Maryann's 40th Birthday Party

I came back from yard saling with Debbie on Saturday morning to a surprise party in honor of my 40th birthday. Apparently, Rick had been planning and scheming with Patricia, Debbie, and Christine and others for quite some time about what to do for my 'big' day. Rick got the lunch food and cooked up burgers and hotdogs for everyone. Christine ran errands and brought back balloons. Debbie kept me out while they set up. Patricia made a wonderful birthday cake with a collage of pics of me throughout my life. And, Dad drove up from Monroe. All my closest friends were invited. It was really nice! Thank you to everyone!!!

More pics are here: Maryann's Camera, Dad's Camera, Don's Camera, and Patricia's Camera. Also, the making of the cake is here.

Turkey Vulture

Joey and I were driving to Lake Wheeler this morning on our way to school, when I spotted a large bird in a tree on Old Stage Road. I always look at the dead and bare trees near the new bridge just North of Hwy. 42 to see if there are any birds of prey. This is the first time I've seen one. It turns out that it was a turkey vulture. He's not the cutest bird I've ever take a picture of, and he was so busy grooming that he was hard to get a good shot of, but he's kindof neat.

Once we got to Lake Wheeler, we got to see Great Blue Herons at several locations too. Joey fed the ducks and geese and was very happy to be my helper.

I took pics with the 400mm lense first and then with the digital camera. Joey even got to take a few pics with the 400mm lense. I think those pics are gonna be really good...just need to develop them...grrrrrr.