Hair Streaks!

Something new and different... a few "foils."

LOVE my blonde streaks! =D

Gettin' Out on the Town

Last night my coworker / friend Kathy (see bus pic above) and I went to the Farmer's Market (THE Boulder thing to do it seems), and then to "Band on the Bricks" on the Pearl Street Mall. What a great time I had!

First, I haven't taken one of the city buses (Public transportation? Moi?) since 1985 when I was in High School! These buses sure have changed... no more hard seats, more more shouting "NEXT STOP PLEASE!" You now pull a cord and a LED board lights up that says "Stop Requested." The driver also "announces," though inaudibly, each stop that approaches. One thing has not changed... the drivers still seem a bit grouchy, bordering on disgruntled. Relax, sheesh... all you have to do is drive a bus all day / night!

We walked to the Farmer's Market and it was more fun than I expected. (Yes, I was a Farmer's Market virgin.) Even though I'm not into buying produce, it's fun to look at it all and sample whatever people have to share. Then, after walking around, it was time to go to the prepared food area and get something to eat. So many booths / food types to choose from... most with very LONG lines. I chose a huge berry smoothie, substituting mango for banana. It was non-dairy with no ice... PERFECT! :) Kathy had a Spring Roll that actually looked pretty good. Sucks that she had to eat and walk though, as we had to get over to the mall.

We arrived in front of the Courthouse just before 7pm, and grabbed a great place to sit... which turned into standing... which then turned into dancing. I've seen Hazel Miller about five times now, and this was the first time I've seen her with her funk band, singing dance music. The bass player played some really groovy basslines that had me dancing through several songs. The entire block was packed with people... people of all ages, from toddlers to geriatric folks in wheelchairs. Everyone dancing, singing along, and having a wonderful time.

They played for a couple of hours, then it was time to hop back on the bus and head back home.

I would definitely do this again... GOOD TIMES!

"Flown the Coop"

As of today, all four of the healthy / grown fledgling birdies have flown the coop and moved on. They were 15 days old today, and I'm sad and happy. It was great fun having them here, outside of my front window, for all that time... even when they were still eggs.

I took the fifth little bird, who I've named "Fighter," to the Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary yesterday. "He" still wasn't moving along as quickly as the rest, and was still being kicked from the nest. When I checked on "his" condition last night, he was doing fine... in an incubator and eating plenty. He should be out of quarantine in a few days, (and if all continues to go well, and he continues to eat and grow), they will then "give him some buddies" to live with during his stay. The goal will then be to release him when it's time.

I'm happy beyond words to know that I saved this little birds life... literally... and more than once. A wonderful payoff. :)

Does Anyone...

... even read my fucking blog??? I receive no comments, no nothing. I think I'm going to retire this blog soon if things don't change. Why keep writing and posting my pictures if no one is reading, or cares enough to even post comments? *sigh*

And, yes, I do write my blog for me... it's my journal for the most part. However, getting comments sometimes motivates me, shows me another side of thinking, makes me laugh, or in some cases... pisses me off. All of these are better and more beneficial to me than nothing being said at all.

What a Face (Feels So Good)

Some of my quality time with Draco. (While his Dad was at work...)

Comfort Zone... In or Out?

Wednesday night I went to a Jazz Showcase here in Boulder. It was the 25th anniversary of a jazz trio that I cannot remember the name of. OK, so I'm not what one would call a "jazz fan," so I didn't know the trio's name in the first place.

My friend / neighbor invited me to come by and hang out... as he was working the event. This is really why I went, because he invited me.

All day I was reconsidering... this was something that was way out of my comfort zone. I find it difficult to go out to "events" alone. I feel like people feel sorry for me, are looking at me, that I look pathetic, etc., but I went anyway. After all, how am I going to meet anyone if I don't go OUT?

I arrived early, got a great seat / table, and people watched... took in the whole scene. For dinner I had Butternut Squash Ravioli with Grilled Asparagus, Sage Butter & Freshly Grated Pecorino Romano. YUM!!! It was soooooo good. So good in fact, I had forgotten I was alone while I was eating.

Coincidentally, I ran into my 2nd cousin and her Dad! He was visiting from CA, so I haven't seen him in a few years. I also saw someone that worked where I do, and now does some consulting-type work with us from time to time.

Anyway, I'm glad I went... I stayed for about 3 hours... and I can honestly say, I'm still not a "jazz fan." I NEED LYRICS! However, I'd most likely do it again.

Thank you, "T," for the invitation. =D I enjoyed getting a glimpse into what you do, and watching you work as I relaxed and listened to music. hehe

Outcast Bird - Take Two

When I checked in on the birdlings before work, the "runt" bird, the smallest of the bunch that had been kicked out at 3 days hold, was seemingly kicked out again today, at 11 days old. Grrrrr Either that, or while moving with his / her siblings from one nest to the other (as they are more mobile now), it got sidetracked and stuck under some of the flower stalks alone... where it couldn't move and wouldn't have been fed.

Once again, I went to extreme measures to get the little bird out from being stuck, and put it into the nest that was currently empty (as everyone else was in the other one). When I came home from work at lunch, I was happy to see that "Fighter" as I've named this bird, was back into the nest with everyone else.

This little bird is still smaller than the rest, but I'm hoping he / she will catch up at some point before they fledge and fly away... and will do just fine. *crossing fingers*

Baby Bird Update - Day 9

All fuzz and feathers now... no more little pinklings.

Outcast Bird... Oh no!

At three days old, this poor little bird (still pink and not even the size of my pinky finger... eyes still closed) was shoved from the nest either by the Mom or the siblings. Apparently this happens if one is smaller than the rest, may be ill, cannot feed them all... which in this case I have now confirmed is five babies, etc.

He was on his side at the edge of the flower basket, still alive, but not for much longer if he wasn't in the nest. I'm glad I climbed up to check on them when I got home from work.

Anyway, the wildlife people suggested putting him back into the nest. WHAT?? ME? USING WHAT, MY MAGICAL POWERS? No, I was to use my hands and pick up this fragile, tiny being without hurting him (or myself by falling off the chair), and place him into the nest. Good Lord... I was nervous. I did it though... I scooped the bird up carefully, though I was shaking, and carefully placed him with the others. WHEW! Then I was told to watch and see if he's ousted again, and if so, the wildlife folks would come by and take the poor little thing.

Great news!! (When I found the outcast birdie, the others had all turned the more natural dark color, but not this one.) Now, seven days later... even the outcast has turned dark in color and is growing bigger (though still a little smaller than the others) and eating along with everyone else. He / she did not get shoved from the nest again, and is now growing like his siblings, and Mom and Dad bird are feeding all five! And wow do they making their "cheeping" noises when this happens. It's endearing.

Hooray, it seems I saved this little birds life! Next exciting / scary thing for the babies... attempting flight.

P.S. It's a myth that if you touch a baby bird, the Mother will abandon it. Birds do not recognize the smell of humans on their babies. I admit, knowing this allows me to pet their little heads once in a while, though I mostly leave them alone.

Baby Birds - (2 days old)

How cute are these two hungry baby birds?! I disturbed them and I think they thought I was "Mom" or "Dad" and had some food for them.

At one point, there were a couple more open mouths, but I didn't have my camera. DARN!

Just Hatched!!

As of yesterday, mid-afternoon, all of the eggs that the House Finch layed in my hanging flower basket's nest had been hatched! There were four or five, I could never quite tell for certain without disrupting their home. Now there are four or five brand new... delicate (the most delicate little things I've ever seen!), helpless, baby birds piled up and staying warm... either in the sunshine, or underneath their Mom / Dad.

Can you see the one stretching his / her neck up out of the bunch? And another one's beak below?

I will be taking LOTS of pictures as they fledge and then fly off on their own.

AMAZING!

P.S. Speaking of birds... you rock, Richard!

Saving the bird that was trapped in your fence. :)

RIP Steven... my Friend

At 10am this morning I found out from my boss, that my friend (and also coworker), Steven, passed away yesterday. We've been working together for over five years now, and have become close friends over the past couple / few years or so.

Steven had been battling Pancreatic Cancer, and he lost his battle. He fought this battle with the spirit of which I have never seen from anyone before. He was undergoing his third different type of chemotherapy, and was still coming to work, until last week. Yes, he worked until one week before he passed away.

I knew that this horrible disease would take Steven's life, as did he... however, no amount of preparation / expectation could lessen the shock, pain, and grief of when I actually heard the news... the news that he was gone.

He passed painlessly and quickly, after being taken off of life-support. His family was with him, and he was lying in his wife's arms when he left this world. This is of some comfort to me, though it is still hard to believe I'll never see him, hug him, or talk to him again.

Steven... thank you for the archery lessons, the debates on hunting, for letting me call you "Weeven," for teasing me about the "new" country music I listen to vs. the "old" country that is the good stuff you liked, for your crazy Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers, for letting me "interecept" calls from your wife so that I could talk to her too, and most of all... thank you for being my friend. I'll miss you...

New Paint!

My new paint / colors ("Brick Red" and "Toffee Crunch"). I'm so happy with the results... LOVE IT!!!

Expecting Babies

Two birds... House Finches I believe... have nested in my one and only hanging flower pot, just outside my front door.

Shortly after the perfectly round nest was made (which is just amazing to me), there were five eggs in it! I've been watering very carefully, just around the outside edges, as to not get the nest / eggs wet, but to continue to offer a nice home for this little bird family. As I watch these birds, the male and female make a great team, ("Dad" sits on the edge of the planter keeping watch, and "Mom" sits on the eggs).

I can't wait until the babies arrive! It's been since May 26th or 27th that the eggs were layed... I wonder how long until they hatch??