.
You upload one little photo of your new family member to Facebook.
.
.
Just one, to show everyone how sweet he is…. and that damn algorithm kicks into high gear.
Now, along with the constant ball wash and toilet incense ads?
I’m getting these:
.
.
Cat butt pillow cases?
No.
I love our new little furry friend…. but have absolutely no desire to slip off into dreamland with my face on his ass crack.
One feline does not a crazy cat lady make.
.
.
While cleaning out my husband’s junk drawer the other day (yes we all have them, but his had reached the point of overflow and wouldn’t shut… so intervention was necessary) I found a treasure.
Buried under the detritus of old coin wrappers, matchbook covers and dozens of scraps of paper with nameless phone numbers was this:
.
.
Wow.
That’s my much younger husband on the right (wearing an outfit I’ve thankfully never seen him sporting) next to his cousin Cindy. Why this cringe worthy photo hadn’t previously surfaced in our 37 years of wedded bliss is a mystery…. but I’m guessing it’s a picture he wasn’t very fond of.
And that my friends is where he went wrong. Hate the photo? Get rid of it…. because if you don’t, your wife might post it on Facebook and then prominently display it in your man cave.
.
.
.
We had a pretty spectacular coating of ice a few days ago.
.
.
And I wish my taken while driving but don’t tell anyone photos did it more justice.
.
.
As dangerous as it can be….
.
.
When your whole world is sparkling?
.
.
It’s nothing short of fabulous.
.
.
.
Two full days in and we managed to get the new kitty out from under the china hutch.
.
.
Granted it was just to under the coffee table, but that’s progress.
.
.
I don’t think he was thrilled to have a close up portrait taken, but I’ve got news for him. You can’t be camera shy and live in this house. Momma’s got a blog to write.
.
.
At the end of the third day he made it out into the open.
.
.
And he really is a love bug once he feels comfortable.
I think it’s going to be a good fit, he just needs a little time.
.
.
After an extremely mild December with a greenish brown Christmas and a warm rainy January…
.
.
February is roaring in strong….
.
.
And cold.
.
.
The ice has finally frozen solid enough to hold the fishing shacks on the river, which is big business up here in Maine.
.
.
Do I want to sit in an 8×10 plywood building and stare at a hole in the ice in subzero temperatures waiting for an oily little smelt to swim by?
.
.
I do not.
.
.
No matter how pretty the sunsets are.
.
.
But more power to the rugged souls that do.
.
.
Part three, the last of the Photo Ark birds.
.
Black and Red Broadbill
I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing these photographs as much as I’ve enjoyed sharing them.
.
Superb Bird of Paradise
This is my all time favorite weirdo bird. And if you don’t agree? Watch the short video clip and get back to me.
.
.
Crested Auklet
Can you imagine having a permanent curlicue on your forehead?
.
Red Headed Vulture
If you see this fellow flying around overhead… kiss your butt goodbye.
.
Southern Lapwing
Is it me? Or is this beauty the perfect Dr. Seuss character.
.
Lesser Flamingo
If you’ve never taken the time to watch a frolicking flock of flamingoes? You haven’t yet lived.
.
Mandarin Duck
Birds…. beauty and grace in motion.
Just ask Joel.
.
.
.
I woke up to this the other day…
.
.
Which made it a very good morning indeed.
.
.
Because just when you get mired in the day to day drudgery that is life in the Covid era…
.
.
Mother Nature slaps you up side the head and says, “Snap out of it!”
.
.
There’s beauty all around us.
.
.
You just have to know where to look. (And have a big ass backyard.)
.
.
I’m knee deep in an extremely detailed and comprehensive biography of a fascinating First Lady.
.
.
How detailed and comprehensive you ask?
698 pages worth. It weighs a ton!
.
.
While I don’t usually read biographies, this tome has enough action, scandal, politics, intrigue, and history to satisfy fans of any genre.
.
.
I thought I knew a lot about Nell.
.
.
I was wrong.
.
.
Part two of the Photo Ark for birds.
.
Black Crowned Crane
.
Those are magnificent hairdos, no doubt about it.
.
Verreaux’s Eagle Owl
.
Sleepy owl is not amused.
.
Wattled Curassow
.
This poor guy looks like he’s balancing half a walnut on his nose.
.
Purple Starling
.
We have starlings, but they’re nowhere as impressive as these.
.
Palm Cockatoo
.
A beak that could crush cocktail ice in no time flat.
.
White Naped Cranes
.
I totally want to want to animate that photo to music.
.
Tawny Frogmouth
.
The little guy looks pissed. Whoever stole his mouse? Give it back…
.
Northern Bald Ibis
.
Wow. If anyone was ever in dire need of a toupe, it’s that guy.
.
Common Bay Owl
.
Owls.
They’re da bomb.
.
.
But I’m not done sharing wonderful photos from Joel Sartore because he has another book.
.
Great Blue Turaco
.
A book full of birds.
Northern White Faced Owl
.
Our fine feathered….
.
Baby Golden Parakeet
.
And not quite feathered yet friends.
.
Golden Pheasant
.
Being an avid bird watcher and feeder, this book warms my soul.
.
Kea
.
I’ll try not to overshare.
.
Andean Cock of the Rock
.
But look at these beauties.
.
Vulturine Guineafowl
.
It’s going to be tough.
.
River's world..... 