Saturday, July 26, 2008

Hanging In There

I went to Cool Creek Park a few days ago to walk the trails and observe the birds and wild life from the nature center. They are having summer camp there and lots of little hand prints were on the glass, in fact, it was nearly impossible to get a picture from the windows due to the smudges. This was the only window shot that turned out even half-way decent. There was a hawk sitting in a nearby tree and the squirrels were laying low and the bird activity came to a screeching halt.


This squirrel picture reminds me of our situation right now, as we are just hanging in there waiting to see what happens next. Right now, things are looking very good. My husband has had two job interviews that have gone very well. He also has a couple of other interviews lined up for next week. We are hoping to hear something positive in the next week or two. Please continue praying.

(You can click on the pictures to enlarge them!)
I sat outside yesterday morning trying to get pictures of the hummingbirds. Every time I would lay my books aside and pick up the camera they would zip away. They were so fast! They are such curious creatures! As I sat on the swing one of them flew right up to my face to check me out. I wish I could have gotten that picture! Amy, From High And Dry commented a few days ago that one had done the same thing to her husband. She said, "Would you believe that tonight my husband had a hummingbird fly right up to him and hover in front of his face, about an inch from his nose? They looked at each other for a bit and then the bird flew away. Amazing! Wish I'd been there to see it." That is exactly what this one did to me, Amy.


The bumblebees are interesting to watch on the petunias; instead of going inside the flower, they go to the base and cut the flower.

When I stepped outside yesterday morning there were several ducks in my back yard. I guess it is the momma duck that frequented my yard early spring. She came back and brought her young with her.

Crossing the street and heading back to the pond.

The goldfinches are enjoying the sunflowers. They'll soon be feasting on the large sunflowers that are about to bloom. They were scarce for a while, so I'm very glad to have something during the summer that is drawing them to the yard. Usually in the fall they eat the seeds from the echinacea, cosmos and zinnias, so I rarely deadhead my flowers.

21 comments:

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

What great pictures. I just had a grey squirrel come visit my feeder yesterday. I had not seen any all summer at the feeder. I love gold finches too(-:

beckie said...

The squirrel picture is great! They are such fun to watch. I have seen humming birds fly at people to try to scare them away, but never to investigate. That must be quite an experience. I have been wondering how things were going with the job situation...will keep you both in my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

The squirrel picture is priceless - exactly how I felt after a short session in the garden with this intense heat. The photo of the bee and the petunia is wonderful. I didn't know they did that. Glad to hear there seems to be good news about your husband's job hunting. I'll keep your family in my prayers.

Jan
Always Growing

Linda said...

Lovely photos Robin. It takes lots of patience to get those kind of shots. I love the squirrel one, reminds me of one that I took ages ago of the squirrel laying on the deck rail.

Jayne said...

I love all these photos Robin, esp. the squirrel!! Prayers will ascend that your hubby hears something about a new job soon.

garden girl said...

Wonderful shots as usual Robin! The squirrel is adorable sprawled out taking a rest from his antics. The ducks crossing the street are so precious.

Crossing Guard is part of the job description at the nursery where I work. Since the nursery's on a busy street, we watch out for the duck and goose families that visit us, and frequently stop traffic to help them cross safely.

Your family is in my thoughts, and I hope your worries will soon be eased with at least one job offer netted from your husband's recent interviews.

Sherri said...

Robin, what a great picture of the squirrel!! It almost looks like he just ate too much corn and can't bear to get up and run away!!

The bumblebee on the petunia looks like he is hanging on for dear life too!

Great pics!

The Giraffe Head Tree said...

Wow! I love all your photos! I've NEVER seen a bumblebee cut a petunia like that - what an incredible photo that is. The goldfinch on the sunflower, the ducks, the hummingbird, that funny squirrel. Amazing shots, Robin!

I wasn't aware of your husband's job search, dear. Please know you guys are in my prayers.

NCmountainwoman said...

The pictures are great. We're keeping our fingers crossed for your husband.

Dave said...

Great pictures! Good luck to you all with the job opportunities!

Benjamin Vogt said...

I'd give anything to have a hummer in my garden, let alone come up to my face. How cool!!

Gail said...

I have to agree with some of your other commentors! The squirrel photo is too cute! They have such personality! Wow on the plant hugging bumblebee!

Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts.

Gail

Anonymous said...

Great pics. Love the squirrel.

The bee is a carpenter bee...you can tell by the large head and generally hairless abdomen.

Dan (my password isn't working, so I posted anonymously)

Connie said...

Love the shot of the ducks crossing the street.
Praying for you.....

Debbie said...

Robin, you have been taking some really outstanding photos. Great job! I just love the one of the squireel and that one of the bee holding onto the blossom is great.

So glad that your hubby has been having some good interviews. Hopefully one will produce a good job opportunity for him soon. I'll continue to pray.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I figured that squirrel was just too hot and tired to move. A great picture. Actually all of your pictures are wonderful.

I wish your Hubby luck in landing a job soon. Always in my prayers.

Rose said...

Robin, glad to hear things are looking up for your family--I hope you get some good news soon from the job interviews.
The hummingbirds have finally returned here, but I haven't had any luck getting a photo yet--I need to have more patience (and my camera with me!). I've never had one fly that close to my face, but they have stopped a couple feet away and just stared at me. Of course, I am always so amazed that I don't even think of the camera!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad things are looking up for you and your husband. I sure hope you get good news this week. All your pictures are beautiful. It makes you feel special when a hummingbird takes notice.

m.e. said...

Robin, these pics are all of "magazine" quality. I stand amazed!!! Please keep us posted on the job situation. We will be eager to hear what God was working "from behind the scene" this entire time!

Blessings,
Susan

Sweet Home and Garden Carolina said...

So sorry to learn that your hubby was out of a job but glad to know that about the job interviews. We'll certainly remember you in our prayers and hope for the best.

I've given up trying to catch a photo of a hummingbird. Those are great shots and the one of the squirrel is a real gem.

Mary said...

I wish your husband a great week of interviews and an offer from his first choice!

Your pictures are so well done. The CW so clear against that blue sky, and the Goldfinch posing for you on the head of the sunflower - Wow.

Enjoy your hummers, Robin. I hope they do for you what they do for me. I forget everything and think only nice thoughts when I'm with them. Little Angels.