Wise Words On Sunday

 

Saturday Critters ~ 372 ~

We went for a car ride on Thursday and ended up at 

Lake of the Lilies.

I was hoping to see the Wood Ducks but they were not there or perhaps I just didn't see them.

The lake is big, beautiful and a really pretty blue...most of the ducks here swim in the center.

The Greater Scaup

There were so many other ducks, the Mergansers included,

I took a lot of pictures of them but the water was so choppy, they are all blurry.

Two different Mallard Ducks with a similar pose.

These ducks were back, they always hang out together and were not here the last time I visited.

I always put the window down to take pictures but they think it is to feed them food.

As we roll forward to leave they all chase us/follow us.

A beautiful group of ducks, they are always in the same spot.

ps...there are signs here that you are not allowed to feed them, I don't, even though I would love to!!

Sharing today's images with Eileen at 

Viewing Nature With Eileen 

for Saturday Critters

That's A Wrap!

 If you are a regular reader,

you remember the fire we experienced on August 4th in the industrial park we own.

It was tragic for us, 4 of the units a complete loss...the other 6 in that building

suffered smoke and soot damage.

The demolition and rebuild could not begin until our insurance company, 

and the tenants insurance companies were done with their investigations, that took a long time.

On January 14th, we obtained the certificate of occupancy for all of the units,

and the tenants were able to move back in.

We rent to small businesses, each unit has one office, one bathroom and a large warehouse.

We are both happy to have this ordeal behind us!

Keeping Busy

 Continuing from Mondays post, and because I don't have much else to write about,

I decided to put together a "binder ring" of our past Christmas Cards.

I was only able to find the last 6 cards,

but better they are here together and I will add to this each year!

Just a hole punched in the corner of each card...

attached together with a binder ring,

it looks extra special and pretty if you tie ribbons on the binder ring.

I started a new knitting project...

this is the first time I found my own pattern, 

my own yarn and started a knitting project on my own with out asking Leanne any questions.

I know she will be happy for me.

I keep all the information on each knitting project in my 

- live a life you love -

book,

I think it is coming along nicely.

A Shawlette

hopefully, it will look like this when it is done.

I really like the way the edge looks.

I watched my "snowing" DVD all day,

it rained today, I am still hoping for snow!

Staying Busy...

 I have not had too much trouble staying busy or happy during the quarantine.

I enjoy being home, and doing homebody things!

Crafts are my favorite pastime,

creating anything with my hands is always most enjoyable.

I had one last Needle Punch Ornament to finish and I thought this one came out great.

Each time I make one, 

it comes out a little better, a little neater than the one before.

I love to bake, usually completely homemade.

But these Ghirardelli Brownies are so good, 

I have never found a recipe that tops these.

My mixing bowls, 

40 years old, are considered to be antiques.

I like to cook...

The hubs and I decided we wanted to "taste" summer and 

what better way to do that than with BLT's.

We went to 

Delicious Orchard

purchased their homemade bread and a fresh, juicy tomato, to work with...

with extra mayo, these were so good!

We have also been grilling a lot...

these Hamburgers and Sweet Potato Fries were delicious.

Nothing says summer better than a hamburger from the grill.

Chicken with Blue Cheese Butter

with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Roasted String Beans

This was a Home Chef meal and it was really good.

I must admit that I am getting a little tired of cooking,

7 days a week, we rarely get take out, don't eat out because of COVID...

I would not mind it if someone came and cooked for me for a week.

Going outside to see these beautiful blue skies also helps pass the time,

and will definitely lift your spirits.

I saw these adorable Snowmen at 

Delicious Orchard

I couldn't help but photograph them to share here.

Taking car rides, taking pictures...

we cleaned this room which I use for storage.

It was a real mess since Christmas, I am so happy to have it all straitened up.

We watched this movie,

 if you have not seen it look it up,

it was really good!

Wise Words On Sunday

 

Saturday Critters ~ 371 ~

 During our last visit to 

Lake of the Lilies

we did not see the Wood Ducks.

In fact, we did not see any ducks...where have they all gone?

There are usually at least 50 ducks, primarily Mallards, in the lake,

we did not see even one of the usual suspects.

However, there was some excitement...

The Hooded Mergansers have returned!

These are males.

They are small, bizarrely shaped diving ducks, with a large head and a small bill.

The males have large crests, that can be flattened or fanned.

According to my book, they are here year round but I only see them during the winter.

The Hooded Mergansers swim way out in the center of the lake,

I was not even sure these were Mergansers when I took the pictures.

Sleeping ducks, Lesser Scaups on the left, Male Greater Scaup on the right.

There was only one Mute Swan in the entire lake...

and a lot of beautiful sparrows in this tangled shrub at the entrance to the lake.

Sharing today's images with Eileen at 

Viewing Nature With Eileen 

for Saturday Critters