Heron in flight

I got a new favorite shot whilst down by the dam.

{25 May 2014}

Hummingbird closeup

We found a dead hummingbird at the Goza residence.

I guess sometimes the little guys' hearts just give out.

Maybe that sugar water puts them into super hyper overdrive.

Well, this one was quite perfectly preserved. 

Its amazing these little birds can survive in storms...

they weigh so little you think they'd get blown away.

The boys and I had a nice little biology lesson. 

And a burial.

RIP, hummer.

{June 2014}

Missouri bound

Two months ago today, I headed to S.Missouri for the first time.

I woke up early, but was instructed to stay in the 'girl' section of the house till I was summonsed to appear.

So. I stayed in my section.

And outside.

The sunrise was beautiful.

The breakfast I was served when summonsed was delicious.

And then, I was off in the car with two engineers.

It was a highly entertaining and informative ride.

We stopped at the St. Louis Arch for a stretch break.

And because I'd never stopped there before.

I kinda sorta felt a little spoiled.

{29 May 2014}

TIMBER!!!

That tree there is dead.

And its tall.

And, the time has come to finally take it down.

My father got some special equipment...

And a tall ladder...

and took the branches down as far up as he could get them.

Then, this happened.

We waited, and waited...and it fell before I could get a video of the kids yelling "TIMBER!"

{April 2014}

German grub

I like to force Mex to spend hours in the kitchen

when she comes to visit.

Which may be why she won't come very often.

I know, this doesn't look like hours' worth of work. 

But what if I stretch the truth and tell you we:

~killed the pig

~ground the meat

~seasoned the meat

~stuffed the sausages into casings

~cured the meat

~grilled the meat

~grew the red cabbage

~shredded the cabbage

~picked the apples

~preserved the apple cabbage kraut

~opened the jar of kraut and ate it

~ground the flour

~made the spaetzle from scratch

(Hint: each grouping above has one true statement.)

{April 2014}

Attacked by wild animals

Warning:

When in Kiev, watch out for zebras and tigers.

They're stripey, they speak English,

their costumes may be a little ripe, 

AND: they would like to have some money.

End of warning.

{29 June 2014}

A little hike

Back this spring, Mex, Mr. P-Nut and I went on a stroll 

through uncharted territory.

This tree led to nowhere.

Plus it was rotten. 

Luckily I didn't fall in. It looks like it was chilly.

Peering over the land from whence we came.

I'm not quite sure how uncharted territory has a photo of a lake.

And a telescope.

But there you have it.

{5 April 2014}