Heehee, yes, that's what we were afraid of - the "still too close" ! We might be able to count the feathers but what good is it if we can't see the bird... Yes, we're recovering nicely. And the baby was born two and a half week ago! She is absolutely adorable. Yet another thing going on in life that keeps me away from the dust cloth and the vacuum cleaner! (Yeay!) It's so lovely to be an Oma and Opa (dutch grammy and grampy) again. And this one is so much closer than California! Sandy, we checked them out online. Easier than going to a store. We were not impressed by the price range, in other words, if we were going to buy one of these ourselves we would spend more. We can't choose something that's not in their fancy folder, and we thing it's an overstock kind of thing. I have my eye on a good looking bird scope, but I don't think it's in the budget for this Christmas... They also have very nice cutlery. Maybe we'll get that instead and keep our eye on the bird scope instead. :) Mary

First time one of those little buggers got me was at my 6th grade Hallowe'en party. It was on an azalea. I pitched such a fit I ruined the entire party, so I have never forgotten them. One reason they hurt so much is that every little spine sticks INTO your skin and keeps on stinging. My brother suggested I keep a roll of MASKING tape in my garden bag, and if I get stung again, put a strip of tape gently but firmly over the spines and then pull it off---it pulls ALL the spines OUT which helps reduce the pain considerably. (Same thing for stinging bees and wasps that leave a stinger IN your skin.) I used to use a paste of Adolph's Meat Tenderizer and water, too, but they've changed the formula and it no longer contains PAPAIN, the papaya enzyme, and instead uses BROMELAIN, the pineapple enzyme, and it doesn't work for me any more. My usual "let them live" policy does NOT apply to saddleback caterpillars, any more than it does to roaches, rats and other "vermin." Oh, and, BTW, saddlebacks LOVE Bearded iris leaves. As soon as the weather starts to cool off, start looking for them!!

Man, I have been MIA for a while. You guys posted some great pics!! Andrea, I love seeing the chipmunk and bright yellow finches. I finally saw some yellow finches the other day, but they haven't been staying around for long. My thistle feeder barely gets touched and I bought fresh seed too. Ok, it's time for me to make some wreaths or suet - Yours have inspired me!!!! Hopefully soon! The birds are eating like crazy right now so I know they would be a huge hit! Andrea, I almost bought that same looking hummingbird feeder the other day. I just wasn't sure if I was ready for "hummingbirds" though lol - I feel like I have so much going on feeding the other birds.. I just don't know if I should take on more... PLUS>>>> yesterday was my birthday and my dad surprised me with a HUGE bird house that is anchored to a tree!!! Now, I love feeding the birds, but I don't know if I want to house them too!!! LOL.. But I have to put this bird house in the backyard.. This will be a new journey. I'll try to post pics. My hubby has to dig a hole and pour concrete because the birdhouse is so big!!! YIKES!! My dad was driving one day and saw this thing on the side of the road - some guy makes them locally. Royals fan-MO6a - I love the Oriole pics!! Thanks for sharing! catherinet - hahaha yes I like the idea of giving out bird seed mixes around Christmas.. it's cold out and the birds will certainly enjoy it!! Oh, and we'll save some calories ourselves hahaha --------------------------------------------------------- okay here's a sneak peak of the bird house.. I'm telling you this sucker is huge. Hubby carrying it in- Below is a different bird house that the same guy made. This isn't the one I have. It's just an example of his work. My bird house has a lot brighter colors.. I may tweak that some day hahahaha...

Yes, on the Danube. yes, will post about my break, but need better wifi than standing on a corner, or on a city square, like right now. its getting warm, need to roll. later! Moni http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/MonisEuroVelo6