Orange Eaters

A week ago I realized I had missed putting out the feeder for the May 1 arrival of the orioles. So I loaded it up with oranges and grape jelly and hung it out to see if I was too late to tempt them.

Sad to say, I haven't seen or heard an oriole this year. Either they didn't show up or I was oblivious when they arrived.

The feeder has been very busy even without the orioles. The catbirds have been enjoying both the oranges and the grape jelly.

The house finches are also fruit eaters. This male and female will be bringing their hatchlings soon. I can imagine the hatchlings being very disappointed when they mature and realize that grape jelly is not a normal part of bird feeder fare.

And, when the birds aren't there these little butterflies come and enjoy orange juice.

Bluebird Update

Mother bluebird is sitting on five pretty blue eggs. They're due to hatch June 2.

I've never been able to catch a bird in flight on purpose, but usually enjoy the results when it happens accidently.

The camera was aimed at the nest box in hopes Mom would peek out at me. Instead she decided I was just too scary and she flew out.

Don't worry. I left the area and she went right back in.

Louise Lunch, May 12, 2012

Louise Lunch is our annual Mother's Day/Heather's birthday celebration of four generations of women with the middle name Louise.

Since daughter Heather is being honored twice, once for being granddaughter Kimmy's mom and also for her birthday, she gets to choose where we meet. This year she selected Applebee's.

As usual, I was too busy having a good time to remember the camera until we were almost ready to leave.

Granddaughter Kimberly Louise (left below) just graduated from high school and was looking forward to going to a prom that evening.

Daughter Heather Louise (right below) is 100% nonphotogenic unless she is unaware of the camera. So glad I could catch her with a natural smile on her face.

My mom, Margarete Louise (below), always takes a beautiful picture.

The many gifts that were exchanged were all packed away by the time I got my camera out.

Each of us got a bag of personalized M & Ms. I took the picture at home. Just before I ate them.

Snapshot for May 5, 2012

Weather in SW Michigan ...
Beautiful May day. Not too hot. Not too cool. Noisy frogs in the water and nesting birds everywhere.

The picture below is unaltered. The bluebird really is that blue.

What is Matt doing? ...
Discouraging blackflies. They are why his head is wrapped and his hand is waving in the air.

Something from the kitchen ...
Crockpot Chicken with Black Beans, Corn, and Creamcheese again. It's so easy with only five ingredients and the chicken doesn't have to be thawed. About five minutes prep time which includes finding the crockpot.

Totally delicious. And I can get four meals out of it.

I am creating...
This blog post. It counts as a creation because Blogger has changed everything and I'm trying to figure out how to get the lines spaced the way I want them.

I will get it right eventually, but at the moment I'm a bit frustrated.

I am procrastinating ...
Actually things are getting done at a comfortable pace and I have no major procrastination on my conscience.

There are some more bins in the basement that need to be sorted out, but the barn guys have been filling Herby everyweek so I'm taking a break.

Yes, I know I can fill garbage bags and save them until there's room. So, maybe I am procrastinating. I prefer to think of it as managing the workload.



I am reading...
The Song Remains the Same by Allison Winn Scotch.

An excellent story about a woman who loses her entire memory in a plane crash and how her family, each with their own set of character flaws, tries to influence her actions by altering the stories of her past.

Totally enjoying it.

I am hearing...
My neighbor mowing his lawn.

Sunny is softly snoring. Pappy is sound asleep. Both dogs are exhausted from guarding the house while the men were here working all week.

Outdoors ...
This female bluebird and the male in the top picture just finished their nest today. I expect to see eggs next week.

Something new for me ...
The barn has new doors, new windows, and now a new roof. Next is siding, paint, and a second garage door on the front.

A few plans for the next few days
Church tomorrow. Lunch with a friend on Monday. Sign up for high speed internet. Buy oranges for the Oriole feeder. Possibly buy a new laptop, which I've been informed is now called a tablet.

And ...
I love it when I can get a male and female together in the same picture. If I didn't know better, I'd think these two were posing.