No, not my flight, though when I was young I did think I’d like to fly a plane, and when I was even younger I used to dream that I could fly like a bird.
This is the scene from the window and what I had to shoot around.
No, this morning I put some peanuts in the flat feeder, and that quickly brought in my merry band of noisy bluejays. I swear they sit up in the trees and wait for me to fill the feeders. They always arrive immediately and with great fanfare.
Trying to focus on the bird among the branches.
And while I was standing at the window, watching them come and go in the morning light, I realized I could try to capture their flight. They were much too busy hogging the peanuts to notice me.
He has 3 peanuts in his beak and more in his throat. But he’s not really in focus.
You need a very short shutter speed to stop those wings in mid-flight, at least 1/2000 per second. If there is sunlight that’s easier to accomplish.
Coming and going.
I took 84 images before the sun was hidden by the clouds of the latest incoming storm front. Out of that barely a handful are passable. But I learned a lot and some day I will try again.
My favorite image.
I’m sharing them with you now, because bluejays, no matter the fact they are obnoxious, are truly beautiful.
Backyard proof that spring is coming, and even if it’s still really cold out. Even when there is snow threatening to fall. Again. Absolute proof rests with my birds.
And the goldfinches are turning yellow.
Female blackbirds, hummingbirds and orioles will be here soon. Guaranteed.
My local community band played our annual fundraising concert last night. We hosted 200+ people at a spaghetti dinner/concert. This year our theme was A Night on Broadway, with all of the music centered around Broadway shows.
Our program cover.
We upped the number of tickets available from last year’s 150 to 200, not really expecting we’d sell them all. But we did. We sold out several days before the concert. And more people were asking for tickets.
Setting up for the musical dinner party.
People that waited to purchase a ticket ended up with a seat but no meal. We only bought enough food to feed 200 people, and only had that much room at tables. They sat in chairs along the perimeter of the church gym where we played. I think there were about 30 people sitting in chairs.
People getting settled before the music began.
It was a lot of work getting the space ready for the concert. Most of the band members arrived at 4 to set up tables, chairs and the silent auction. We warmed up from 5 to 6, and then opened the doors. There was a line of people waiting patiently…and the room quickly filled up.
Me and my clarinet neighbor.
It’s an entirely different experience to play in a crowded room, to have people sitting (and eating spaghetti) only feet away. But it’s a great experience that I wish everyone could have. Applause bouncing off of cement walls seems louder. The music even seems bigger. And mistakes seem to disappear into the cloud of music rising into basketball backboards.
Some of our silent auction baskets. We had 75 of them.
If you’ve ever played music from a Broadway show you’ll know it’s not easy. And when you put snippets of a bunch of different songs from a show into one piece of music, well, there’s all sorts of opportunities to play something wrong. Transitions between songs within a piece are one of the hardest things to do, and our concert Friday was full of them.
Our vocalist for Moon River is also the principal percussionist.
I think I made about 64,852 errors. Sometimes I stopped paying attention, listening to the music, and lost track of where we were. Other times I missed a key signature change even though while practicing I’d circled them with dark pencil. Once I even came in a measure early. I was not alone. There were plenty of errors, but the audience didn’t seem to care. The music was all fun, most of it was stuff they knew, maybe even from shows they’d seen.
Everyone was in a wonderful mood, and it was a lot of fun.
The clarinet section.
But boy am I glad this one is over. An entire concert of show music was intimidating enough. Adding the organization and coordination of a dinner for 200 people on top of it? Nearly impossible.
But we pulled it off for the second year in a row. It was fun, despite all the work. A few band members I’ve talked to today, the day after, have said they’re tired and mostly hanging out on the sofa, relieved to have it done.
I concur. But I look forward to next year’s event too.
This season’s last concert is scheduled for May, where we’ll be playing music in tribute to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It will be a totally different type of concert, and we hope that all 200+ guests at Friday’s dinner will come to the high school for a free celebration.
Penny here. I’m filling in for my mom who seems to be very busy. She and daddy are gone a lot during the day and I’m left to guard the house.
Let me show you around Penny’s Park!
I will tell you that I am a very fierce guard dog — if I’m on the other side of a door. If someone, say the cleaning lady, comes through the door, well, I’m just a happy puppy that needs to get her head rubbed.
I can’t help it. I’m adorable.
Running in my park is one of my favorite things to do!
Anyway, mom and I haven’t been to dog school in a couple weeks. I don’t know when we’ll be back in school. Mom even missed some band, and there’s a concert (so she tells me) this coming Friday!
We had a beautiful day for a walk at my park!
I don’t know, the folks seem entirely disorganized at the moment. I think I’m going to have to give them a stern talking to. I’m sure they’ll shape up if I can get them to focus on me.
After all. I AM the most important dog in this household!
Just because all the snow melted doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods. (Hee hee, see what I did there?)
Mom did take me to my park this week. We call it Penny’s Park because mom didn’t take my sister Katie there very often. Mom says that’s because she didn’t discover it until Katie was pretty old, and it’s very hilly.
It got pretty windy, even in the woods.
I don’t think my sister will mind that this one is named after me. We still call her parks Katie’s Park and Katie’s Park II. I wish she and I had been able to walk in our parks together.
Mom and I worked on my “STAY!” I aced it of course.
Anyway, after a long walk in my park I decided a nap in my dad’s lap was just the ticket. Lucky for me my dad obliged.
Dreaming about my next adventure.
Talk later, your substitute hostess, Pretty Penny, park explorer extraordinaire.
Last week I jumped at the chance to visit Kensington on one of our only blue sky days. It had been a long time, and I was hoping the birds were hungry even though I got out there a little later in the day than I like. But, instead of me telling you about it, let me just show you. You know it’s all about the birds….right?
A sandhill crane sunbathing and not wanting to be disturbed.So I didn’t get close. A long lens helps.I found the red-headed woodpecker at his usual corner. Wonder if there’s going to be a nest in there this spring?Meanwhile the little birds were definitely hungry. This is a titmouse. They are so cheeky.A bluejay keeps a careful watch for any spillage.I did spend a lot of time with my hand out hoping to entice the bluejay or the woodpeckers down for brunch.The male downy woodpecker was interested…but uncertain.The titmouse is never uncertain.He got brave.The squirrel enthusiastically enjoyed his treat.A chickadee bops in between titmice.And watching it all is a male red-belly woodpecker. Who really wants a snack but doesn’t want to get too close.Though he works his way down from the tree to get a little closer, keeping his eye on me.Meanwhile the little birds fly in and out, grabbing snacks on the go.And right next to the path, last year’s young sandhill crane is poking around in the mud of a stream.Under the watchful eye of mom and dad. They were both just a bit further up the stream. And they knew exactly where I was.The red-belly supervises it all, including me, from his safe place.Brunch continues with a titmouse grabbing a shelled peanut.Would hunger make this guy brave?Yes!Coming in for a landing.Pursuing the buffet.He makes his selection……and he’s off!Now there was a bit of a traffic jam. Notice the chickadee wing shadow on the downy woodpecker’s chest.The woodpecker won, but the chickadee will be back, see him behind the woodpecker?Taking his snack with him.The red-belly is happy with his score.But wait! Who is this? A FEMALE red-belly waits for a snack of her own.The chickadee tells her off, he’s been displaced once too often already.She waits patiently.But it’s time for me to leave all this drama behind. I move on, leaving seed on the path for everyone to share.
Will I see any more birds on the rest of my walk. Well…of course…but they were birds of a different feather. They’ll show up in this blog soon I’m sure. They’re kind of pushy.
It’s been cold here. Really cold. Mornings are often close to 0F if not below. (-17C)
Perfectly puffed.
My backyard birds need extra food to survive, and they’re eating about 40 pounds of oiler seeds a week. Not to mention the big bag of peanuts in the shell, and the 10 pounds of shelled peanuts and the 20 pound of niger seed.
Startled by the lady with the camera.
I don’t think they travel far from my yard. When I’m out there filling the 6 feeders and one suet cage they chirp and flutter in nearby shrubs and trees. Maybe they’re discussing the menu. Probably more likely they’re wondering why I’m so slow.
Waiting impatiently for his favorite feeder to be filled.
Before I’m even back in the house they’re already swooping down to see what fresh treats I’ve left them. Sometimes I stand against the house, under the eves, and wait to see who shows up. I’ sure they know I’m there, but they can’t wait to grab a snack. If it’s not to windy and cold I’ll stand there awhile, enjoying the sound of their wings and their gentle chirping to each other.
A titmouse on alert, looking for the biggest peanut to snag.
During the winter months, when they’re so hungry and not busy raising a family, they seem to all get along. I have 5 pair of cardinals that will eat side by side on the railing where I spread seed in the worst weather, so that everyone can eat at the same time and no one has to wait.
Diving into supper.
In the spring and summer the cardinals will chase each other out of what they seem to feel is their own territory. You won’t find them eating together when they’re setting up households and struggling under new parent responsibilities.
The titmouse is the bravest of the birds. They’re usually the first to arrive when the feeders are newly filled. They’ll even come hop around the shrub nearest me as I pour seed on the railing. They are not afraid and they pick the biggest peanuts in shells every time. The peanuts are almost as big as their heads. They are very proud to get the prize seed before the big bluejays show up.
A puffed up shy junco waiting for the lady to go inside.
The chickadees are right behind the titmice, making a lot of noise to announce their arrival. They like a particular feeder and often flit back and forth between the shelter of the shrubs and the safe, caged, feeder.
A fat little goldfinch getting frustrated at the wait for lunch.
And I have a band of 7 bluejays that send a scout first who will announce when it’s safe. Then the rest of them swoop in, scaring, for a moment, the little birds. But soon they and the littles are all eating together.
Mourning doves taking an apres meal nap in the empty, heated, birdbath.
But if, suddenly, all the birds disappear it’s important to look around. Because sometimes the reason they’ve all hidden is this guy.
Standing on one foot while warming the other on a cold morning.
I’ve seen him attack a huge thorny barberry bush where the little birds like to hide, trying to get lunch. So far I haven’t seen him suceed at that. The little birds fly out and he’s tangled up in the thorns.
On the day I shot his image last week, it was close to zero out. He was, at first, standing on one foot and keeping the other warm up under his feathers. But he eventually put two feet firmly on the feeder hook and surveyed the yard for quite awhile before he flew off into the woods to look for an easier meal.
Ok, I’ll pose for the lady.
So there you go, some of my cold birds, most puffed up to conserve heat. This week it might get up into the 40s (4 C)…for one day anyway. I expect the birds will be sunbathing in relief.
I think it’s been about a thousand weeks in dog years since you’ve seen anything written by me! Mom keeps saying the world is bigger than me. But seriously. Does anyone believe that?
Hanging out with my dad
Anyway I thought I’d bring you up to date on what I’ve been doing. Which is pretty much always the same. Beg for supper beginning at 3:00 p.m. (sooner if I think my parents aren’t wearing watches).
Just checking on the time, dad.
Continue to beg until Mom gives in at 3:50.
Isn’t it time yet, mom?
Ask to go out. Eat snow instead of doing my job. Ask to go in.
Over there looks interesting.
Ask to go out to inspect my yard. Or bark at the neighbors. Whichever comes first.
Initiating my early morning alarm in case anyone isn’t up yet.
Sometimes I ask to go out very early in the morning. Sometimes mom is glad because she would have missed the sunrise.
I told you mom!
Mostly she is not glad. Did I mention barking?
Mom calls this her artsy image, titled “Dog in Snow.”
She also has been taking me to school. She seems to need the stimulation and mind expanding exercise. I go along to supervise.
I got extra treats to sit on this little stool that matched my leash.
We took a short little class where I got lots of treats. I liked the treats part.
I can do this, mom, if you just stay out of the way.
We are back to doing Rally classes now that the holidays are over. Mom forgot to go the first week. She turned into a slacker without a schedule while we were out of school.
Don’t forget the sit at the end, mom!
While we were there mom noticed the pretty photo opportunity, left from the last trial the week before. I wasn’t entered because mom says we are not ready.
It’s a winter wonderland! Just like our backyard!
I don’t know, mom, when are we going to be ready? I ask to go down to my basement every day and sometimes we do, just to practice our obedience. And get treats.
This one is easy, mom, just don’t turn too close to the cone. Leave room for me!
Mom says sometimes she thinks we’re ready and then I do something silly and she rethinks. There’s another trial in March. She thinks maybe she should try again.
I think I’ve got it mom. You just have to trust me.
But…will I be willing to work without treats in the ring? Mom’s been working on that…but she says I’m not reliable yet. Geeze mom, I’m only 3. Have you ever met a reliable 3 year old anything?
I get extra points for cuteness.
Other than school we’ve been playing in the snow. It snows all the time. The snow banks are bigger than me! Even the snow in my back yard is up to my shoulders.
Gonna need a wider trail.
I told mom I wasn’t going to run around and chase snowballs when the snow was that deep. Other dogs’ parents dig them a trail in the backyard to run around on. I suggested that to my mom. She looked at me and then we went inside.
Come on, mom!
I guess that’s not happening.
So let’s see…school….snow….supper. Yep, those are the three most important things going on in my life right now. The 3 S’s.
And naps. Sleep, starting with S of course, is important!
I hope you are all enjoying your winter. Mom says we could do with some sunshine so I reminded her of this day when the sun came out. She had forgotten. Sometimes the sun comes out here.
I remember there was this one day when the sun came out…
Hey! That’s another important S!
Talk later,
Your snow-girl, supper-hog and super all around ray of sunshine, Penny.
Once upon a time, when I was 14 which was many decades ago, my brother gave me a watering can for my birthday. I kept it through all my moves, college, 8 apartments, my first house, and finally to the home we live in now. Years of moving around and the watering can always moved with me. It lived in the cabinet below my kitchen sink.
These days I only have one plant, but it’s hard to water, because it’s years old and very dense. The long spout of my watering can helped me get water to the roots. I water it every Sunday.
Then, one Sunday I couldn’t find it. In fact there was nothing below the sink. We’d had to empty most of the cabinets to get some work done in the kitchen the week before. I didn’t know which box, out in the garage, held my watering can. I used a glass to water the plant, most of the water ran down the leaves to the floor.
When we put everything back into the cabinets in the kitchen I couldn’t find the watering can anywhere. I asked my husband if he had seen it. He looked stricken, and said maybe it had accidentally been thrown out. I was heartbroken. I continued to water the plant with a glass and wipe up the spilled water. I almost asked my brother for a new one for Christmas this year. But I didn’t want to tell him we had lost it.
And then the dishwasher broke.
While my husband was installing the new one, hoses connecting under the sink, the watering can appeared. Way in the back of the cupboard, hiding in plain sight, it had been there all the time. After almost six months of being lost, of me thinking about it every Sunday, it reappeared.
Yesterday I watered the plant and smiled as the thirsty roots grabbed every drop.
I started messing around with watercolor when covid began. I thought I’d use the time while we were confined in our home to teach myself something I’d always wanted to do. There are a LOT of free tutorials online.
I never stopped painting even when they let us out of the house. Now I paint cards to give to Bring Smiles to Seniors, a nonprofit that organizes homemade cards to be sent to nursing homes. I’m grateful to them for giving me a place to send my stuff. I mean, the people in my address book can only take so many hand painted cards….right?
Anyway, I saw this video in 2023 and became facinated with these crazy birds. They’re easy to do, and people love them. Sometimes I get in a crazy birdy mood and that’s what I paint all day and then I ship them away before I get too attached to any of them.
This weekend I had a friend over and she painted her own version of the crazy birds.
Today I attempted to use up Saturday’s leftover paint and did these guys to go the the nursing home.
And then I decided to paint a card especially for the woman that manages all these cards and gets them shipped out to the places they need to go. I figure hardly ever does anyone actually tell HER thanks. And I appreciate her and her organization so much.
I’m writing this post while I’m waiting for her card to dry so I can add some more dark places. Or maybe not. Maybe it’s done.
This morning I painted a lot of cards really quickly. The birds have lots of doodles on them. The flowers have lots of leaves and stems and colors.
The question is….when do you know to put the brush down. When do you know when to stop?!
Change Is Hard 