Sunday, June 15, 2014

Hello it’s me

Did you think I’d fallen off the face of the earth? I’m sorry, my friends, that I’ve been so absent. I think that, for a long time, blogging was such an escape for me. It also enabled me to connect with people and to make new friends. But I loved that iIt gave me something to do while in the same room with my husband, who was either watching tv or resting. And now that it’s just me . . . maybe I don’t need it for an escape anymore.

I still enjoy sharing my photos with you and apologize that it’s just on a weekly basis anymore. It’s true that May and early June were extraordinarily busy for me at work. Being busy is fine but when you couple it with the weekend housekeeping chores, I feel like I hardly have time to just chill.

 

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My favorite thing to do to relax these days is to take photographs of the birds at the feeders. I’ve built this weird perching system at the edge of the patio, trying to mimic the one my husband built that was knocked down by snow and winter storms.

I have several shepherd’s hooks with flowering baskets and bird feeders hanging from them. I have two bird baths. But I also have 2 old and large tree stumps. Attached to them are a series of long tree branches, and across some of the branches, I’ve tied other branches for perches. It’s a work in progress. So – on the whole, it’s kind of weird-looking. (I’ll show you some day). But for bird close-ups, it’s nice.

 

 

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There’s this, which I think is terribly cute.

The tufted titmouse really likes the fruit & nut seed mix, so when I’m taking photos,

I fill up this little seed holder. It almost looks like he’s found a friend.

 

 

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A downy woodpecker.

At least, I think it’s a downy. Could be a hairy, which is a little bigger. But it’s hard to tell without the other to compare it to.

 

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What I was really waiting ever-so-patiently for was this fellow - a red-bellied woodpecker. I can sit outside for an hour or more and catch a few good shots, but this guy waited to show up immediately after I left the patio to go back inside. I’d been waiting for him because I could hear him for quite some time in the trees. I shot this image through the screened windows of the breakfast nook which is why it looks grainy like this.

 

I haven’t been just sitting at home on my free time.

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My son came down from NYC and we went to a family graduation party in NJ yesterday. That’s the Delaware Memorial Bridge you see there.

 

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I also took a boat ride with friends last weekend to say goodbye to another good friend and co-worker who has retired. I’m happy for her that she’s moving to NC to be closer to her children, but sad that I won’t be able to see her as much.

And finally . . .

 

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I am heading to Maine again. With my sisters this time! All four of us will be staying in a cottage I rented. I had booked with the same agency last spring because my husband wanted to go see Maine again one last time. But about a month after I booked it, he began failing quickly and I had to cancel. I couldn’t get my money back, but the realtor told me I could transfer the rental to the following year. I not only did that, but I chose a bigger place so that all of my sisters could come with me. They’re coming from California, Florida, and Pennsylvania. And I cannot wait.

 

I’ll keep you posted . . .

 

Enjoy your week, my friends and thanks for stopping by today.

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31 comments:

Michelle said...

Wonderful to hear from you and I do hope you enjoy the time with your sisters.

Sabrina Steyling said...

Lovely birdies! Enjoy that vacation in Maine with your sisters!

Cloudia said...

Del Mem Bridge[s] always meant adventure to me (going the opposite direction) What lovely shots and thoughts. Thanks for sharing them whenever you feel it.

An Idea: When you feel it, build brief posts around favorite shots, or 2 or 3, and schedule posts for like 3 a week. We love you and like to see you often. But understand completely about being master of your moments and hours these days. So do what you like, we will go on loving you.

And DO soak in MAINE!

Fond ALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
=^..^= <3

JaneK said...

Hey! I was just getting ready to shut it down for the night because I had read all the new stuff I follow... and voila! there was a new post from you :) thanks for sharing, as always. And too much fun that all your sisters are coming and from so far away. I know it will be good to see everyone. we look forward to some of the pictures...
have a lovely week

Candace said...

I like your perches idea. I might have to rig something up, too, so I can get unobstructed views of birds. Yours look totally like they were done out in nature, natural nature :) Have a wonderful time in Maine, sounds lovely.

GailO said...

The desire and need to blog evolves on its own it seems...I know that I now wonder how I ever blogged daily but I still find enjoyment with a daily photo. Your new style and needs will emerge too I believe. In the meantime I think I will always consider you my friend no matter how much you or I blog:)

Have an absolutely delightful summer Kate. A Maine vacation with your sisters is something I truly am envious of!

Hedy King said...

Hello Kate, lovely pictures, once again. Yay rah for Maine with Sisters, it will be wonderful for you all. I'm still in OZ with our daughter for a little longer. Dread going home to an empty house, but I'm homesick, too. Widowhood is confusing, no? Enjoy your summer. I look forward to your photos. Hedy

The Weaver of Grass said...

I remember that cancellation Kate and your sadness at the time. This year I hope you are going forward and that you enjoy it.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I am so excited for you.. what a wonderful get away.

Country Gal said...

Hi Kate
Good to hear all is going well for you . Looking forward to seeing your bird rig up with the tree stumps and all sounds great ! I bet your looking forward to that trip and stay with your sisters I bet you gals will have a blast ! Lovely photos , yes my favorite thing to do is photography I to find it so relaxing and enjoyable and get a kick out of the birds and animals I am photographing . Thanks for sharing , have a great trip looking forward to photos and hearing all about it !

BB said...

Oh how FABULOUS - sisters together on holiday... sounds movie-worthy to me. I love that you are too busy to blog (although if I were to be selfish I would complain at my lack of bird eye-candy)!
<3
BB

The JR said...

You'll have a wonderful trip with your family!

Daryl said...

hello you! i am sure you will have an amazing time with your sisters!!! xo

Lisa Gordon said...

I am glad that you are doing well, and enjoying your summer, Kate.

Have a fantastic time in Maine. Such a beautiful place to be in the summertime.

Kerri Farley said...

Great to see a post from you!! I LOVE that you LOVE to take birdie shots :) And that bridge shot..... takes my breath away!!
So glad you are going to Maine ..... I'm sure you will have LOTS of pics to show us. We are going back to NC again....I'm counting the days!!

Sally said...

Have a wonderful time with your sisters.
xoxo

Carolynn Anctil said...

The early part of spring with the opportunity to get outside and work on all the projects that have lain dormant all winter is definitely a busy time of year around here, too. I hope you'll share photos of your trip to Maine! I've always wanted to visit there.

Blessings,
Carolynn
A Glowing Ember

JC said...

You have been busy.

Donna S. said...

Kate, Hope you have a great time in Maine. A friend & I are looking to rent a cabin & go there, too. If not this summer, next. I don't visit your blog as much but it always feels like coming home. My mom was terribly ill for 7 months and took most of my time. She passed away May 29 & dealing with it has been so much harder than I thought. So good to see you are doing well.

thewiildmagnola said...

this is a wonder smattering of your life.

colorful and compellingly filled with life energy.

sharon said...

you have such a gorgeous place to sit and watch the birds. we put up two bird feeders and the birds have been making a mess. If we put it in the trees the squirrels will get to it. Oh well, we don't mind sweeping the porch every other day, at least we get to see the birds in action.

Unknown said...

That some awesome bokeh you have there, girl!

I hope you have a wonderful time in Maine. I'm so jealous! Take lots of photos!

beth said...

wow…the fun you and your sisters will have in maine this summer is going to mind softening. i mean that in a good way as mind blowing seems harsh. warm hugs, long talks, walks, tears both happy and sad and honest love will fill your hearts with a lifetime of memories…..

how wonderful !!!!
xoxoo
ps…hi george :)

Hilary said...

That's so exciting.. a holiday with your sisters. So will George be the only guy there?

Lovely photos, one and all. How cool that you managed a shot at the Red Bellied despite being indoors.

The Woodpecker is indeed a Downy. Here's a quick way to tell when the other isn't around to compare. It's in the beak. If it looks to be shorter from tip to base than his head is from base of beak to back of his/her head, then it's a Downy. If the beak is just about as long from tip to base as the head is from base of the beak to the back of the head, then it's a Hairy. The markings are somewhat different also (more white on the black parts than with the Hairy), but the beak is the most distinctive feature for me.

Connie in Hartwood said...

Going to Maine with your sisters sounds perfect!

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

My blog was an escape as well, and I find I have less time for it now, too. This is actually a good thing.

I think.

What I KNOW is a good thing is your trip to Maine with your sisters!

The pictures are exquisite as always.

Bluebird49 said...

Well, I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss your posts, the more often ones that I always looked for! On the other hand, I'm always glad to see the ones you do post, love to see your beautiful photos, and I am so happy to know that you are busy and happier, and living your life!
Blessings, Kate!
Hugs, from Sybil!

Bluebird49 said...

Well, I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss your posts, the more often ones that I always looked for! On the other hand, I'm always glad to see the ones you do post, love to see your beautiful photos, and I am so happy to know that you are busy and happier, and living your life!
Blessings, Kate!
Hugs, from Sybil!

A Scattering said...

Hey Kate! Two blessings: the rental people would move your fee to this year AND that you were able to secure a place large enough for you, your sisters and dear George. Wishing you a wonderful vacation.

mkd said...

Glad to see you are enjoying the birds and all your travels. My favorites are always the little tufted titmouse - and I love how it looks like he is truly friends with the little statue of the bird! So sweet. My blogging has always ebbed and flowed over the years, always feeling like a soft spot to land when I need to slow down a bit, but it is spring and with all of the great weather who has time to blog right?

thecatalanway said...

Dear Kate
Lovely to hear your words again and see your birds. But it wasnt because you were absent that I missed you....it was me. I havent written my own vlog since May! I missed all of June. So much happening and I have been travelling and visiting in the UK. I also wondered why I stopped the writing and sharing, something I need so strongly when I am in Spain and feeling a bit isolated. But since being here I feel busy even when I am just sitting looking out over the sea. I am now in Cornwall and living in my simple cabin. Lots to write about and soon I will start.
But today I began by coming here to find you and as always feel so happy to link in with your life. Enjoy your trip....I need to read the next entries to find out how it went!
love Kate