"I'm cold and hungry," says the little Tufted Titmouse.
"Me too," says the male Cardinal.
"How 'bout me?" says the little deer (who almost came to our back deck).
"I'm looking for something to eat also," says the little Mourning Dove.
All four of these beautiful creatures struggle to live during the cold winters. I try to help them the best I can. Yesterday besides all of our backyard birds, George and I saw TEN deer in our yard... I will post more pictures of the deer (and of our birds) on another post.
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To be honest, I just couldn't get 'into' my post for today. I started not to say anything because I feel a little 'silly' to be upset over something like this.. But---I AM upset, so I am going to share it since all of us have things in life which we enjoy and are passionate about---even though those things may be very different for each of us.
As most of you know, I am a HUGE fan of University of Tennessee sports. (Why??? I don't know sometimes. ha) BUT---I sat in total disbelief last night after hearing that UT is losing its new coach, Lane Kiffin, after being here for only ONE season. Kiffin has chosen to go to California to be the head coach at USC.
So many emotions and feelings went through me during the course of the evening... I cried; I was angry; I was stunned; I was shocked; I just SAT and kept thinking that this couldn't be happening. He just got here. He was building a program. We had almost signed a good group of new recruits (signing day is in Feb) --who now will probably go elsewhere (and maybe even follow Kiffin to CA). AND---not only is Kiffin leaving; he is taking at least 2 other assistant coaches with him, leaving UT with almost NOTHING.
I have SO many questions (which made me think of other things besides sports):
-Is there no LOYALTY left in this country---not just sports, but ANYWHERE?
-Is everything about SELFISHNESS and GREED??? Is that what we have become here in the good ole' USA?
-Is it always just about the MONEY and PRESTIGE?
-Are there any good ROLE MODELS left out there for our young people to follow?
-Did Lane Kiffin think --even for a minute--how his choices were going to effect the young players he has been working with this past year, and to the new recruits coming in????
-Did Lane Kiffin care one single bit that he is leaving UT totally 'high and dry' at the worst possible time? Obviously not!
Well---you might say that this is JUST SPORTS and it doesn't really matter in the big scheme of things. And you are probably correct. HOWEVER---this kind of crap is going on in many other aspects of life these days, and sometimes, it's just DARN UPSETTING---even to a usually POSITIVE person like me.
I try to see the good in everything ---and know that, in the end, this TOO will work out for the best for everyone, including UT. I now know that UT doesn't need a man with no character leading any of our young people anywhere. BUT--- I will admit that this entire incident has made me very very sad.
Sorry about the 'down' post. I'll perk up ---and take some more birdie and deer (maybe--if they come back) pictures tomorrow. I'll keep telling myself that this is what is truly important, and that everything will work out for the BEST.
Hugs,
51 comments:
Hi Betsy;) sorry to see you so upset. Do your sportspersons also get bought by other teams? They do in South Africa even to going overseas. I love your photos of the birds and the deer almost at your deck. (((Hugs))) Jo
You are right, this is not just sports and it is sad.....pray!
I am not a sports person and barely keep up with professional football for my son-in-law. But, I still realize the passion that you have for this team and am so sorry for the downward change in events. Don't feel silly for real feelings, even if others don't quite get it.
I don't pay that much attention to TN football, except living in TN makes it pretty much impossible to ignore. I am sure this will be the talk of the school today.
I've heard the same thing all over face book my friend and people are TICKED!
I'm sure this will turn out to be a good thing for the VOLS.
Don't you just want to bring these little birdies inside to get warm!!! They have such a hard time finding water in this cold weather!!! I'm always carrying out hot water to thaw their frozen water but it also freezes pretty quickly...
Sports represent a micro version of our world so it is very pertinent and is just a sign of what is going on in our world...Obama says we are not a nation of Christians---that is the most blatant sign of the devil working that we have...I wish I knew an answer to turn it all around!!!
I understand for we went through that with the Miami Dolphins. We hired Nick Saben who was only using us to jockey for position as the head coach of Alabama though he repeatedly denied that was his intent.
It would be easy to be angry with the coaches but then you have to realize that they also can be fired in an instant if the university doesn't like their performance.
University athletics is purely business and really big money. Sad but true.
Lovely birdie photos, as always. How do you get them to pose so nicely?
I understand completely about the sports depression. After seeing the U of TX lose the big game with Alabama the other night, I almost wept, myself! Hope things work themselves out at your UT soon.
Happy Wednesday from Joysweb!
I may not be much of a sports person, but I do understand your frustration and anger, Betsy. It does seem sometimes that people more and more these days are putting their own self-interests and greed ahead of the greater good. And unfortunately college sports is more about the money and prestige these days than anything else, and I think that is very sad.
I'm glad you have your bird friends to cheer you up, Betsy! You have certainly cheered me up with those lovely pictures, especially the first one with that adorable little fluffed-up tufted titmouse. Wonderful!
Betsy, you have hit a nail on the head today. I'm afraid that much of our society is all about greed--and especially sports. sigh.
It is sad to see the giants of the sports world make bad choices.We have all heard and seen about the ones in golf and locally,our own football coach making very wrong choices.I can only hope that many young people will find better role models.
Blessings,Ruth
Sports or Nature.. I'll take the world of nature anytime. Time to fill the bird feeders
Hi Betsy,
Sorry I don't comment on all of your posts. Work and animal rescue take all of my time. But I do go back and look at all of your wonderful photos.
The photos in this post are magnificent! THANK YOU so much for helping them during the tough times in winter.
I know nothing of your sports teams at TN,... but,... it seems like this person is being criticized when people haven't walked in his shoes. Do you all know WHY? Do you know if he's been offered more money? It isn't greed these days... it's being able to take care of your family and pay the bills. It isn't a "bad choice"... it's getting ahead in the world and bettering one's position. Come on people... don't be so harsh! You are all sounding like the wife whose husband just walked out on her! (said with humor!)
Betsy, I am sorry about your team losing its coach. I can understand why it has upset you.
I love your photos, especially the deer. Such a close shot! Hope more deer come around so you can take more pictures of them.
I wouold be upset too. this has happened to both U teams out here. It certaintly is a shock when after hearing all the I promises out of one side of the mouth you hear good bye out of the other.
It does boggle the mind and you are right about the new recruits---they don't know where to go because some were signing only because of that coach. I do understand where you are coming from. MB
Keep taking care of the birdies and animals.
I have to say that I was never on the Kiffin train. I found it VERY hard to cheer for my alma mater when they were being led by such a mouthy guy. I don't like when people trash talk, especially in the way he did - just to make others mad. I would rather you let your program speak for itself.
You have every right to your feelings and thoughts and probably just giving them a voice on your blog has made you feel better already!I, too, find in the working world that while we are hiring some wonderful gems, no sooner do they work two weeks with those who have become cynical and negative over the years, then the new ones are too! Great role models are hard to find!
Though I don't know the reasons behind the choices your coach made, I'm sure sad with you that this instability on your fav team, is going to take some time to settle! It's hard to bounce back from losses!
Blessings on you for feeding your darling birds and deer!!
Hugs!!
I am so sorry you are having such bad feelings about this Betsy. We just never know what people are going to decide to do really.
Who knows what is going on in 'his' life...maybe his goal was always to get to CA????
I know that MY coach is a very loyal person, but is thinking about making a move in a few years, only for his 'driving' convienence (not money for sure) after Lo graduates...but this is top secret stuff. Ok?
Take care...Suz
....I know just how you feel, being a graduate of the University of Cincinnati. It seems we're a training ground for the Big 10! Our coach just left us for Notre Dame.
p.s. I love you bird and critter shots.
It's not just sports. It's everywhere. I'm not a sports person but even I perked up at this story on the news this morning. They also said this had been his third coaching job in just a short amount of time?? Did I hear that right? If so, there's something wrong somewhere. Maybe this will turn into something good for UT like somebody better and more loyal? Hope so.
that cardinal is just beautiful. i don't follow sports but i do follow what you are saying. the same thing happened to our church with our music minister. he was very, very good and everyone loved him and his music and our choir and praise team were the best in town. MORE money and off he went to Colorado. It happens in all walks of life now. Greed is the cause of almost all our problems.
Hi Betsy. Your tufted titmouse is adorable. Those big eyes tug at my heart.
Sorry to hear about Coach Kiffin. I'm not into sports and your comments illustrate one of the reasons. It seldom comes down to the best, the brightest or the most deserving. It's always about the money.
Marnie
I'm not a big sports fan, so I can't relate to this much. However, when I mentioned it to my husband, he commented that one of our best basketball coaches...Pearl from USI...ended up at Tennessee, so he isn't feeling too sympathetic. Unfortunatley coaches move around and sports is a big businees like anything else.
i hear your lamentations...and i feel them...
each day is prayerful, for all we need a little uplifting, a little food :)
we too, offer gentle handouts to the wild life that surrounds us...
it has been a hard, hard winter.
glad to have found your blog :)
I know all your feathered and furred friends appreciate what you do for them in the cold weather -- that's why they visit! :D :D
As for the other, yep, money is the *all* ... greed the new American way. So sad.
Betsy, it is upsetting. I remember when Rodriquez went to Michigan from WVU, and announced prior to WVU's bowl game!!! Could he not have waited and not done that to those young men?
My husband was quite upset when Dennis Erickson left Oregon State after he had begun to build a solid program; our hopes seemed dashed.
So vent away, but as time passes we know that UT will build again. We're here for you.
By the way, that tufted Titmouse doesn't look very hungry to me. lol
Oh Betsy the birds and deer photos are precious! What wonderful colors to brighten up the snow on the ground. As to the rest of your post, I agree wholeheartedly with you. Its not just sports its everything in today's world that seems to revolve around money. Look what baseball players make for pete's sakes?? I could go on and on! But I know that there are many, many other people out there who are wonderful role models to our youth. They ask for no money or attention. God Bless those people!
First let me say your bird and deer pictures are great! How can cardinals be so RED? They are the most beautiful color, great picture of the deer, too, he came very close. I chop up apples and carrots and leave them alongside the alley for them.
Next in answer to your questions about your team - one word- MONEY - its all about money - and when God isn't #1 but money is that's where we are in this country.
Hi Betsy! I come by way of MadSnapper, Lacoochee Kid, and SquirrelQueen, so we have several blog friends in common. I am a caregiver for Beverly's little Ella. I see your comments so much that I just thought I's stop by and check out your blog. It's delightful! We are birdwatchers and keep up a life list. Your bird photos are stunnung. I got a good one of a tiny song sparrow and posted it a few days ago. Sorry about your sports upset. I think that sports teams are a microcosim of the regular world, and Jesus said we will have this kind of stuff always, right till the end. I'm sure this doesn't make you feel any better, it's just a thought. Have a good day!
That first bird picture is so precious..just look at his little face! You could frame that one. Seriously!
But the sports upsetting you? Nope, I don't get it.
I have never been "attached" to any team or sports decisions or lived vicariously through any team....and never understand why people get so passionate about teams.
The only thing we watch is the Super Bowl, and the only reason we do is because some dear friends of ours invite us to their annual party every year...we go there to visit them and enjoy their company, not for the game.
All I can think about is if the money spent on tickets, arenas, salaries for the overpaid athletes could be given to the poor in this nation, it would do so much more for our society.
But there are worse things people can love and spend their money on (like bars, ha!) so I don't begrudge anyone for their passions.
I just hope you can put this in perspective and realize that five years from now, will it really matter??
Hi Betsy, I don't follow sports but I'm sorry you're upset by the new coach leaving UT. Your birds and deer look so sweet. How simple life is for them. :)
I am sorry that you are upset I hope you feel better soon.
Your birds and deer are very special.
~~Love Hugs and Good Thoughts~~
Lucky birds and deer to have YOU in wintertime!
Don't know if the coaches always realise what a great part the play in the life of young people - hope that they'll find (reading "God send") someone that's exceeding your and their wildest dreams!
Betsy, I hope you don't get angry with me for writing this, but I am glad he's gone.
He's young, unpolished, and an embarrassment to UT Athletics. I'm sure he's a good coach but I really don't feel he's the leader the Football Vols need.
He went where his ego will be stroked and where the $$$ is more plentiful. His wife's family is from CA so I'm sure there was some pressure there. Where was the guidence from his father, Monte? Looks like his dad is a follower with his tongue hanging out like a puppy.
Still friends? Hugs!
Your birds are so beautiful. The titmouse is so scruffy and cute and the cardinal absolutely stunning. We are told not to feed the native birds as they forget how to fend for themselves (???) I'm not sure about that. I can understand your passion about sport and the annoyance at the way things are going with the mighty dollar more important than loyalty to community teams. The same happens here and in Europe. I follow Football (Soccer) and all our best Aussie players are lured to Europe where the dollars are bigger and so our competition gets weaker and so more leave for overseas. Even in the European Football leagues the players are not from the community where their team is based, most English teams are made up of non English players.
Maybe its all part of globalisation.
Anyway Betsy, I'm glad to see you ended on a positive note. Maybe the next coach will be even better.
I follow the Brisbane Roar team. Their coach just got fired by the board. I liked him. They have a new coach now but all the experienced players left after a few weeks. So my team is in tatters. I'm mad too.
Very cute!!
That dove is like me....I'm always looking for something to eat. :)
Love the photos Betsy.
Sorry you are down in the dumps but just think there's always some people worse off my friend.
Your photos of birds are just fantastic, Betsy! How ever did you capture that amazing shot of the bluebird on your header? Thank you for sharing them with us.
IT IS SO SAD BUT IT IS ALL ABOUT MONEY,THERE IS NO LOYALTY IF THE MONEY IS GOOD ENOUGH. AND THE REALLY SCARY THING IS ,IT'S NOT JUST IN SPORTS,IT'S IN EBERYTHING. SO SAD!!!
Awwww....I'm sorry you're having an off day! I think you need to send an e-mail off to the disloyal coach and then take a bubble bath! And I am having a better day now thanks to your smile provoking pictures! Hugs!
Hey Betsy- It's all about 'show me the money'.
That Titmouse pic is adorable!!
Betsy I'm so sorry you are upset over losing your team's football coach. I felt the same way when Joe Torre left the Yankees to go to the Dodgers. But one thing I've learned in life is that everyone is replaceable, and sometimes the new guy that comes along is so much better! Hope it all works out fro your team in the end.
Love all the additional bird photos --that cardinal is so red!
That's what a titmouse looks like? I've heard of them, but never knew what they looked like. Cool!
That's a beautiful bright red Cardinal, my favorite bird of all!
Can't leave out a gorgeous deer, either, and that's a really nice shot, too! I'm excited to see the other pics of them.
I won't get started on people doing things they shouldn't, especially just for the money, but I know what you mean & it IS VERY SAD how people are!!!
Your wildlife pics are great. The little tufted titmouse is irresistible.
Sorry to hear about the coach's defection. I hope your team gets a new coach who will be an asset to the game and a better role model.
betsy,
being upset happens to everybody. i heard my husband and son~in~law talking about how shocked they were about this change. it's good for you to "aventen: to vent"
and blogging is a great place to do it...that way you get it out and don't explode.
i have so many family issues to vent but don't want to hurt anyones feelings. i think i need to journel. i was going to use my new blog "thing that bug me" but my family reads it. oh well.
love the birds and deer coming to visit you...like someone earlier said sports or nature...i take nature any day.
happy january.
Hello Betsy,
Oh, I love all of these photos...the deer has such a sweet face..
Well I can say that the snow has given me the opportunity to find out exactly what visits me when I'm not looking or at night. :0)
I was looking out of my studio which is up stairs. I guess it was 3-4 days ago when the snow was on the ground good....I started noticing all the animal tracks and got really excited...So far I've determined that rabbit, deer and much larger tracks like deer (so possibly an Elk, raccoon (of course! :0) and are you ready for this.....a big paw print that I think may be a BEAR!!!
Miss Morgan was doing that under the breath growling in the wee hours of one of those snowy mornings and of course I couldn't see anything on the porch and wasn't going to go outside since it was 0 degrees....
Totally exciting! Today Thomas came home and today was my first time out in 10 days due to the ice on the road...there is still ice and snow on the last leg of our road but it's at the bottom..the little stream down there is still frozen in spots, ice is mounted up along the edges of the creek on the road going out to the main road and the pond across that road is a blanket of ice.
Are we in the ICE AGE?? hehe...so much for global warming....LOL It wasn't long ago that a Global Warming conference was canceled due to SNOW...I love it!
Come by when you get a chance..I'm starting a second blog so you gotta keep up with it too! :0)
Hugs,
Stephanie
I have to admit I not much of a sports person in respect to college football but from what I have seen it is fast becoming way too much like pro ball. Sorry that it is upsetting for you.
The little birds and the deer are so cute.
Betsy, I talked to Buster about this coach and he told me to tell you and the State of Tennessee to count your blessings. He said that guy is really a chump and mark his words in 5 years you will know it and you will be so glad that he left when he did.
I hope they get a good one in there that will be committed to the players and the school.
♥ Joy
I am sorry you were upset about the coach...and it is more than just sports. I understand what you mean there. I used to follow UT football, when Peyton Manning was their quarterback...I was so, so happy when he came to play for the Indianapolis Colts.
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