Wild Bird Wednesday

Plump Killdeers :)

My friend and I went for a ride through the Bong Nature Preserve and this was all that we saw ... because before we even got half way through the skies opened up and we were poured upon.  We  knew it was coming because you could see and smell it

 ... but we had hoped for more time.  These two fatties were along side a little pond which is a common place to find the Killdeers in this park.  All the other birds, it would seem, had enough sense to take cover :)

Andrea

Just Because ...

In Memory of Monica;s "Trees and Bushes" ... of course I would find this magnificent evergreen tree in the Forest Preserve after I have no place to share it.  But, here it is for all to see :)  Enjoy!

Izzi is showing you how big it really is :)

And, speaking of Izzi ... take a look at her new Chenille do :)

Andrea

Through My Lens

Curt's Cafe

If you are ever in Evanston, Illinois, this is a must go to place.  It is a quaint little restaurant with delicious food that is more than meets the eye ... it is "dining with purpose" as they call it.

When you walk in you read the menu and order your food at the counter.  You are served and the food is prepared by youth at risk who are being given a second chance in life by learning food service skills and much more as you will see on the video at the end of this post.

You take a table marker so they know where to bring the food ... each marker has a meaningful poetic statement that reflects the purpose and the accomplishments of the experience.

The food is delicious and it is laced with the love shown to these kids by the people responsible for this program.

 We ate in the side room that is used for meetings, classes and group gatherings.  There was a knitting class going on while we were there.

 The pictures on the wall are from local artists and are for sale at very reasonable prices ...

A nice cozy, comfortable place to eat and they serve up the good feelings of taking part in giving to others in a way that matters. 

watch and learn ...

I think so many of us take things for granted in our lives ...this is an eye opening experience that makes my heart ache. Curt's Cafe doesn't just help at risk kids ... they help the public gain a conscience and hopefully will spread the good will outside the doors of this wonderful place.

Thank you Curt's Cafe!

Andrea

(Also linked to ...)

Caturday Art Blog Hop

"Gotcha"

(click to enlarge)

Andrea

Paint Party Friday

Sweet Isabeau

Andrea

Good Fences

Can anyone guess why I love this fence :) ...

Andrea

Wild Bird Wednesday

Babies In My Yard

Every year the parents bring their babies to my yard to teach them where they can find food.  Some you can really tell by looking at them, but most you have to guess or just listen to their funny little food begging noises.  

 This little Nut Hatch is more interested in finding a bug on the tree than the feeder full of peanuts where his parents are feasting.

Mom Mallard brings her babies to my Yum Yum Tree every year.  At this point you can't tell Mom from the babies, but I know at least one of these Mallards is a baby.  The Red Wing Black Bird is not at all  afraid of the ducks and they don't bother him.  But they will chase the crows :)

The Chickadee babies are the cutest.  There are usually three of them and they burst onto the tree with their parents making noises of excitement, playing and chasing each other and eventually settling down to eat some black oil sunflower seeds.  

The cardinals bring their babies as well, but you can't tell them from their mother and the same goes for the sparrows ... many baby sparrows, but they all look the same.  The baby black birds look the same but they have a harsh squawking call.  It doesn't take them long to hone their calls and soon you can't tell them from their parents either.  The Black Birds are starting to form flocks ... one of the first signs of fall :)

Andrea

Caturday Art Blog Hop

Andrea

Paint Party Friday

Fatal

(click to enlarge)

Andrea 

Good Fences

 

Another Thai beauty ...

Depending on which side of the car the fence was on, this was a common shot that included my friend taking pictures at the same time ... we did have great fun.  I recommend taking a best friend when you travel :)

Andrea

NF Trees and Bushes

 Facing the Storm

(click to enlarge)

Another sad farewell to a wonderful Monica Meme.  Thank you for all the weeks of fun, interest and learning.  Monica ... you are the best and, though I will miss your memes, I will be seeing you in many other places.  Thank you, again and again :)

Andrea

Through My Lens

Picky Picky Picky

It's Raspberries this time ...

Same place as before only different berries ...

Yummmm ... fresh and ripe :)

Eat as you pick ...

 

Done?

Just a few more ... probably to pop in her mouth :)

Andrea

Caturday Art Blog Hop

USA Olympians

Purrrfection!

(click to enlarge)

Our Swimmers and Final Five Gymnasts blew us away this week and there is more to come .... 

Congratulations USA! 

Andrea