It's been a while since I've posted on this blog. However, I have written up a few stories on my naturalist blog. I've been taking the 2nd session of an extension class, so I've added some of my adventures in the field, how I feel about them, and what I've seen or heard. In some I have shared about my "sit spot", a place close to home that can be visited on a daily basis if I want to and then "spots" that are a little further away. I got a little bored with my "sit spot" at times because I'd never see anything new. However, the more I came the more I became familiar with the birds that I did see. I saw the beauty in even the weeds. I learned to identify some new species of birds and wildflowers as well as clouds. I think perhaps that was the most interesting for me this past month--the shapes of clouds, learning to identify them and to find animals and objects found within the clouds. Of course, we've had some intense summer storms which have bee exciting to see. One just the other night. The sky continued to light up over and over even though I couldn't always hear any thunder. Glad we didn't lose the BBQ grill. Only the fire pit was swept across the street. As far as visitors this past year, my sister came for a visit, as well as her daughter. They came at different times so we got to spread out our visiting the sites and eateries of Nashville. Later my niece and her daughter came to visit from CA and we did it all over again. In May I took a trip to Oregon to visit my son whom I hadn't seen in 5 years. It was great to see him and his girlfriend along with their dog, Mr. Bottoms. I got to see a lot of Portland and their motto, keep it strange, is true to the city. It was interesting to say the least. I stayed with my sister and then got to visit some great places, especially the eateries. I love eating out. I got to visit a couple of churches in the area and a pancake place with a griddle in the middle of our table. We got to make our own pancakes. How fun was that. A Chinese restaurant, unlike my usual Chinese food (Panda, lol). Visited the big open market down by the river and saw all kinds of interesting people and things, including a guy on a bike with a piano on the front of it pedaling around playing and singing. Had some delicious Mexican food, pizza and cajun sub. My niece took me to the zoo which was a lot of fun. I hadn't been in years so didn't really remember much. After Portland I headed to Colorado to meet my godson for the very first time. He is terrific. I had a great time with all 6 kids and tried to help out as they were in the middle of packing up for a cross country move. I got home a couple of weeks later and though it was good to be home, I must say it was a great vacation. Next? A trip to CA. Can't wait. Will try to post when I get back.