Monday, April 20, 2009

Much to do

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Too busy making lists... Love those purple flowers.

Certainly not blogging or Facebooking much.

Taking pictures, of course, but not as many.

Stopping to enjoy the scenery, whenever.


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Watching…


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Observing peculiar-looking birds,


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cute ones,


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regular, every day birds,


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large birds,


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and new birds. A male Orchard Oriole is a lifer.


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I take a break and some deep breaths at the wetlands when I’m nearby


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and notice turtles drying in a row.


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I’ve also been admiring the weeds in my own back yard.

There’s so much to do at work and home! I’m headed for the New River Birding and Nature Festival in West Virginia on Sunday and already feeling anxious, nervous, wired, and tired! Will I find my way without driving through ten other states to get there? Will I forget to pack shoes or underwear?


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I should settle down


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and focus on the laughs and relaxation ahead. I just need to get there first…

25 comments:

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Try to relax Mary. Make a list of everything you want to pack, undies included on that list, and relax about it all. You will have a blast. You will come home with cards full of photos and memories that will sustain you through the heat of summer.

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

I have so much on my mind, I feel like I'm twirling. I need to settle myself down too.
Deep breathe in...

NCmountainwoman said...

Mary, they actually sell underwear and yes, even shoes in West Virginia. AND there are not ten states between North Carolina and West Virginia. AND everyone there is going to love you! In fact, they already do.

So relax and enjoy the trip. And bring us back some great stories and pictures.

Anonymous said...

Excellent post. I've never seen an orchard oriole. Very high quality images and a pleasure to stop by again.

Anonymous said...

Underwear.
Camera and notebook.
Chocolate? Gum? Whatever keeps the nicotine demons away.
Mosquito repellent.
The rest is just--baggage.

You can't get lost. I'll ride shotgun, ready to MapQuest you there. Just call.

nina at Nature Remains. said...

Just a few more days, Mary--can we make it--or will we dissolve in a puddle of nerves before we get out the door?!
Take yourself back to that gorgeous wetland--breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out.
I feel better--do you?

KGMom said...

Mary--others have already said it, so I will just repeat.
1) Relax.
2) Everyone already loves you (via this wonderful blog).
3) You will have a blast.
4) If you don't have fun, you can always kvetch to me, as I won't be there, so no hurt feelings.
Deal?
Deal!

Wendy said...

Underwear? Ah, go without. Just kidding. Don't forget your motorized mascara. That's a must!!
Just kidding again.

Your pics are gorgeous. I love that line of turtles drying in the sun. Your little yellow bird does look puffy. And is that a mama hawk at her nest? Incredible that you've captured it!!

Forget lists. Just go and have a good time.
Hugs and lots of chocolate!

Kathi said...

Packing list: (in order of importance)

Camera.
Wine.
Motorized mascara.
A hat.

Underwear is not a priority.

Love the Orchard Oriole - aren't they great?

LauraHinNJ said...

*laughing at NC Mountain Woman's comment*

We'll all survive, Mary.

Love that last pic!

Dog_geek said...

I love those turtles drying in the sun!

Have a wonderful time on your trip! Don't worry about forgetting to pack things - they have stores in West Virginia!

TR Ryan said...

Whatever you do - don't forget the binos!!!! And pleez pleez bring the motorized mascara!!!

Heidi said...

Your birds reminded me of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." ;) I like the way you laid it all out. Take a deep breath, relax and above all have fun!

Unknown said...

That's surely is lots to do and I would do this willingly anyday. I liked the birds & turtle images a lot.

NatureWoman said...

Oh my, your photos continue to take my breath away. Look at all of those turtles. I think I would die if I saw that many turtles in a row. I feel fortunate to see one sunning itself! Enjoy your trip - I can't wait to hear all about it and see everyone's photos!

Dawn Fine said...

Have a wonderful time at new river with all those other lovely women and I guess men as well...
I dont know the whole list of you that are going ..but I know its quite a few ..from blogs that I read..
I bet you are going to have an awesome time..
wish I was there with you all too.
Take lots of photos..but i bet i didnt have to tell you that.
Beautiful post ..

Tina said...

Mary,
I so happy you are going to meet some bloggers you share with every week...what a thrill! Jealous here!!
I'm sure you will get there..use that ole garman or GPS system!! I do, lol, but, how bad am I at even those directions?? .. I still have to get use to her saying "recalculating"!! Take those deep breaths and remember one thing you don't have to find packing room for... all those film canisters!! How nice!
I'll be anxious to see all that you capture..
HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!

Anonymous said...

I love that shot of the goldfinch baby.

Have fun on your trip, Mary. Can't wait to see the photos you bring bac.

Aunt "B's" Backyard said...

Lovely shots, Mary...have a wonderful trip.
Hopefully, you'll not forget either shoes nor the undies.

Corey said...

Great shot of the oriole and of the hawk. Have a great time in WV, I wish you lots of lifers!

Kathleen said...

The to-do-list is long, but it is going to be SO much fun!

Pack one thing at a time, drive one mile at a time, then let the party begin! Friends, birds and gorgeous mountains - oh, I'm getting excited too!

jason said...

Go and have fun, Mary! The only things you need remember are the camera and your marvelous sense of wonder and humor. Everything else can be found in local stores if needed. I hope you enjoy yourself, and do come back with some enthralling tales--if not a few pictures as well. Be safe!

JeanMac said...

Cheers, Mary. Just don't forget your camera.

Julie Zickefoose said...

Dude. Be glad you don't have to put together a brand-new talk before you go. Yeah, I'm whining! but I know that seeing you and all our unseen new friends will be worth it and a total blast. But I just wanna gaaarrrrdennnnn.....

WHOOT on the orchard oriole! I can't hear or see one without a little tear for Ora Lee. Getting a picture of a life bird is the BEST, isn't it? Especially a good picture!

See you soon!

A New England Life said...

Look at that sweet little tail sticking up in the air. : )

I haven't seen my Mockingbird in a couple days. Maybe it's hanging out at my neighbors. One can only hope because I so enjoy their antics.

Before you know it, the vacation will be over and you'll be back home in your own bed, wishing it hadn't gone by so quickly!


Sharon