Etowah Indian Mounds

Sunday Bry came over and he and Wood and I went to the Etowah Indian Mounds. A group of Indians from the Mississippian era (900-1200 AD) lived here near Cartersville. There are 3 large mounds and a couple of smaller ones. All and all pretty interesting. I stupidly wore sandals and had to watch out for ANY place I stood still for more than 2 seconds because there were ant hills EVERYWHERE. I also included a couple of shots of the river behind the settlement with which was the southern border including a fish trap (the big darker v thing you see in the water) One more shot of Jenny too

Lots of nature

We have just had lots of fun lately with birds and such. Have been going for walks regularly at Red Top and saw an itsy bitsy snapping turtle that I actually thought was a brown leaf the other day. Had the luna moth on the porch along with lots and lots of others. Then at the bird feeders we have had the tons of golden finches, a couple of rose breasted grosbeaks, some blue birds, house wrens, hummingbirds and indigo buntings . I actually could sit in the back yard watching the birds ALL the time. Oh we also had a hawk glide through the yard last night but wonder of wonders because we were higher than he was I couldn't identify him (most of the books show them from underneath). Another source of joy, is taking Jenny on walks at Red Top and watching her pretend to be a waterdog. She was chasing water striders this Sunday and kept gulping water and then coughing, pretty funny actually. I didn't really capture any great pictures of her fun, but here is one

Weird Moth

It is weird moth time of the year. Is this a Luna?

Most awesome thunder and lightening storm

I had the best time with Jill weekend before last going to the tea store in Claremont and a nature center/arboreatum there (forgot the name) and then going back to meet Gavin's most excellent sons. What Fun!!! I really enjoyed both events greatly. Pictures from the garden Boy last Thursday night was a doozie!!! We had about a three hour lightening, heavy rain and heavy wind storm. Wood and I just had to go out side on the deck and watch until the lightening got way too close, then we watched from all the windows of the house, moving from one to the other like a couple of little kids. It was extremely powerful and impressive. I thought about inviting the neighbors up for the show, but no one in their right mind would have been out in that storm.

South Padre Island

Don't know if you can see the dude in the middle there but it is a Roseate spoonbill. I was so excited. Did some training in South Texas this past week, which I loved!!! Finally found a place in Texas that I like. People were beyond gracious and the Mexican food was delicH!!! But I have to say the highlight was seeing this bird!!!

finally the bday party

although presents were spread out over several days to lessen the overwhelmingness some were saved for the actual party...cute outfit....plush puppy.... And the cake and ice cream event. Sarah made carrot cake loaves and Isaiah got his own!!!! he loved it and the ice cream.... but best of all to wash it all down was his very first glass of cold milk from the fridge. His eyes got really wide then he just glugged it down Messes are so much fun to make.... the ants come marching one by one, hurrah! hurrah!