Christmas Trimmings....

Thanksgiving weekend is coming to a close, the kids are back in Florida preparing for finals and Christmas is just around the corner.  While T cooked a pizza on the Big Green Egg I put up our tree and started decorating the house. 

Can't wait for the kids to return in a few weeks for Christmas.

First TDay in Mizzou...

Happy Turkey Day !

Deceptive demeanor...

This weekend’s weather was exceptional for November and the animals all enjoyed a few hours in the yard and the sun.


This is Jordon; referred to by the Humane Society as a 'miniature German Shepherd' he is a mixed breed rescued from Dead Dog Beach in Puerto Rico a couple of years back.

He hates the camera so this shot was taken with a 600MM lens from about 50 feet away...he's also protecting a rib eye bone (his second of the day).

Wildlife up close...

Wildlife abounds at our house as evidenced by the finch feeding just a few feet from Mr. Squirrel finishing off his corn cob on the tree in the background.  75 degrees today, great day for the Mizzouri vs. Baylor game, just about time to leave for the tailgating...

Bluebird in training...

We built this Bluebird feeder a few days ago and it is designed to allow only bluebirds to enter to get the special worms we put inside it. To get them to use it they have to become familiar with the device. It has two holes in the sides for them to enter when the lid is closed and the glass is placed in the front.


However, initially you put the worms in the feeder with the glass and lid removed (or proped open) so they "discover" the worms. Over a couple of weeks, you replace the glass and then eventually close the lid. A couple of days ago the bluebirds discovered the feeder and now we have moved to replacing the glass and next week the lid will close. These birds are known to stay in the area during the winter so when the lid is closed they will be able to enter and exit the box from either side and have worms all winter long.

Bluebird in Training...

We built this Bluebird feeder a few days ago and it is designed to allow only bluebirds to enter to get the special worms we put inside it.  To get them to use it they have to become familiar with the device.  It has two holes in the sides for them to enter when the lid is closed and the glass is placed in the front. 

However, initially you put the worms in the feeder with the glass and lid removed (or proped open) so they "discover" the worms.  Over a couple of weeks, you replace the glass and then eventually close the lid.  A couple of days ago the bluebirds discovered the feeder and now we have moved to replacing the glass and next week the lid will close.  These birds are known to stay in the area during the winter so when the lid is closed they will be able to enter and exit the box from either side and have worms all winter long. 

Last Great Day of the Year (Weather wise)?

Some of you may think I am crazy, but I love fall...however being back in the Midwest brings with it the fall chores.  Raking leaves for instance.  Okay, so SOME of fall isn't all it's cracked up to be but today was a fantastic shirt sleeve day so into the yard I ventured to rake some leaves.