{Bird Watching}

My trip to see Jen was punctuated with exclamation points, including two days with

Jim and Sandy (David's parents). It was so good to see them. I hadn't been to Michigan

since the end of 2006 -- too long. I got to see a few changes they made to their place

and, more importantly, them in their space. It was really nice.



Mom and I had an awesome day on our first outing -- lunch at our favorite Alladin's

in Frandor -- LOVE that place. We hit a couple stores in East Lansing, including my

long time favorite, Mackerel Sky. Then, we headed to Old Town to poke around -- an

area that has absolutely blossomed since we moved out of Michigan nine years ago.

We only made it into three or four places because we were having such a great time

looking, shopping, chatting, and generally enjoying ourselves to bits. Finally, we

met up with Jim at Spag's for dinner and then it was home for Hershey Kisses, the

Olympics and a beautiful fire. It was basically a perfect day!

I like to take a few minutes to roam outside when I go to Jim and Sandy's. They live on a beautiful piece of property, and it's dotted with loveliness. Their bird feeders in front and

back attract gorgeous birds, year round. I was determined to capture a red cardinal with

my camera. They are so vibrant and rich against the gray backdrop of winter. But first I

had to pay a visit to the members of the family who live in the barn.

And I couldn't leave without saying hello to Reba, the barn cat, who has

been such a wonderful subject for photos in the past. She was all curled

up in her hay bed under the warmth of her heat lamp, but she was more

than happy to come out for treats and a little attention.

Then, I was off to find the birds. They all scrammed upon my arrival except

for this guy, who was working fast and furious for his early dinner.

I realized I was going to have to go a little deeper into the yard and wait patiently if I

was going to trick that cardinal into coming near enough. So, off I went, but the only

red I saw for quite some time were these juicy berries.

Then suddenly, without ceremony or much meandering, someone made a quick

appearance that absolutely made my day!

It was about that time that I started to realize how cold it was.

Just ask this guy. It was no picnic out there ...

So, that was it for my winter adventure! I enjoyed all twenty minutes of it. :)

Maybe next year I'll go back with proper clothing and have the chance to

photograph a blue jay.

"When snow falls, nature listens." ~Antoinette van Kleeff