002012-12-24T18:11:16.571-06:00If Everyone Cared<br />
<span style="color: #3c3c3c; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><i>Singing, "Amen I, I'm alive"</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3c3c3c; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"> - Nickelback</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3c3c3c; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>As I'm sitting alone on Christmas Eve, by choice, escaping the season to be greedy I'm thinking how little I've contributed to the world this year. I watch the news, outraged. "Why doesn't someone do something!" I want to yell - as I sit in my comfy chair eating popcorn and doing nothing to help feed someone who's hungry, or warm someone who's cold, or visit someone who's lonely...</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3c3c3c; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>My excuse used to be that as a single mom I had no time and no money. That one is no longer valid, so what is my excuse now?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3c3c3c; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>When next I visit the grocery store, I can spend 5 more dollars and donate to the food pantry. It's not much, but it's a start. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3c3c3c; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>I should find a place to volunteer. Where? I'm not sure... </b></span></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-61831852121513791012012-12-23T12:54:00.001-06:002012-12-23T12:54:51.486-06:00Days 66 through 70: Deliveries, Diamonds, and Drink Machines <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Day 66: QVC / HSN Packages </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0NKYApdoyUlXgvPLfzTIM5ywLzWIM_A7LkqwFNimQwTomr9e8NGnXPocgMq5b6ERzosRECytiYcC5dyWA28QJI1xAR5dxpzTG3LtbqBE_6Qt0NrbjrtbHicXS1XsRGIP-2qAWFrdbpDy/s1600/QVC+Packages.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0NKYApdoyUlXgvPLfzTIM5ywLzWIM_A7LkqwFNimQwTomr9e8NGnXPocgMq5b6ERzosRECytiYcC5dyWA28QJI1xAR5dxpzTG3LtbqBE_6Qt0NrbjrtbHicXS1XsRGIP-2qAWFrdbpDy/s200/QVC+Packages.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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I skipped the mall this year and made all my gift purchases with the TV shopping channels. They were all delivered to my front door in time for Christmas. Are you supposed to tip the UPS guy? </div>
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Day 67: Joan Rivers Earrings</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznm3uq9pUsit6z7GyWDWzkL62g_xrwArzpLoB7xofv0j9Qz3Sing09pd-v3SBfmmV1wRbgGncZbmoxrW5_LdVkfpbOP4BpaUtKMSq7iwH9SvsGWK485DfVJHFobUazGM0GMesGsc8G1KT/s1600/Joan+Rivers+Earrings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznm3uq9pUsit6z7GyWDWzkL62g_xrwArzpLoB7xofv0j9Qz3Sing09pd-v3SBfmmV1wRbgGncZbmoxrW5_LdVkfpbOP4BpaUtKMSq7iwH9SvsGWK485DfVJHFobUazGM0GMesGsc8G1KT/s320/Joan+Rivers+Earrings.JPG" width="281" /></a></div>
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I wasn't able to put anything in my ears except studs last week. This week, I managed these drop earrings with a little gentle wiggling. Why did I go so long without wearing jewelry? My skin was not liking the cheap stuff and I couldn't afford anything else. These are not causing any ill effects so far, and they look very nice for having spent as little as I did. They are faceted crystal drop earrings by Joan Rivers, sold on QVC. </div>
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Day 68: Avon Products</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBYV5180_QFG5LDjDT-_6iy-vEbXyvJP3CVLTD3T3nje-xaAEEiQujAW55PTSoXVKv3qX70x72DuuSFMZ7n01JtWT85uoHgP46liyugdcQdOzEYht2niGbJcxe3Uu6fwkvCDmgiQPbHGZ/s1600/Avon+Products.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBYV5180_QFG5LDjDT-_6iy-vEbXyvJP3CVLTD3T3nje-xaAEEiQujAW55PTSoXVKv3qX70x72DuuSFMZ7n01JtWT85uoHgP46liyugdcQdOzEYht2niGbJcxe3Uu6fwkvCDmgiQPbHGZ/s320/Avon+Products.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm not selling Avon anymore, but I'm still using the products. I bought all of this for $35.70. I can get free shipping to my door on purchases of $30, or order from my colleague's website and she will bring it to work. Don't let the price fool you. Avon is very good quality.</div>
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Day 69: Blue Diamond Earrings</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjtqSZ3UHg6Tdt3xhDMgnrKzTOD9HsS0fuHQjmC9Y16INwZBMj2u4MxqXMCC9MPcmsV8WaWdfULg6SwkkCcBJSzxC9v6O8QLrisbTktji4o1onpUaXFeKecxVlyS5J7JMVrUxjkelBHGC/s1600/Blue+Diamond+Earrings+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjtqSZ3UHg6Tdt3xhDMgnrKzTOD9HsS0fuHQjmC9Y16INwZBMj2u4MxqXMCC9MPcmsV8WaWdfULg6SwkkCcBJSzxC9v6O8QLrisbTktji4o1onpUaXFeKecxVlyS5J7JMVrUxjkelBHGC/s400/Blue+Diamond+Earrings+%25281%2529.JPG" width="370" /></a> </div>
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I finally am able to wear them. Hooray! They are sterling silver with blue diamonds. These were not inexpensive, but I deserve a little reward now and then. We'll call it a celebration of my new job. I applied for and got a new position with my current employer. </div>
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It was very hard to do these earrings justice. I could not get the lighting right for them and for my skin tone at the same time. I either ended up with dull, uninteresting hoops or purple and blue mottled skin. I finally focused on the earrings and cropped as much of my flesh as possible out of the picture.</div>
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Day 70: Sodastream</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7Op0OCafScdCtpCIe1pZ9mW8LDzDZwADPPxRUocF5sB-TQboeBOyz_xriiXlpLGiIVMxOG5VJYRh1TgzjaphOCU6o85Y4aTILiW5auvBAzz-VHmKpGz4mHoQ4HB7q3vx3_tdGmmNwZVq/s1600/Sodastream.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7Op0OCafScdCtpCIe1pZ9mW8LDzDZwADPPxRUocF5sB-TQboeBOyz_xriiXlpLGiIVMxOG5VJYRh1TgzjaphOCU6o85Y4aTILiW5auvBAzz-VHmKpGz4mHoQ4HB7q3vx3_tdGmmNwZVq/s320/Sodastream.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I added up how much I spend on sodas and was disgusted. If this is any good, it will save me money in the long run. I'll let you know.</div>
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I sure did want to buy that bracelet she's selling in the background. It would go beautifully with my bronze ring. I said I was not going to buy any more jewelry this year, though, so I didn't. I really need to pay off those diamond earrings first... </div>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-26873236009442698412012-12-21T20:35:00.000-06:002012-12-21T20:35:02.682-06:00Days 61 through 65: Winning, Weather, and Wi-Fi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day 61: Anew Clinical Eye Lift </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXl3T3TOuJXrqWbDGf3HhKaU1lTc8rhtdXtKB0UeOPF1p2qVNxJ4nLlNLJFbgUae60K8lY_Xk5T_p4rFoQyKClltGJIBWOx1Y2va_2yIKR4Ci3Q5s50TE66X5u6BjL9t9d1dGzgv90cqrH/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXl3T3TOuJXrqWbDGf3HhKaU1lTc8rhtdXtKB0UeOPF1p2qVNxJ4nLlNLJFbgUae60K8lY_Xk5T_p4rFoQyKClltGJIBWOx1Y2va_2yIKR4Ci3Q5s50TE66X5u6BjL9t9d1dGzgv90cqrH/s320/IMG_1097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I stopped selling Avon because it was exhausting to try to take proper care of my customers and work my fulltime job. I've started buying it from one of colleagues because I definitely noticed the difference when I switched to something else. Love this stuff! The gel is for your lids and the cream is for under your eye. </div>
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Day 62: George Foreman Grill</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1hlnxrFAuE7CE711wrWAfJeI4WOpUAps2NY-dfIHDsLJgLRpPOG5kdskmOH74uSGBOavGTXg-l8Kq62e6FS3V-VwCQG8cPMx9nm2g3WUt2C6OsMEXTuk_gYIBkqYwf5hoqk8Tls5095n/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1hlnxrFAuE7CE711wrWAfJeI4WOpUAps2NY-dfIHDsLJgLRpPOG5kdskmOH74uSGBOavGTXg-l8Kq62e6FS3V-VwCQG8cPMx9nm2g3WUt2C6OsMEXTuk_gYIBkqYwf5hoqk8Tls5095n/s200/IMG_1105.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Look what I won at our company Christmas Luncheon. One of the games was a sheet with Christmas carol lyrics and we had to guess the names of the songs. Did I ever tell you I sang in the junior high school choir? I blew away the competition. </div>
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Day 63: Cultured Freshwater Pearl Earrings</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBy4sSYmqkNlAuf4ycnJPhK4m7ygMGANtZu89B30BwW6Dus0iSezqCICROirgVbX0YXXb0yi5SebprBIFZYJzlFI4do9ML1Y1Ubf1gF1rmS2BPktQyvfDhF_aUr5BXsILsFhenxzda_yF/s1600/IMG_1109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBy4sSYmqkNlAuf4ycnJPhK4m7ygMGANtZu89B30BwW6Dus0iSezqCICROirgVbX0YXXb0yi5SebprBIFZYJzlFI4do9ML1Y1Ubf1gF1rmS2BPktQyvfDhF_aUr5BXsILsFhenxzda_yF/s320/IMG_1109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Santa sent me some hoop earrings and I couldn't get them in my ears. I panicked, thinking I'd gone too long without wearing jewelry and my piercings had finally closed. I have teeny tiny holes, not stretched at all. I had no problem with studs, though. I'll wear these for a few days and try again. </div>
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Day 64: Rain on Magnolia Blossom</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7q6jCONXv90iCQx-EyNk2UwyaeCHTL99BIROHS44duT_R9g_gvnOG46Lhu4ouNg7yyRYApUyxs-QQSTKmtFaLIO0qRWuXAke5DXLQ57_PbvTPMCH9s6MTtGuGoW7wn-h4gFEfiLSStnXI/s1600/IMG_1137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7q6jCONXv90iCQx-EyNk2UwyaeCHTL99BIROHS44duT_R9g_gvnOG46Lhu4ouNg7yyRYApUyxs-QQSTKmtFaLIO0qRWuXAke5DXLQ57_PbvTPMCH9s6MTtGuGoW7wn-h4gFEfiLSStnXI/s640/IMG_1137.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My favorite photo this week.</div>
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Day 65: Mobile Hotspot</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvaCaMDMgf2eMr7cSZuptri2nEHRVw69o59WC7BXCNOfc8lmKbyR68j-hmfJnWxdgm_JSFbGkEIaPOyUnuvxrTHYE-X65oPlS2J7KHeXy89IdJFS3ccBhYf90_4v8tZxlLcS-aFC07ZAd/s1600/IMG_1143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvaCaMDMgf2eMr7cSZuptri2nEHRVw69o59WC7BXCNOfc8lmKbyR68j-hmfJnWxdgm_JSFbGkEIaPOyUnuvxrTHYE-X65oPlS2J7KHeXy89IdJFS3ccBhYf90_4v8tZxlLcS-aFC07ZAd/s320/IMG_1143.JPG" width="308" /></a></div>
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Maybe some of you recall the trials I had trying to get a reliable internet connection in my new apartment. Comcast gave me the runaround, Cricket disappointed me, Best Buy told me I'd have to put down a $400 deposit...</div>
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I went to Amazon's cellular store, got the phone for a penny (with a new 2-year contract), and added on the mobile hotspot for $29 a month with no deposit required. It's a superfast 4G connection that I can not only use at home, but take with me when I travel. There is a 5GB data limit that I've never come close to reaching. Problem solved. </div>
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-15385495113954701322012-12-17T23:36:00.000-06:002012-12-17T23:36:58.257-06:00Days 56 through 60: Birds, Bronze, and Beau Rivage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day 56: Poker Tournament</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LFM1VukVtJqR63thBxqBIbsunJS0GxevR3xRQ7Qp7Ion1emZMCtDGDhZmopyrOJfQzipou_HNR91DI-dsVJlO-9CWhodUiLfvRTOCJJepoKTKyJgj2TooWJIBayzAIZk8_w7cTWRhgml/s1600/IMG_1047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LFM1VukVtJqR63thBxqBIbsunJS0GxevR3xRQ7Qp7Ion1emZMCtDGDhZmopyrOJfQzipou_HNR91DI-dsVJlO-9CWhodUiLfvRTOCJJepoKTKyJgj2TooWJIBayzAIZk8_w7cTWRhgml/s640/IMG_1047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I finally won one! Woohoo! Once again, it's not real money. Darn. </div>
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Day 57: Eastern Phoebe</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJdGg_N3MkE7XV7YUL-RId3Xml6Uz9P9SrXTc4-wKErwNHDMM-vNbTgTpnkMBN2TgL8BOMbp0KDH0FtUDaQYWNcUy6QM7YGUqELc0Y3Ok7s-l0yxc_ZHwbkXja6uAAwkmeuyyuWcGfnGU/s1600/IMG_1049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJdGg_N3MkE7XV7YUL-RId3Xml6Uz9P9SrXTc4-wKErwNHDMM-vNbTgTpnkMBN2TgL8BOMbp0KDH0FtUDaQYWNcUy6QM7YGUqELc0Y3Ok7s-l0yxc_ZHwbkXja6uAAwkmeuyyuWcGfnGU/s400/IMG_1049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I think this must be one of his favorite perches because I've seen him there several times. He's one of our winter birds, spending the colder months in the wooded area behind my apartments before he heads as far north as Canada to breed. I took his photo from my balcony.</div>
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Day 58: Bronze Drusy Ring </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHc1QcdUGGG_8fHvgYbBF-B88x1WcBRXqvbxRoEuGQ04DOh4eLNVqxE51iBx7oHAU1Rs8WVAB_FMepXdVKF138RDshHw6xADI5eXewjN9ZCNws1p0-6Sy9dEsTzKZVSGYKgDQ3LpPlB_D-/s1600/IMG_1066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHc1QcdUGGG_8fHvgYbBF-B88x1WcBRXqvbxRoEuGQ04DOh4eLNVqxE51iBx7oHAU1Rs8WVAB_FMepXdVKF138RDshHw6xADI5eXewjN9ZCNws1p0-6Sy9dEsTzKZVSGYKgDQ3LpPlB_D-/s640/IMG_1066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've jumped on the Bronzo Italia bandwagon. Gold has become too expensive for me to buy, but this cost less than $60 and has a beautiful color. I may have to start a collection of bronze jewelry. </div>
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Day 59: Beau Rivage Poker Chip </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06hMV_G3qKs3VMehd0tFBNXtYr5Wu5gPMr6fl_YTUB3jxwGol6-6yFxzupBMZWYOMWD-VutSawdEG3SPNFz-sAPcTPOkPa8BfGK9DgxNjV_2IRVb6oZaSXHUWvV_Le87mxxFxDqJ1W05S/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06hMV_G3qKs3VMehd0tFBNXtYr5Wu5gPMr6fl_YTUB3jxwGol6-6yFxzupBMZWYOMWD-VutSawdEG3SPNFz-sAPcTPOkPa8BfGK9DgxNjV_2IRVb6oZaSXHUWvV_Le87mxxFxDqJ1W05S/s320/IMG_1080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Many times, I've heard other players saying they brought several hundreds of dollars to the table so when they got a good hand they could bet large and make some money. I wondered if there was any validity to that strategy, but I wasn't going to risk my own money finding out. I won $500 at the blackjack tables, took it to the poker tables, and gave it all away. I think I'll stick to my strategy of buying in with the minimum $100. If I play smart, that's enough. </div>
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Day 60: Home-Grown Tangerine </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hiUAC90SpTfC7id87Pm2JODfVHOs1xaEIT99iQ84a_u4QsQLesP19re3_ZP6NQq_ic-rzMosM4rSfilPrVMFj311KeW7zkpU0MMlYswlS9do4WsU05bEnEo-afUzN7yHqn4NnbB4FCks/s1600/IMG_1084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hiUAC90SpTfC7id87Pm2JODfVHOs1xaEIT99iQ84a_u4QsQLesP19re3_ZP6NQq_ic-rzMosM4rSfilPrVMFj311KeW7zkpU0MMlYswlS9do4WsU05bEnEo-afUzN7yHqn4NnbB4FCks/s400/IMG_1084.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of my colleagues harvested her trees and brought some of the fruit to work. </div>
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246558210261863420.post-47113663407378137482012-12-17T00:38:00.000-06:002012-12-17T00:38:38.041-06:00Days 51 through 55: Honolulu, HSN, and Haters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day 51: Honolulu </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgbRrFHhBpzwY5AvDDyyaMizAXKXzCy8o3c1VarJGEF1npe8lz0eHa3iBNWYhxaRGOGwnlVT4YSe9aVFcZnQBN0UYdw9XQi9w5V6o-hF17OiNqRA1vl725sqpI3MkugemzEmT0DIs6n-_/s1600/IMG_0962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgbRrFHhBpzwY5AvDDyyaMizAXKXzCy8o3c1VarJGEF1npe8lz0eHa3iBNWYhxaRGOGwnlVT4YSe9aVFcZnQBN0UYdw9XQi9w5V6o-hF17OiNqRA1vl725sqpI3MkugemzEmT0DIs6n-_/s400/IMG_0962.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Her parents named her Regret. In Korea, girl babies were not valued. They did not attend school, did not eat with their brothers or father, did not matter. She learned to read in secret and became a picture bride, shaming her family. She found herself in Hawaii, married to an abusive husband who drank or gambled away every penny he earned. She took a job in the pineapple fields so she'd have money for food and was rewarded with a beating. After he caused the death of their unborn baby, she finally found the courage to leave. Alone in Honolulu, she started over. I won't spoil the story by telling you the rest. I will tell you she perseveres and her life does get much, much better.</div>
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Also recommended: Moloka'i by the same author.</div>
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Day 52: Wolfgang Puck's Garnishing Tools</div>
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I'm also hooked on HSN, especially when Wolfgang Puck is on. All the best stuff sells out during the show, so I have to watch it live. This garnishing set was $24.99. His is the only lemon zester I've found that actually works. I love the apple corer, too. I haven't used the other tools yet. </div>
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Day 53: New Lamp </div>
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I've been moving my one lamp from the bedroom to the living room and back long enough. No more! I think the new one will live by my La-Z-Boy. I wonder if the bulb will really last 9.1 years? Come back in a decade and I'll let you know. </div>
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Day 54: Lips</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6HibXeiww3-yb2s3Yj_xGJRjGN2GE6zUElBFDtojOvXnEoDmq3fcZ7KtkeRgbrfsHWhE5y8lTLktx01OlLnSJ_LBoHqXG4y1y38pXsgzsHsrZgj6kFUzzxK4xel4X1lltloTVIjgRncq/s1600/IMG_1017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6HibXeiww3-yb2s3Yj_xGJRjGN2GE6zUElBFDtojOvXnEoDmq3fcZ7KtkeRgbrfsHWhE5y8lTLktx01OlLnSJ_LBoHqXG4y1y38pXsgzsHsrZgj6kFUzzxK4xel4X1lltloTVIjgRncq/s640/IMG_1017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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They used to laugh at me in grade school. They called me "N_____ Lips" and made other mean comments. </div>
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My sister told my daughter, "You're so lucky you don't have huge lips like your mother." </div>
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I like my lips. People spend good money to make theirs like mine or even bigger. </div>
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Haters...</div>
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Day 55: Eyes </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikW6-OY7JU5HsNywbx0oTDlARcUiBcIwRIO3JtAbRux1rsb0RdTOeZMWxQ_9ZKU41yMDABfSRmJcH8l4iaXeOlTSRXOBWFJG8_5yCeGo96O1MaogrlnlQYVeq8uEOm-Rtz6XANjKK8Bqu/s1600/IMG_1021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikW6-OY7JU5HsNywbx0oTDlARcUiBcIwRIO3JtAbRux1rsb0RdTOeZMWxQ_9ZKU41yMDABfSRmJcH8l4iaXeOlTSRXOBWFJG8_5yCeGo96O1MaogrlnlQYVeq8uEOm-Rtz6XANjKK8Bqu/s400/IMG_1021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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They've been looking a little tired lately. I need to start using my Avon again...and getting more sleep. </div>
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com3