Sunny, relaxed weekend

After my fast trip to PA, I got back to work and lots of catching up. I had several hundred emails to answer and some online training to do, as well as what work was tossed at me each day. If I didn't have such a capable staff, I'm not sure what I would do. They took care of a ton of stuff while I was gone, or my return would have been terrible. I'm really blessed to work with the people on my staff - they are absolutely the best team I've ever had.

The last few weeks have been full of my job, calling PA for updates on my dad and trying to find time to simply relax.

My dad is continuing to improve. He was home from the nursing home today for a visit, and if all goes well he will be home to stay in 10 days or two weeks. I know he's looking forward to it, and that today's visit gave him more incentive to work hard at his therapy. He sounded wonderful when I talked with him this afternoon.

I took my daughter and granddaughter shopping for school clothes. Maddy is in first grade now. When we walked into the first store she said, "Grandma, I don't like skirts." I assured her we wouldn't buy any skirts. She is beginning to develop her own style - no dark pink, no skirts or dresses, glitter is good - but is still young enough that she can sometimes be talked into something she's not crazy about. We had a wonderful day, shopping and having lunch. Such fun!

I've made several trips to Creamer's Field for bird shots, but haven't gotten the great sandhill crane shot I want. I'm apparently not there at the best time of day, and this morning when we stopped by I only had my small pocket camera with a shorter zoom lens.



I wish I'd had my better camera. Maybe next trip.





I was able to catch these two geese coming in for a landing - not an easy feat for me!



After the grocery store and Creamer's Field, I had a visit from my daughter, her partner and Maddy. I hang my bird feeders on an arch I bought at the garden department of a home building store, and we moved it so I can see it from my computer chair. It had been moved when I had my porch built this summer, and I didn't put it in the right spot when I replaced it. I love sitting on the porch watching the birds. They come in and perch to eat within 2-1/2 to 3 feet of me. Maddy was fascinated to see them so close. She is beginning to be able to sit still and watch them.

This little black-capped chickadee was eating something from the bark of the birch tree.





This chickadee was on the arch, just about 2-1/2 feet from me.







Catching a bubble on the wand.


 

Trying to bite the bubble. She didn't like the taste of the one she caught. Said she thought it would taste like gum :)







This was one of those great sunny weekends when I slept in, relaxed and spent wonderful time with friends and family, enjoying the simple pleasures I can find in Fairbanks. It doesn't get any better than that.