A little bit of wildlife....

I ran through the strip pits again last night...I saw only a couple pheasants....above is a picture of one of them.
And I know this is dark, but it is a hawk. I saw I don't know how many hawks...and I don't know why butt they all seem dark. Even the most of the Northern Harriers...and there is no mistaking the way they fly or their white rump patch. But I have seen the fellow above fairly often and he is always on the dark side.
I only saw these two deer out there....I don't know what scared them, but I had seen them start their run from a ways off. I thought they would run a few feet and stop, but eventually here they came through the weeds and crossed in front of me. They went on to the top of the hill, and looked back from the direction they came...so I wondered would coyotes gang up on them? I definitely got the feeling something was after them....
*********
I finally finished my quilt blocks last night, but have yet to bring them up to arrange their layout. For some reason I dread doing that. Seems like even when I do it, once I get them sewn together, I always see two that should be separated. Oh, well, the top at least is one step closer to being done.

It is another dark and dreary day, and a little bit cooler than it was, though it is still not bad for February.

Is spring on the way.......

I am slowing getting back to normal, I told Roger today I felt like myself for the first time in what feels like ages. Every evening, I have been watching the sunset and thinking how wonderful it would be to drive through the strip pits so tonight I was able to act upon the thought. The first thing I noticed was that the red-winged blackbirds were back...not in great number but several here and there.

My first photo opportunity was this short-eared owl....I spied him on the ground first. Normally the first thing I do when I turn into the strip pits is to get my camera out and set to take pictures. Tonight I was just so glad to be out that I didn't even think about it. So, by the time I got it out and the iso set to 1600, and got out of the vehicle...I only snapped one on the ground plus a few of him in the air....this very first one being the best.

Then on down at the main pond we see stuff at, I saw these three sandhill cranes...at least I am pretty sure that is what they were. They down close to the far end, and it being late, I did not get a great shot....but when I enlarge the original shots, I am pretty sure that is what they are.

Other than the red-wings, the single owl, the sandhill cranes, and a few waterbirds, I saw at least 18 deer. All too far away for a decent shot with it getting as late as it was.

You see, I had been sewing and lost track of time. So I got out there later than I had meant to. but it feels so wonderful to be feeling better....and to just be able to sleep. And every time I am sick, I cannot help but think about people that have major illnesses to contend with every day of their life and here I whine about losing a few nights sleep, and and feel bad for a few days.

From my yard--today...

This was taken this evening...in my front yard!!! Can you believe that--on the 1st of February? I knew it had been warm, and that the days are getting longer, and we have had sunshine for a couple days in a row...but I was still surprised to see this. It was the only one of its kind that I saw, and I did look for more. I did see an iris bud...but it is real close to the house. I hope no more pop up.
****************
The kids came down and spent Friday night, then Saturday after they went home I started feeling like I was getting sick...and did. Sore throat, stuffy nose, all those lovely symptoms. Sunday was the only day where I didn't know if I was going to live or not...haha....you know how you feel that first day? Not really that bad, but still not fun.

Each day since, I get up feeling kind bad, but feel pretty good by evening. I actually got dressed and was out and about a little bit today. And even came home and sewed. The first time I have touched my machine in almost a week.

Anyway, that is why I haven't been blogging...still weary and starting 'the cough' now. Everyone we talk to has either had it or knows someone that has had it, so I know I am not the only one.

Not sure when I will be back to blogging regularly, but hopefully soon.