Betsy's Blues

I've enjoyed our 2nd brood of Bluebirds this summer in the nestbox in our backyard. The first batch was born the middle of May and fledged the end of May. This 2nd batch were born about July 7---and should fledge anytime now. I'm not sure if Mom and Dad Bluebird will try for a third batch ---but if they do, I'll enjoy every minute of it just like I have these two batches. One of the neatest things is to see the little fledglings grow up --and help Mom and Dad with the new babies. Above is a very proud Daddy Blue. Below are more!!











This is how both broods started.











New Birth!









Mama and Daddy take turns (along with the other juveniles) feeding the little ones. (This poor nestbox is on its last legs. I need to get a new one--but don't want the bluebirds to go elsewhere!!!)









Daddy is feeding them. You can see those mouths open--begging and squealing for food!









Bluebirds keep a very clean nest. Daddy enters that crowded nest---and cleans out all of the fecal material. (By the way, after the little ones fledge, there is never a mess in the nest. Amazing!!)











See one of the babies peaking out???? Bet they wonder what is out there in this big ole' world!!!









Mama Bluebird comes to the feeder and grabs a raisin (and/or other fruit)---and then heads back to the nest.









Daddy Bluebird now takes his turn at the feeder.









"What is out there ??? It looks scary to me!"











Now---it's just a waiting game... I predicted a week or so ago that the birds would fledge on July 25.... SO---that is today!!!!! Wonder what will happen?????? I'll keep you posted!!!


Hugs,

P.S. Besides being 'blue' about the Bluebirds today, I am truly 'blue' about three of my friends. Please pray for Tommy (stroke), Susan (cancer) and Debbie (death of her father). All three of these special people need lots of prayers. Thanks so much!

Ninety-Seven Wonderful Months

Since George and I didn't meet until we were 59 years old, we need/needed alot of years to make up for lost time. Because of this, we celebrate NOT just anniversaries, but also our MONTH-aversaries. Since we got married on June 23, 2001, as of yesterday, we have been married for 97 fabulous months!!!!!


Usually to celebrate our month-aversaries, we go out to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. Yesterday was no exception!!!! (Of course, we also had to help blog friend PATTI celebrate her birthday!!) We drove to Cades Cove in the Smokies and visited our special friends, Judy and Charlie, who are camping up there this week.


After several hours of talking and catching up, George and I headed back to Maryville ---where we visited one of our favorite restaurants (Cafe UNO) to enjoy their delicious Chicago-style Pizza. We seldom eat pizza --so when we do, it it VERY special. All in all, it was a wonderful day----and we hope to celebrate MANY more Month-aversaries!!!!


The picture above was taken of us at Cafe UNO yesterday afternoon. More pictures are below.







This is about the 3rd time we have visited Judy and Charlie when they are camping. This year, I got so excited with my yakking and talking that I forgot to snap any pictures. So----I borrowed one from our visit in 2007---which is very similar to what it looked like yesterday!!!!!









We did stop at the entrance to the Cades Cove loop before leaving yesterday --and snapped a few pictures. We didn't have time to drive the loop this time --but I'm sure it won't be long 'til we come back to this gorgeous place.





























++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

When we got home, all of my birdies were there on the back deck ---singing "Happy Month-aversary" to us.. Aren't they sweet??????


Hugs,