Bird Watching Trip To South Texas

It's been really nice taking 3 weeks or so from blogging. I needed a break. Thank you all for your patience. I pray these words find everyone well and enjoying life? I miss my blogging buddies. :)

During this hiatus Hubby and I traveled to south Texas, Harlingen specifically, to visit with new friends who have become very dear to us: Pappy & Bebe, Carey & Donna. These folks are just down to earth nice. If you're not following their blogs, I highly recommend them. After visiting with such warmhearted people it makes me feel really sad to think how my family is. It punctuated how disfunctional ... well, anyway, I won't go there. Do ya think they'll adopt me? [giggle] Nah. I'd rather be friends. I've had enough 'family' in name only to last a lifetime. Our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ makes us all Brothers and Sisters anyway. I'm just thankful they like us and prefer our company. I felt like we were visiting Royalty during the brief visit, their generosity was so overwhelming.

While with our friends, one of the members had a birthday party. Pappy sang (he has a gorgeous voice y'all!) and played his guitar. Not only is Pappy an accomplished poet, but he's a scholar, a Patriot but also a musician. A multi-talented individual. And so is his wife, Bebe. She cooked her marvelous meals in their lovely home and helped show us around Harlingen. She was the perfect Hostess. We had such a wonderful time that leaving for home left us feeling a bit sad. I wish we all lived closer to one another. [sigh]

Enroute to south Texas it was necessary for us to travel the coast. I have to tell you, I'm not enamoured by coastal Texas. It's not near as pretty as Florida coasts, but one town in particular stood out head and shoulders above all the rest: Rockport. It was mostly retirees and very clean. The people were friendly and the homes well kept. We had a nice stay there before heading further south. Rockport was like a beautiful Oasis in a dry, dusty mexican sea.

We also traveled to Harlingen to enjoy migratory bird watching. Hubby added something like more than 21 new bird species to his life list. One of which is a pair of nesting Whooping Cranes! This was in Port Aransas. Even though the pair were too far to get a clear photo, I could tell they are very pretty. The Welcome Center had a stuffed pair on display.

Whooping Cranes
I witnessed more deer on this trip at Port Aransas than I've seen at home in one hunting season and we live in the country.

South Padre Island (near Harlingen) was enjoyable. They built as really nice walkway out over the marshes for birdwatching.

Traveling back home, we ventured briefly into the Texas Hill Country. Winter is not it's best side, so, we didn't stay long. I didn't get to buy my favorite wine this trip. The best part on the return was stopping in Boerne for one night, and then on to Waco to visit with more friends. We couldn't stay but just a few hours as a terrible winter storm was working it's way West to East across Texas. The wind howled like Gang Busters the whole time! The winter storm followed us home through Lousyanna, Mississippi, and Alabama. Thankfully, it didn't hit here until we were home for a few hours. That was quite a drive that last day. We drove from Monroe, LA to home in one day (500+ miles), dragged in at 10:30 PM. We were so exhausted. But it was worth the marathon drive as I was able to pick up the dogs from the kennel before the storm hit the next day. This 'global warming' is a killer ain't it folks?! [lol]

By the way, I haven't labeled all the photos yet. Hubby (the bird expert) is out-of-state visiting his father this week. The Old Man's not sick, just elderly and needed something-or-other done to the house. I think it's just an excuse to have his son visit and that's OK. I won't squawk I did give up a day trip to Daytona tomorrow to take in some motorcycle Demo rides (one of which is the Triumph Bonneville I'm yearning for) so Hubby could visit with his father. I'm not a martyr or anything. I just believe that family comes first. I can ride anytime.

PS: The motorcycle photos at the link below were taken at a friends of Pappy's. The gentleman inherited these old bikes, I think, from an Uncle who collected them. Do you know how much I wanted to bring the Triumph Bonneville home with me as a project bike ..... ???!! Oh yeah baby!! :)

Photos

Cay Creek Wetlands Interpretive Center

Yesterday, we traveled to the Savannah Wildlife Refuge in South Carolina again. It was cold, windy and overcast with very few migratory birds yet. So, after making the 4 mile loop around the park, we headed south towards home.

There we discovered a new public nature walk that is now open. It's near the little community of Midway, Liberty County, GA. Cay Creek is located just west of I-95 off Highway 84.

The Cay Creek wetlands was set aside for the public in honor of Mayor, Willis Britten Hollingsworth (1998-2001).

Since I'm related to many Hollingsworth, I thought I'd check out his lineage. I couldn't find a connection to my bunch (not yet, anyway) but for those interested, I found some of his genealogy here:

Hollingsworth, Willis Britten (1930 - 2001) - male
b. 24 JAN 1930 in Tifton Co., Georgia, USA
d. 22 APR 2001 in Midway, Liberty Co, Georgia
s/o Willis Britten Hollingsworth, Sr. and Minnie Hazel Cook
Source: Bissett/Cook Family

I also found this about Mayor Hollingsworth on-line:

Willis Hollingsworth, Jr. (DVM 1955) of Savannah, mayor of Midway for the past nine years, died April 22. With a deep interest in nature, he made the Cay Creek Wetland Interpretive Center a major project of his for the past five years.
Source: Class Notes, Grad Notes, and Obituaries; December 2001: Vol. 81, No. 1

Turns out, even in the face of adversity, he was quite a 'do-er'. He lost his first wife in a tragic auto accident but still he persevered and made a good life for himself.

The free open access walkway winds it's way through the woodlands leading down to the salt marshes of Cay Creek. Like all wetlands, it has abundant wildlife and native plants to view. Even though it was a ugly overcast day we still enjoyed the stroll through old Georgia. Then we hopped back in the car and had a hearty meal at Captain Joe's Seafood on US Hwy 17 before heading home.


Cay Creek Sign


Best to begin at the begin


Cay Creek Elevated Walkway


Observation Tower


Can you tell I DON'T like heights!


Now that's a good lookin' guy there! :)


Too bad the picnic area was flooded.
It would be lovely to have lunch here some day.


Holly Tree
Anyone know the species and name?

I'm glad we went now. This trip was definately worth the effort.

All photos are here for those interested.

Hope you enjoyed the trip too! ;)

My Little Chickadee

Yesterday was momentous, to say the least, wasn't it folks!? We are elated to say the least. Remember, there's more about that here if you're looking for the politics.

Another happy event is the little birdie's have taken over our yard this year. Our large Southern Cedars produced so many berries that we have more than enough for the migrating Cedar Waxwings and Robins.

The year-round resident Chickadees are having a feast too. They had been sharing the thistle seeds we put out with the Gold Finches but now they are dining on the Sycamore tree seeds. One Chickadee got carried away and flew into our 6' x 6' plane glass windows. Hubby and I rushed outside and began reviving the little guy.


Come on little fellow,
you can make it!
Isn't he pretty?

After a few moments of cradling and gentle caressing (and me whispering a prayer), he flew off into the Confederate Jasmine along the front walk. That made me feel so good to see the little guy make it. I love our big picture windows but they are deadly for the birds.


Cleared For Take Off!


Hummingbird Nest
Oh, and a few days ago, while strolling around the property, I found my first Hummingbird nest! This one is nestled almost at the very top in the other Sycramore down by the gate. I have a habit of looking up into the trees each day to see who's visiting, and lo and behold there was an abandoned nest. I was so thrilled! The hummingbird's we have here every year are Ruby Throated Hummingbirds.

I hope y'all have an exciting and happy day too! Thanks for stopping by.

Our Day In Pictures

It was a rainy day in paradise today in Southeast Georgia. Even as I "pen" these late night musings, it's still coming down. So, Steve and I hopped in Ye Ol' Jeep and went exploring.

Wanna come with? Here's our day in pictures. [click on photos to enlarge]

Altamaha Apiaries
Gardi, Wayne County, Georgia
Built circa 1900, this structure originally served the community as a post office and general store. I found this message posted at another blog: "The Altamaha Apiary [sic], in Gardi, was started by my wife's family around the turn of the century (circa 1903) ... it was sold and left the family. The building is currently owned by a close family friend." Signed "Co A". I don't know who the family was!

Look at all the old bee hives
stored behind the building.
I'll bet they were all once busy as little bees.

Altamaha Waterfowl Wildlife Management Area
Then we skeedaddled over to the coast, north of Brunswick, and drove around in the Altamaha WWMA. We saw several small birds but no waterfowl. I wonder if it was even too wet for them?!

No problem!!
I think I'll stay in the truck, thank you. I've had my lunch, don't want to risk feeding them too. :)

Champney Island Road

Opps! We drove off the map!

The Church Of The Good Shepard (Episcopal)
There's a lady buried in their front lawn. It's the only marked grave there. It states, "Deaconess Anna E. B. Alexander, Founder, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 1894, Parochical School 1902, First Black Deaconess Ordained 1907, 18?? - 1947, Rest In Peace". There's a newer church building right next to the original.

Saint Cyprians Episcopal Church
There was another neat old black church in Darien (McIntosh county) just across the way. Crossing the Butler River north of Brunswick on into Darien. The Episcopals must have had a lot of missionaries in this area. The historical sign states the church was established in 1876.

Neat Old House
These two photos (above and below) were taken on Highway 99 leading out of Darien towards Ludowici.

Another interesting old house

Rain, rain, go away ...
Finally headed home down historical Hwy 57 towards Ludowici. Had to stop at the IGA to get a 'secret ingredient' for Steve's super venison meatballs.

Venison Meatballs
These are ABSOLUTELY HEAVENLY!!! Want the recipe? Maybe another post.

I'm too pooped to pop and too old to stroll after all this 'work'. [ha ha]

Hope y'all enjoyed the photos! (More here if interested)

Oh Deer!

Our feeder has been attracting some interesting nocturnal visitors. It's mostly been 'coons but we've had a few rabbits and possums.


"Maybe if I shake this thing
it'll give me more."
During the day the squirrels have a free feast too. The woodland floor is littered with the little shaky tailed critters. However, finally, a few nights ago, deer have been approaching the feeder.

Take a load at this nice looking 6 point.


"Did you get my good side?"
There is also a 4 point and several does with yearlings. Of course, this is all just in time for the end of hunting season. [sigh] Oh well. We both just enjoy looking at our woodland critters anyway.

I would like to construct a tower stand near the feeder just for viewing. It could also double as our observation post for our amateur astronomy. Many of our neighbors have made it a point not to add to already too much light pollution in our country, so, our area stays wonderfully dark.

I sure appreciate living here.

The Thermometer Says Winter But It's Dog Days Around Here

Sam is having such terrible skin and coat problems. He can no longer be sent to the groomers for this reason. After a grooming, it would sometimes take me a week to get his skin to look normal. He would turn beet red and just about scratch himself silly. The Vet suggested "Universal Medicated Shampoo" that he must be bathed in religiously. Plus he's on daily oral medication called "Catalyst" (soft chewables). All this seems to be working. At least I know how to groom miniature schnauzers but I had quit when my neck was in such bad shape. Fortunately, I no longer suffer from neck pain! So, using the nice new grooming table and area hubby made for me, I've been caring for the little guy myself. I'm afraid to clip any further back than his head, though, so now this is what Sam looks like.

Doesn't he look like a rat?
I've nicknamed him "Rat Boy". All he needs is a long hairless tail. Ewwww!

She needs a mirror so she can see
what a little bad dawg looks like?!
Maxie is still doing well. Except for the incident with the kidney stones, she's the healthiest little dog I've ever had. The kidney stones were caused by buying cheap Wal-Mart dog food. I'll never do that again!

Lucy
Lucy is enjoying the sub-zero Antartic (just kidding) weather of late. It has been so cold here, I'm weary of barren trees and cold weather. I am so ready for this winter to be over. Anyway, I caught her laying on the leaward side of the big cedar tree in the sunshine. It was about 38 degrees and she was just a-soakin' up Ye 'Ol Sun. She's probably waiting for some hapless squirrel to come along. Such a funny dog. Our doggies have a pet door, with access to our fenced in and gated property, so, they can come and go as they please. Lately I've learned that she's spending most of the night outside too! She must be chasing rabbits again. I just hope she doesn't bring me a "gift" (dead animal) like she has done in the past.

Ick.

Shhhh ... Secret Project
And, we have a Secret Project in the works. No, you have to wait to hear about it! The project is scheduled to start Monday. Wanna take a guess what it is? Dollars to donuts you'll never figure it out. [giggle]

A Shoutout ~ Please Welcome The Reluctant Patriot

I have decided to start another blog titled The Reluctant Patriot that is dedicated to keeping our American Judeo-Christian ideals and culture alive. As I've told many of my friends already, this blog (My Thoughts Exactly) will be my "foo foo fluffy" blog and mostly deal with my life in 'wiregrass' Georgia.

Why the title "Reluctant Patriot"? Because, for the most part, I'm really not very political at all. I would much rather be riding motorcycles, hunting, fishing, knitting booties, attending a real tea party or some other non-taxing event. You get the picture. Things that don't strain my blonde brain. But, thanks to REAL taxes and intrusion on our personal freedoms, many of us have been forced into fighting a war to protect these rights and God given freedoms. So, at The Reluctant Patriot I will report on almost strictly politics. No PC talk there (or here either)!

Well, I hope you'll join me!? And as my ancestors in the First American Revolution said, 'Victoria vel nex' (Victory Or Death)!

Thank you dear ones. Your wanting to read any of my blogs is so very appreciated. God bless! :)