Wise Words On Sunday

 

Saturday Critters #650

The Great White Egret migrates south when the cold weather comes to New Jersey...

at least that's what Google says.

My bird book offers a little bit of a different opinion, that perhaps some stay during milder winters.

I see a lot of Great White Egrets during warm weather...I have also seen a few during the winter.

The Egret is a large, pure white, stately, heron like bird.

It uses its dagger like bill for capturing prey.

Sexes are similar, 

during breeding season there is a green patch around its eye and long black plumes trail from its tail.

I saw this Egret on Debbie's Creek, while visiting the swans in Manasquan.

This Egret was fishing on Glimmerglass Lake, also in Manasquan.

This Egret balanced on one leg and was seen on Silver Lake in Belmar.

I see a lot of Great White Egrets in New Jersey during the summer.

Sharing today images with Eileen at 

Viewing Nature With Eileen 

for Saturdays Critters

What Happened To The Baby Swans...

 If you have been following the "Swan Story" and have been wondering how it concluded,

it does not have a happy ending.

I have written about these Mute Swans and this swans nest many times... 

I shared these 2 pictures in my entry on May 9th when she first showed me her eggs.

When I called out to her, she lifted up off the eggs, to show me all of them. 

Once I found the nest and saw the eggs, I tried to check on them every day or so.

The nest is only about 10 minutes from home, on Glimmerglass Lake,

right off of Debbie's Creek, true story...how cool is that?!

When I visited on May 18th, the nest was abandon...

I counted 4 eggs still in the nest...

mom and dad were nowhere to be found and believe me, I searched.

A woman passing by stopped 

and said she saw 2 cygnets the day before but was also surprised to see the other eggs abandon.

I went back several times and on May 26th,

 the couple greeted me by the side of the road, they were alone.

 Swans are extremely intelligent and remember everyone they have "met".

I spoke softly to them and they swam gently as I spoke.

I was less than 5 feet away...I told them I was sorry about the babies.

The nest is empty now...

what a heart break for these 2 Mute Swans 

who spent so much time and gave so much love to try and have a family.

I said goodbye, but I will go back to see them and visit for a spell.

I know this is the circle of life but this was a real heartbreak for me and I am sure for them too.

I hope to be back to writing regularly, fingers crossed!

What's Going On...

When I woke up on Monday, instead of tackling the mountain of paperwork on my desk, 

I decided to relax and color.

I colored for hours, until my fingers had become "tired" and they were begging me to stop.

These pages are in this Adult Coloring Book I received from my good friend, Liz.

These are the ones I recently finished and I don't think I have shown them here yet.

I started a new knitting project...

This is The Neapolitan Cowl 20

I am knitting with Magpie Fibers DK Yarn 

"swanky'

 80% SW Merino, 10% Cashmere & 10% Nylon

It is easy enough, purling and knitting is all you really need to know.

And also a key point is to NOT let the yarn twist.

On my first attempt...casting on the 252 stitches, my yarn twisted and I had to rip it out

and start all over again.

I am back on track, untwisted.

I am still planting flowers and seeds, 

I am way beyond the respectable time to be putting things in the ground.

~ fingers crossed ~

The Iris...

- a bold, elegant orchid like bloom, sword shaped pedals with basal foliage -

Their distinctive 6 petaled flowers have 3 outer hanging pedals and 3 inner upright pedals.

They can be bearded or crested but without a doubt, they are always spectacular,

Each color has its own special meaning.

Purple Iris - Most iconic, often linked to royalty.
Blue Iris - Symbolizes faith and hope.

White Iris - Represents purity and spiritual connection.

Yellow and Orange Iris - Bring cheer and warmth to any setting.

New beginnings are often linked to springtime blooms!

The Jersey Shore

 I think New Jersey gets a bad rap from so many people.

It's such a beautiful state, it's the "Garden State"...we have the ocean and fresh seafood.

You can see a view like this in almost every county you visit.

We have an abundance of birds and waterfowl.

I recently spotted this Greater Yellowlegs wading in shallow water during low tide.

This is a robust, elegant wading bird with extremely long yellow legs, and a long, thick bill.

We have had a couple of special meals at our favorite restaurants.

They boast about the fish and lobster arriving at the restaurant the same day they serve it, 

it is that fresh.

These meals were enjoyed at 

Atlantic Offshore Fishery

The lobster rolls there are out of this world, packed with lobster.

I had the Lobster Francese on our latest visit to

Mr. Shrimp Seafood 

I have been eating a lot of lobster.

The hubs had this Fish and Chips - $ 10.00 on Wednesday nights.

Once the summer arrives, these restaurants by the ocean are packed with tourists.

That is the one drawback to living where others come to vacation.

May Day In Smithville

 Smithville is a quaint historic town in New Jersey, located about a half hour drive from home.

Visiting Smithville is a treat any time of year but if you go on May Day,

they host a huge craft show with outdoor vendors in addition to their wonderful shops.

There were over 100 crafters and food vendors that feature all kinds of street food.

Lake Meone

Town Square

Sweet Things

The above sand sculpture sits right outside the entrance to 

The Historic Smithville Inn

There is a cute Carousal for the young and young at heart.

Food Vendors

Face Painting for the children.

And I stumbled upon these adorable Goslings hanging out in the lake.

I purchased 2 handmade ankle bracelets that sparkle and I love.

 A handmade piece of pottery for a plant, 

2 "be kind" stickers, one is for my mom and the pottery ornament that says "you'll live till you die".

There were so many beautiful things but not one thing I need.

I did "need" the ankle bracelets!

I love these spring festivals but it was 90 + degrees, too hot for me to stay long.

We split a chicken salad sandwich at

The Historic Smithville Inn

and headed home.

Why does it have to get so hot so quick.

We went from using the heat to the needing air conditioning in just a few days.