Aug 20 2017

My Sunday Photo: The ‘Welcoming’ Committee

It’s been a while since I’ve seen an alligator in our lake, but on Friday, a juvenile ‘gator, probably just four feet long, came gliding in to shore. His approach did not go unnoticed however, as Mr. GBH, Lenny Limpkin and a representative of the Iggy family had gotten word of his imminent arrival, and were right there waiting for him.

Mr. GBH the self-appointed Chairman of the Residents’ Committee, using his sternest tone of voice, told young Al in no uncertain terms that his presence was not welcome on their peaceful grassy bank. “I’m quite happy to share the fish with you, as long as you’re not too greedy, but you are definitely not allowed to trespass on our territory. I realise that there are many tasty pickings here on land, such as small birds, iguanas, rabbits, squirrels, as well the occasional pet dog or cat, but such creatures are absolutely out of bounds, and I just want you to know that we are watching you. That’s all. You may go now. ” Well, that told him in no uncertain terms and he hasn’t been seen since.

Thanks to hubby who always has one eye out of the window for any interesting activity. He took the photos for me. My eye is healing well after the op, but I still can’t see distance at all. I guess I’ll just have to be patient, but it’s not easy. I truly appreciate all your good wishes on my last post.

Happy Sunday everyone.

Aug 4 2017

Grandpa Igasho Comes To Visit

I’m afraid I’ve been rather absent from the blogs lately. Since our return from South Africa and England, we’ve driven up from Florida to see our family in New Jersey, calling in on friends in North Carolina for a couple of days. I had a wonderful birthday weekend with our son and family, but unfortunately we had to curtail our trip somewhat, as just before we left, I went to see an eye surgeon, who confirmed that my left eye has now developed a macular hole, just as my right eye did late last year. Today I go in for surgery and am sure it will be just as successful as the op I had done In South Africa. Many years ago, my dear Granny had eye problems and eventually became blind. I’m so grateful that there are such wonderful eye specialists and surgical procedures these days. Living today, we are so fortunate that medical science has progressed so far.

This morning, Grandpa Igasho appeared outside my bathroom window to wish me good luck.

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I told him that soon I’ll be able to see him with both eyes, and I’m sure he understood perfectly.

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Wishing you all a very happy weekend. I’ll see you on the flip side.

May 8 2017

Good Morning Sammy

I’m finally getting used to my new Macbook Pro and have learned how to put my photos on my desktop. Everything seems different to my previous one, which is very confusing.

One thing that is a constant, however, is little Sammy. He’s as cute as ever and always nibbling away at something he’s found in the backyard.

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Wishing you all a very good week.

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Mar 26 2017

Travel Theme: Four Brown Pelicans

Four Brown Pelis perched up high in the swaying branches.

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I’ve often marvelled at how they keep their balance and even manage to sleep standing on a branch. Surely it must be exhausting having to hold on so tightly so as not to fall. Well, apparently their talons have a pulley system of tendons so that the bird’s foot closes and grasps automatically as the ankle and knee joints are bent. They can only release their grip once the limb is straightened, so instead of having to expend energy holding on for dear life, as we humans would if we were clinging to a branch, a bird’s magical system simply locks their talons in place. How cool is that?

Have a great Sunday. If you want to see more ‘Fours’, just visit Ailsa’s Travel Theme here.

Sep 2 2016

Thursday’s Special: Unnerving Eye Contact

Paula’s Special this week is’ Eyes and Eye Contact’. I decided to go for the literal meaning, and post a couple of owl photos taken on different occasions through my bathroom window. I have no idea whether owls actually have thoughts, but if they do, I’d love to know what was behind this stare and the fact that his beak moved as though he were saying something to me.

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Owls are often said to be wise, but maybe it’s just their unflinching stare that makes them look wise. They are mainly nocturnal birds, and I read that in bright light their sight isn’t that good, which is why they appear to be staring. They’re just trying to get you in focus.

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Whatever the reason, that eye contact was quite unnerving, but I was happy to get the photos.

Hope your weekend will turn out to be a good one.

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May 4 2016

Wordless Wednesday: The things I see from my bathroom window

The things I see from my bathroom window can sometimes be quite startling.

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Wave “Hi” to Basil the brown basilisk, and be grateful that your screen is between you and him.

Have a great Wednesday.

Apr 29 2016

Feathers on Friday: Snowy takes off

Just as Grandpa Iggy decided to go for a swim yesterday, I spotted a beautiful Snowy Egret a little further along the water’s edge.

The rather loud sound of Iggy’s belly-flop, alerted the beautiful Ms. Snowy to possible danger and away she flew.

This is my entry for Charlotte’s ‘Feathers on Friday’ challenge, and is also day #6 of my ‘7 Days of Nature’ challenge; thanks to Anna of ‘Una Vista Di San Fermo’ for inviting me to participate. If you would like to join in, just post a nature photo on seven consecutive days and link to my blog. You can also invite another blogger to take part.

I think the second photo might just qualify for Nancy’s Photo a Week Challenge, ‘A Different Focus’, as I seem to have accidentally got the wildflowers more in focus than the bird.

Wishing you all a very happy and relaxing weekend.