Day 72...A Hawkin' Good Day!

Day 72
(day 2 of "making do")

A Really Good Day!!!

Repetitious? I think it is!! But I don't care...:)

I'm very grateful to be able to say what a good day I've had.

 I'm also aware of just how lucky and blessed I am!!!

I had a fun day today with friends! Lunch, a lot of good conversation and dessert too!

There went my diet but, oh well!  

Saw my momma and she was having a good day which always makes me happy!

I have my littlest Jayhawk tucked into his

little Hawks nest here at GiGi and PaPa's house,

AND, the big boy Hawks won the game!!!

WHOOT WHOOT!!!

It really has been a great day!

Some misc. Kodak moment shots from today!

watching PaPa mow the lawn

 ♪... Do, Do, Do, lookin' out my back door...♪

So pretty...:)

My other Hosta varieties are barely just up out of the ground!

Day 71...Lucky? .... Not

Day 71
(day 1 of "making do")

Today is the first, of a questionable amount of days, where I'll be posting either a camera phone shot or a "Kodak" moment...but I shall keep on, keepin' on! :)

It's ok, it won't be long (I hope) and I'll have my camera back in hand!

 I've actually had to really go over my little old point-n-shoot again

 just to remember how it works! lol...But learning, or just refreshing the mind in any thing photography related was all part of my original goal so I suppose I'm still on track!!

Just in case you didn't know...

Mark and I did not win the Mega Millions...:(

We had such grand plans (sigh) ... :)

These are NOT the winning tickets!

Day 70...Broken

Day 70

I found this old broken windmill while out hunting for a photo a few weeks ago.

Today, it caught my eye again and I decided it must want to have it's "picture made."

On a windy day like today it's broken down state was even more evident. The wind gusted with such force that it nearly made me wobble but without a Wheel and only the Vane remaining, it did not move. Not enough parts were present to make this old timer function.

It stood tall yet totally still even as I leaned against my car for stability!

It's located on a construction site and is the only thing left standing on acres of land which appears to be ready for construction. Maybe they're going to leave it! I hope so.

As I search each day for my photo of the day, I always learn something. Today I realized that I ALWAYS notice windmills. I really like them! Along with steeples and barns,

 I'm adding windmills to my list of things to look for and photograph!

Broken, but standing.

 

Day 69...Maybe Babies...And Wisteria Too!

Day 69

While eating dinner this evening, movement caught my eye right out side my kitchen window. As I looked a little closer I noticed it was a momma Cardinal. She was working on a NEST!!! I'm so excited! She flew off  and I wasn't able to capture a photo of her at work but I did see her in action! Hopefully I didn't create any sense of danger for her as I was trying to capture a photo... I'd feel so bad if she abandoned this nest and moved on. I have read where some birds start but never finish nests before deciding on their "perfect location." I hope she decides to use this one! I really want to catch some up close and personal photo's of her, Daddy Cardinal and the babies. Right now her nest looks pretty pitiful and loose. Mark told me that Cardinals aren't known for making very tidy, sturdy nests
 and from the looks of this one,
 I think she needs an architect and a structural engineer to help her!

But, I suppose she knows what she's doing!

Mother Nature gives all species of Mommas those nesting instincts and abilities. :)

Home Tweet Home

 I also did a bit of neighborhood creeping again!

I've watched this Wisteria grow for the last six years. I saw them construct the arbor.

Isn't it beautiful? I love it!!!

Just Gorgeous!

  

Day 68...A Conclusion

Day 68

Well, if I can say one thing about a lesson in photography...

 today has been a lesson from the time I woke up till now!!

After many controlled test shots today, and noticing a difference in clarity, sharpness and focus the last few weeks, I've come to the conclusion that my additional appendage
(my camera)

is once again not functioning at top performance.

As much as I hate to be without it again, I'm going to call tomorrow

and see whether the work done in January might possibly still be under repair warranty since the problems I'm having now are the same as why I sent it in before.

Today, in all my efforts to keep trying, I did manage to catch a couple of acceptable (but not great) shots of my beautiful Labrador, Meadow. 

I think these shots show how well behaved, attentive and patient she is
until he makes the throw...

which allows her to do what she loves most...fetch and retrieve!

She just doesn't know it's really supposed to be a bird.

She likes her stick (log)....:)

Day 67...Progress, Question, Anticipation

Day 67

Other than the obvious pleasure of such mild Winter weather,
I've noticed some other benefits too!
I do believe the Vinca that I've been nurturing for
the last couple of years has tripled in coverage!!!
Yaaay!
It has such a sweet little flower
with lush green leaves and isn't invasive at all.
Grows great anywhere you put it!  Shade for sure!
Just takes some time to get established!

Sweet Vinca

I'm not sure what this beautiful tree is.
Every year I mean to ask my neighbor and keep forgetting :/

Can anyone tell me? Unlike most flowering ornamental trees,

this one leafs out first, then blooms.

I love this tree! I'm glad it grows right on our fence line...It's as good as my own! :)

But, what's your name?

 Mild Winter. Just one more reason to get the feeders ready a bit early. I'm not sure (just assuming) but think the Hummers might fly back in a couple of weeks earlier than usual so I decided to be ready!  Feeders should be out by the middle of April to attract them to your yard so a couple of weeks head start can't hurt!

I'll report back later if it was a good idea!

...Anticipation...

Calling all Hummingbirds...I'm ready for YOU! :)

Day 66...299 To Go!

Day 66

This weather is beyond beautiful!

But as much as I love it, I'm not holding my breath for it to remain like this without

at least one more blast from Old Man Winter...

 I heard the weather man say it's still a very real possibility that Winter could rear it's ugly head again before it's all over...but I sure hope not!

Enough of that dreaded Winter talk though, I need to take advantage of the way it is now!

As much as I wished I could've spent the entire day out and about,
there was work to be done!

Housework, yard work, and Mom-in-law coming for dinner didn't leave me much of any extra time to get out (except out in the backyard.)

It did feel good though to get another section of yard cleaned up
and in the yard waste dumpster! ...(no boring photo of that again) 

I swear, for someone who lives in the suburbs,
the leaves and clean up NEVER end around here.

When it comes to yard clean up,  I feel like I live in the woods!!!

I was determined to not have an indoor photo on today's blog though so 

after I got that dumpster stomped and packed full once again, I did decide to make a quick run out to see if I could find a barn. I had absolutely no idea where I was headed, as usual!!! Normally that doesn't bother me except I knew I had to get back and get dinner started since Mom was coming over. The pressure was on! Well, I actually found a few but not all of them were situated in such a way that it was safe to stop the car and get out...I did find this one in particular that I really liked...

It looked so small sitting on the masses of acreage that surrounded it.

It made me think of the song....

♪ I can see for miles and miles, I can see for miles and miles ...♪

Day 65...City Life

Day 65

A modge podge of fun activities for today! Very "on the go" but FUN!

We couldn't have ordered weather any nicer than it was today.

I love doing things here in the city that I've never done before and when that happens it always makes me think, "wow, how could I've not done this or known about this before."

No matter! I know now and have checked one more city activity off my list...

Waiting for and watching the trains from the freight yard bridge!!!

Here's just a few of many photos I took today.

I love trains, old buildings,  the city view and flowers too

 so these are some of my favorites from today... :)

hope you enjoy them too!

♪ I hear that train a comin' ♪

♪ it's rollin' 'round the bend ♪

View of the Western Auto building from the bridge.

Stuart Hall building view from bridge

City view from Liberty Memorial

Tulips on Summit St.



Day 64...Neighborhood Beauty

Day 64

More of Spring to love.

Where my street ends, a wooded field begins.

I was able to catch a bit of my neighborhood beauty this afternoon as I arrived home!

 But the signs are there...(green leaves)...the flowering is almost over.

I hope to catch some more this weekend before it's too late!!

Even as the gorgeous flowering trees turn to green, there will be so many more blooming beauties to look forward to for the next few months! I can't wait!

Bowing Down

Tangled Beauty

Not My Backyard

Day 63...The Mailman

Day 63

The mailman made me happy today!

He delivered my new book on backyard birding!!!

YAAAY!  

I absolutely love birdwatching. I get it from my momma...:)

She's taught me every, single thing I know about birds. 

When she couldn't live at home alone any longer,

she gave me her books on birds to use for reference.

I use them all the time and I love how her books have notations in the margins,

keeping track of dates that she spotted certain birds at her feeders. 

After moving to Olathe 17 years ago one thing that my mom really missed

was her old backyard. She had all her feeders established at the old house and had attracted many different species of birds that visited regularly on their seasonal migrations.

After her move, she never had Bluebirds visit at her new house.

One bright spot in moms daily life now is there are Bluebirds 

visiting the feeders outside her window at the nursing home.

She sees them again on a daily basis and always tells me about it on my visits!!

I hope my kids will grow to love birdwatching like their Grandma and I do...:)

I also hope I can catch some decent shots of the birds that will soon be visiting my feeders!

Some years there are more of a variety than others...We shall see!!

Another great book added to the collection!

The mailman also brought me a cute new pair of shoes today...

but they were too big... grrrr

One day next week will be a good day also when the replacement pair arrives!!!

Day 62...Nightcap

Day 62

When I wake up, I brew my own coffee... no coffee shop stops for me!

 Not that I'm against buying a drink at the coffee shop, oh no...I love those frozen drinks!!

Summers almost here and a Frappuccino has my name on it sometime soon.

But when it comes to my hot cup of coffee,

it's my picky palate...I'm seriously addicted to my own coffee concoction.

Nothing else will do!

And when the day is done and it's time to settle in for the evening,

only my iced tea will do!

I'm not sure how many nights a week (or month) that I go to bed without my glass of tea.

I only know it's not many... I guarantee you that!

If I have to, I stay up a few extra minutes to brew fresh tea

so that I can have some before I go to bed!!!

Just as I did tonight...:)

My Nightcap



Day 61...Catch Lights? YES!!!

Day 61

Another rainy day kept me indoors, but that's OK.

 Look what I had to keep me company!

A chair climbin', Weeble eatin', dog bone chewer! :)

The days go by fast filled with activity....and lots of talking too!

Don't ask me what our conversations are about...:)

I. don't. have. a. clue.

We just talk!

Maybe it's, "Hey GiGi, whatcha doin'?"

Test child for safety...:)

A baby under the age of 3 will not choke on this Weeble!

"I think I'm gonna give up dog bones. They're such a nasty habit!"

 And then the house is quiet, so quiet.

Toys are all picked up and waiting for the next time!



Day 60...So Many Raindrops

Day 60

Earlier this evening when the rain had let up to just a few tiny sprinkles

I decided to go out and scavenge by back yard for a photo
before the next round of heavy rain began.

My day had once again (almost) slipped away from me without taking a photo.

As I walked out my backdoor, there was my first photo!!!

The RAIN GAUGE!!

I was surpised this much had already accumulated!

Straight from your friendly weather watcher here in rainy Liberty, MO,

the daily total as of 6:30 pm? Nearly 1 full inch!

Forsythia wearing her glistening raindrop jewels!

Day 59...A Dent

Day 59

Slept in till 8 and it really felt good... No guilt here for sleeping in!

Coffee down, I attacked the yard by 9!

It was nice to be outside getting my hands dirty again!

After foot surgery last Spring my gardens really suffered and were beyond pitiful.

I'm determined to get them back into shape this year!!!

And that task began today...

Before Mark cut the grasses back I grabbed my camera for a quick shot.

I REALLY love the grasses best in their winter colors!

 A small dent was made but hey, it's a start!

A dumpster full was only one corner of my yard... :(

And Mark climbed in that dumpster three times to stomp/smash it down

for me before we finished for the day!

 A quick run to the winery this afternoon to log some prints and

caught this Angel shot on my way out the door.

A little blown out but I kinda liked the effect!



Day 58...On The Go

Day 58

Today was one of those busy, rushing, in a hurry kind of days.

Not a bad day, not at all.

It was a good day, just a little rushed.

 The kind of day where you feel like you didn't have time

to stop and smell the roses (or even eat.)

After I got home and we were on our way to dinner,

 I was really glad I was the passenger and had my camera in my lap.

I said to my husband that it was such a pretty sunset,

(not necessarily spectacular but I like when the rays shine down through the clouds)

...He said to me ....

Every sunset is beautiful, Hon.

A simple statement but he meant it sincerely and I realized how true it is.

Every sunrise and sunset has it's own special beauty when we take the time to notice.

Day 57...Bradfords and Pines

Day 57

The beauty of this scene was too much to ignore...

At least for me it was.

I wonder how many people pass by and never really notice.

The old saying is very true...

"Take time to stop and smell the roses"

(and even the stinky Bradford Pears) 

:)

Pine Cones? I don't know much about Pines.

I've never really paid attention since I don't have Pine cone producers in my yard but...

 is it the right time of year for this?

Day 56...Odd Mix

Day 56

Today I have an odd mix of photos.

When you have no plan, you just never know what will catch your eye...

or who's eyes might catch you!

Caught by their watchful eyes, with my camera in hand...

not the best photos but I wanted to share what I got to see this evening!

There were eight and they were very curious about us. I'm surprised I caught a photo at all.

I know we startled them as we drove up into a parking lot area and there they were.
I didn't even have my camera turned on yet
and scrambled with my settings trying to catch a decent shot.

 (♪ grazin" in the grass it's a gas, baby can ya dig it ♪)

 It didn't take them long to scurry on down the hill
 and one by one they leaped into the trees.

We interrupted their evening meal.

They were scared and ran fast!

 A little bit of garden green

AND... 

I went looking once before,

but I found it today... :)

The pencil shaped cell tower!

Day 55...Stinkin' Beautiful

Day 55

There's no denying the beauty of Bradford Pears. They're gorgeous.

Simple beauty.

Like puffy white clouds that for a brief time settle to the ground.

I love looking at them.

BUT...

Oh, do they stink!!!

What a spoiler!

So today, what did I do but go get up close and personal with one of these "stinkers."

Here's a few close up shots of a tree in the parking lot at work.



Day 54...Spring Break

Day 54

This afternoon after putting the little "Do-Da" (as PaPa calls all the grandbabies)

down for his nap, I grabbed my camera and headed out my backdoor for a few minutes.

I took a break, a Spring break, right in my own back yard! :)

The joy that the first Daffodil brings is a really nice feeling.

 I don't have many in my yard but I have a few and some are in bloom!

I also have a Magnolia tree that I love.

To be honest, it probably needs to come out.

It's blooms are very sparse and there is some dead wood also

but I just can't bear to let it go.

I know it's been here in my yard for many years

and for some reason,

I've been really attached to it since we moved in here six years ago.

I'd never smelled them before until we moved here.

There's nothing like it! Wonderfully delicious!

My Forsythia bush is just beginning to bloom also

but I thought I'd just save that one for another Spring break!

Happy Spring Everyone!

Day 53...Lookin' Good In Blk & Wht

Day 53

After introducing three out of four Kane household pets...

Well, it just wasn't fair to leave out the last one any longer.

Meet Michi (me-chee)

She is the stereotypical, aloof feline.

If I could read her mind, I'm sure it would go something like this....

"I will sit in this chair (or anywhere else) if I want and I will look pretty while doing so. I will not sit on your lap but I will let you pick me up if you must. Although, I only tolerate it because you feed me. I do meow pathetically at you only because I know I have the power to get your attention. I just hate it when you turn the dryer on. It scares me. That's why I like you to pick me up, place me on the dryer and pet me while I eat! I have you trained! And Oh, by the way, you will never be forgiven for bringing that Orange Cat into my home. I was here first and she was not needed! Just so you know, She is the one who's responsible for the hairballs.....NOT ME!"

My name is Michi and I AM the Queen "B"

Did I give you permission to photograph me?

 Oh never mind, it's you! The one who buys my food.... go ahead...(cat sigh)