A Visit With Aunt Debbie

The boys and I made another visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science today. We really like going on Sundays when the crowd is a little thinner. I called Debbie on Saturday to see if she could meet us there. We'd been talking about doing that for a while since she lives pretty close to there. As it worked out, she was free and agreed to meet us at noon. It was really good to see her, and the boys were very excited. We had our typical good time plus it was extra special to have Debbie with us.

We did our usual things in about the usual order. The boys showed Debbie their fireman pole skills. Then they showed her how to make, um, music:-) She joined in. We wandered through the farmyard. Joey thinks the donkey is just the greatest. Next it was time for the train. Two loops around and with the cheery conductor and joyful screams in the tunnel. The first dinosaur has been installed on the trail. The trail will open this summer. I started to say LATER this summer as in it being summer already. It sure did feel like summer today!

Of course my favorite thing besides just seeing the kids enjoying themselves and smiling is to walk the wetland boardwalk area. The turtles were out sunning themselves. We saw a Canada Goose and a Hooded Merganser pair looking for fish. The female Merganser caught and ate one near us for our viewing enjoyment. No Great Blue Heron today or hawk, but we still enjoyed the area.

We ran into Ranger Greg and chatted. He talked to us about the various frogs and frog sounds happening in the wetlands today. Plus, he showed us a snapping turtle. He also pointed out a spot where two nuthatches had built nest cavities in a dead tree limb but then had had the holes taken over by Carolina Chickadees. Unfortunately, no activity when we walked past. I keep hoping the Red-Bellied Woodpecker will be back in his hole. Ranger Greg said he hadn't seen him lately.

The boys had to have food at the cafe today. Hambergers it was. But, that made us a tad late for the butterfly release. Thankfully, a gentleman had one still on his hand and gave it to Joey who enjoyed it and passed it on to Johnny. It was another Owl Butterfly. Neat!

Probably the coolest thing in the butterfly house was this bird I got a picture of. What kind of bird is that anyway? Very cool how I caught him drinking. Is that water or nectar or what?

We made a second tour of the wetlands boardwalk after a visit to the gift shop and saying our goodbyes with Debbie. Mostly we enjoyed the bears. Gus, the only male of the 4 in the habitat rolled over on his back with his feet up in the air. Mr. Frisky! It was cute. We'll all have spring fever after this super pretty weekend.

On the way home, I noticed the moon over this barn on Holly Springs Rd. that I've stopped to take a picture of one time before and I turned around to go back and take a picture. This is the first time I've crossed the street to avoid the power lines and really get a good shot. Decent I think.

At any point, enjoy today's pics. The best are here. And, all of them are here.

Mill as Muse Winners

Tonight was the reception for the Yates Mill Pond Mill as Muse photo contest. They had two categories...park shots and mill shots. And for each of these, there was an adult group and a kids 6-13 group. I entered an American Lady butterfly on a coneflower shot and a blue trail mill through the trees shot. Joey entered a picture of Canadian Geese chasing each other. I'm pleased to report that Joey won 2nd place in the park category for kids 6-13 for his Canadian Geese shot. He was very excited. So was Mom, Dad, and Johnny. He got a ribbon, a certificate, a fancy camera strap, and a small photo album. He also got his picture taken with all the other winners. We got to share some special cupcakes, view all the entered pictures, and meet the other photographers. It was a fun time. As for mom, well, better luck next year.

The photos from the reception are here.

Enjoying the Birds

Johnny and I were at Yates Mill Pond enjoying the birds Friday afternoon. And, Joey, Johnny, Buddy, and I were at Simpkins Pond which is park of Lake Wheeler on Sunday. We saw a Great Blue Heron (assume different bird) each time. Yesterday, I captured this shot and wanted to share. The boys and Buddy and I tracked him around Simpkins Pond for about 45 mintues taking pictures of him in various locations and at various distances. It was a lot of fun. I didn't realize there was a trail around the pond, but now that we know about it and understand where it goes, we'll go on it again.

Also pictures is Joey looking out at the heron on the far shore. This shot makes me feel like we're someplace other than the local park in NC.

The rest of the Yates Mill Pond and Lake Wheeler pictures are at these links.

Valentine's Day Party

I hosted a Valentine's Day party today for J&J and some of their friends. We held it mostly in the garage like usual. That gives us plenty of room for crafts, and we don't have to worry about anything spilling. The kids had the option of making bead necklaces or using markers to color in puzzle pieces. Sienna chose the beads, and she was very patient and persistent about completing her necklace. Then, the kids decorated a large red foam heart with stickers. After some train table play, it was time for decorating pretty V'Day heart-shapped bottles. The kids put in glitter, red sand, and all sorts of metal confetti. They turned out cool. I sure wish I'd taken a picture of all of them lined up before they got put in the take home bags. Probably the favorite craft was the last one where the kids painted wood boxes with hearts on them. Johnny liked that one so much he did two! Woo hoo!

Of course there was a heart-shaped cake and books and bingo. It was just super neat how the kids were taking turns helping read one of the Scooby picture clue books. Really touched my heart. We ran out of time to make the sugar cookies this go around, but no biggie. 3 hours had come and gone in the blink of an eye.

It sure was nice to see everyone, and thanks for coming and spending some time with us.

The rest of today's pics are here.

The Great Backyard Bird Count

Don't forget to participate in The Great Backyard Bird Count!

Trains, Birds, and Butterflies

Where else can you enjoy a thrilling train ride, brilliant birds, and beautiful butterflies? Why naturally, at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham.

It was a gorgeous February day in NC yesterday. I didn't pay attention to the official high, but it was near 70. No way could the boys and I do grocery shopping or chores on such a nice day, so even after a trip to the NC Zoo on Saturday, we headed to the museum on Sunday.

We had a great time. We always do. We enjoyed the breeze in our face during the train ride. Mom took a lot of pictures including the Kingfisher with a fish in his mouth, a Hermit Thrush eating berries, and a Great Blue Heron cleaning himself. The boys were treated to holding an Owl Butterfly in the butterfly house. Unfortunately, the butterfly had a damaged wing, but all the kids enjoyed it just the same. Mr. Train Conductor, Ranger Greg, and one of the bear trainers enhanced our visit with interesting facts. Definitely another great visit.

All the pics from the day are here.

NC Zoo

The boys and I made a trip to the NC Zoo on Saturday. We're having nothing short of spectacular weather for February here in NC, and it seemed like a good idea to spend the day outside. For those that haven't been to the NC Zoo, it is very enjoyable and has lots of delightful animals, but it's in the middle of a rather hilly forest, so put on your walking shoes! You'll get some exercise!!!

During the off season, the Africa parking lot is closed, so we entered through the North America parking lot. That entrance is near the seals, otters, and Willy the polar bear. We just love those 'water' animals. They are so much fun to watch especially when they are active in front of the glass observation windows. The otters will make you giggle as they swim in figure eights right in front of your eyes.

The Bison hear is growing, and they were resting in a very visible spot today. Cool bluebirds flying around the field there too.

Gotta love the gorilla sitting in the Thinker pose. The gorillas were up and about today, and that was interesting to watch.

The elephants were up close and personl, and the mom and her baby put on a nice show as they ate their lunch. I especially enjoyed when they ate nose to nose for a few minutes. It seemed very loving.

Of course J&J were too busy playing the elephant statue game to notice the elephants much. At least I was free to take tons of pictures at that spot while they were entertained by it. Boy did we all miss the Vollmer's here.

Joey was disappointed that Lovey the lion was sleeping. We've heard him roar before. Maybe next time!

The rest of the pics are here.