2019 Wrap Up

With our Texas family now closer, it was fun to see them introduced again to snow. 

Grandkids enjoyed sleds given them from friends in GF.  They have a great backyard for sledding and as one of them said; "I've lived in Texas, Arkansas, and Hawaii so now I am going to finally enjoy sledding." 

I think the parents also enjoyed the sledding.

It was our turn to have Thanksgiving with family. 

Cedar Waxwings were still around and enjoying the crab apples.

Then it was off to New Mexico for a few days with cousin Pat.

We had a great drive on the old Pecos Trail. 

Quite a contrast from the barren northern New Mexico scenery.

Santa Fe Plaza was beautifully decorated.

In contrast, Scottsdale is beautiful in its
own way. 

Christmas Eve service in one of the 11 at Scottsdale Bible.  (It was 54 years ago on Christmas Eve that M proposed... or was it the other way around?)

Then off to spend Christmas Day with M's sister and husband.

We spent a free night in a Westin.

So hard to imagine that there is a blizzard brewing at home. 

Tucson is a photographer's delight with mountains so close by. 

Now tell me, how do these guys not get stickers when they land?

Did I say "stickers?"

Christmas Day at Ev and Steve's for soup and pie supper.

It was great to be with family for the day.  We are so thankful for family and friends and God's goodness to us this past year.  Our "eyes are on Him" as we enter 2020.

June 2019 Texas Visitors Trip

Summer wouldn't be summer without a visit to Duluth, the number one vacation spot for Minnesotans.  For several years the Grands have enjoyed visiting the unique things that it has to offer.

The visit from the Texans has to include a stop at Itasca State Park and the "Old Timers' Cabin" built during the Great Depression by the CCC boys.

We stop at the Lodge for a breakfast when we are there.

My hiking days are somewhat limited but it doesn't stop the others from walking around Gooseberry Falls State Park, another favorite North Shore stop.

We didn't take a cruise on Lake Itasca this trip but I remember that we did for my 70th.

It was chilly in Duluth...actually it has been a crummy Spring and early Summer with lots of rain and cool temps.

I took my younger wife with me too and she looks toasty in her windbreaker.

It can be boring at our house but the kids still enjoy scooters we got them a few years ago, but E grew out of her helmet.

At our lake place we had an unexpected visit from Rob's brother and kids so the cousins got to spend a little time together.

Did I say that M is 10?

Roosters are bigger than I remember them.

Paul Bunyan is still a favorite stop when we are going or coming from Duluth.

Every time we see these two they grow a couple of inches. 

Such fun to have them come if even for a short time.

And more memories to remember and future ones to be enjoyed!

Spring Wings

Spring brings a great variety of wings in the area... some coming home for summer and some migrating through.  Yellow Warbler

Baltimore Oriole at the lake

Scarlet Tanager at the lake eating grape jelly.  We had up to four at a time and they were the first that I have ever seen.  We have to take our lake feeders down when we come home because the bears have already knocked them down once...so I never know if these beauties will return or are just passing through. 

This Oriole at the lake dove headfirst into the jelly.

We have a wren house at the lake and he checks it out but hasn't decided if he'll stay.  I should say that I read that males will start building in up to 4 places and the female will decide which one she likes to lay her eggs... sound familiar?

Orioles like oranges too.  We haven't seen them around lately at home so maybe he prefers navel oranges.

When they first arrived, the Orioles made short work of the orange.

Here was another first for me.  Do you know what it is?  It is a Cape May Warbler.

Gray Cat Bird at the lake. 

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Not sure what this rascal is... I was trying to get his picture and it didn't stay in one place in the upper branches more than a second or two. 

Another Yellow Warbler daring me to get his picture before he takes off again.

Again I am not sure what this one is.  I would guess a warbler of some kind.

Pelicans checking out the campground.

I assume this is some kind of sparrow or thrush?  Maybe he is an American Sparrow cuz he looks like he had a pretty good winter and put on a few pounds like we Americans are prone to do over winter.

First Ruby-throated Hummingbird of the season at the lake. 

House Finch.

Female Oriole

These Tanagers ate grape jelly, suet, and oranges.  Well balanced diet. 

At first I thought this lighter colored Tanager must be the female but the bird book shows a mostly yellow bird.  I guess the males just vary a bit in color.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak  

Though Pelicans are large, they are nothing compared to Bald Eagles which seem to be absent right now from the lake.  Perhaps they are rearing their young.  Those of you who like birds, like me appreciate their beauty and variety.  God must have had fun making them all.  If you don't like birds you can be thankful because I didn't get a picture of the Flicker, Canaries, Chickadees, Blue Jays, Robins, Song Sparrows, Rose and White Breasted Nuthatches, Crows, Blackbirds, Hairy and Downey Woodpeckers, Loons, Ducks, Geese, Swans or Red Winged Blackbirds.  But be encouraged, Spring isn't over yet!