Robin in the Flowers

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All the pretty purple flowers are blooming in the fields now.  They usually show up around Easter.  I see at least two types of wildflowers that cover the fields in the pretty purple but don't know the names.  Some would say weeds but not to me.

For several days I've been watching the robins in a patch near the main entrance to my neighborhood.  Usually there were 5 or 6 scattered about on the front lawn.  Yesterday when I finally stopped to take pics there was just this one.  I zoomed and cropped and the quality is not so good but somehow I still like the painterly feel and light on this little one who was sunning himself more than looking for worms.

I think the Bradford Pears escaped the cold snap.  And, yes, when I quote temps it is always in F.  We have another week of below average temps forecast here in central NC.  We won't be too cold at night but won't be too high during the day either.  Sigh.  This is making our spring baseball practices a bit chilly:-(  Both boys have started back btw.

Bradford Pears

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It was 26 here last night.  I hope these pretty trees don't turn an ugly burnt brown.  Snapped this shot yesterday before the cold snap hit.  At the back entrance to my neighborhood.

Here is a shot looking to the left showing how the trees line the entire side and front of this property.

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Carolina Wren Nest

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Tuesday when we were in the backyard cleaning up near my homemade greenhouse from PVC pipe and plastic, we saw a Carolina Wren go into and out of the greenhouse.  At first we thought he/she was trapped, but obviously she knew how to maneuver the openings.  Whew.  I went back to the greenhouse yesterday to  start cleaning it out in preparation for our move, and saw the Carolina Wren again and this time lifted some plastic and was surprised to see her nest.  I guess I shouldn't have been that surprised.  Those birds always build in odd places.  I quickly left only going back long enough to snap this picture. We'll stay out of there now until the eggs hatch and fledglings leave.  She is under some plastic and has built the nest in a very secure spot, so I am sure they will do well.  We'll make sure the babies know the way out too.

Johnny has been in a fort building mood lately:-)

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The kids are tracked out of their year round school for 3 weeks now.

Waverly Place Shopping Center Fountain

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Taken on our trip to Whole Foods last night in Cary.  I noticed it a few weeks ago and thought it was VERY pretty.  I decided to take pics last night because it was finally warm enough to tolerate standing outside.  There is also a very nice playground there that we didn't know about so maybe this spring we can have a picnic over there.  Someone who likes light, glass, and water like me must have designed this super pretty courtyard!

Marbles Kids Museum Field Trip

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I went on a field trip to Marbles Kids Museum with Johnny's class yesterday.  We had an hour in the museum, a 1/2 hour classroom lecture on weather, and we got to see The Flight of the Butterflies in the IMAX theater.  It was a great day all around.  I loved watching the kids' smiles and the movie was FANTASTIC.

If you love butterflies and are interested in helping protect the Monarchs, plant some milkweed.  You can order seeds or plants from this website.

Star Magnolia

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One of the flower shots I took at Crowder Park on Saturday.  I have a Star Magnolia in my yard too but have not been near it when the lighting was good.  Such a pretty whimsical feel to this flower as it dances in the wind.  I waited for breaks in the gusts to snap this shot.

Our warm temps are gone today.  Our sun is gone too:-(  Ready for another warm up but not too warm:-)

Did your team make the cut?  We were pulling for NC State or Duke to win the ACC...no such luck.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

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The boys, Donnie, and I wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day!  They were eager to dress up and pose for me this morning.  Nifty stick balloons from Mary Mc Cahill.

Joey's daily shot 'Swimming in Gold'.

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It was nearly 80 here yesterday afternoon, and we enjoyed some fun at Crowder Park.  All the boys took turns on the scooters while I enjoyed photographing them and some flowers.  It's a gray day here today so maybe I'll post one of those flower shots tomorrow.

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We shared some exciting family news with the boys yesterday. Donnie and I are going to consolidate households to his house in the next few months. They had a lot of questions but took it well. It's going to be a lot of work to spruce up Donnie's house, move our stuff, and then get my house ready to sell but in the end I'm sure it will be a good thing for all of us. I keep hoping for a year where we can coast for a while. Next year, right?!?