We Have A Problem

For the past few weeks we have had two sparrows trying to build a nest in our awning.
This is on our deck and we really don't want this mess there. Every day we tear it out and every day they put it back. It is amazing how much nest building two birds can do in one day. Then a few days ago we saw them mating. I said to Mary were going to have problems. I don't know for sure but I think the birds inner clock tells them to build a nest right before mating season.
We keep telling them to go make a nest some other place but they keep coming back.

This morning this is what we found on our deck. Momma sparrow is starting to lay her eggs but does not have a nest. Now what do we do???

Chicago

We went to Chicago Sunday afternoon to see Ashley. She lives in Lincoln Park which is close to downtown.

This is the back of her building.

It was a beautiful sunny day.

Ashley on her back porch.

In the back alley.

Close to the big city.

Ashley lives on a very nice street.

My first ride on the train. Ashley takes this to work every day.

Our little girl is all grown up and doing quite well on her own in the big city of Chicago. We are proud of her!!

This is a park she took us to.

We had a great day and had a nice tour of where she lives. It was quite different than what I thought it would be like. If you ever get to Chicago give her a call, she is a great tour guide.

Fishing With The Grandkids

Mary and I took Gisele and Jacob to the cabin for a little get away. Here they are feeding the trout.

Did a little fishing off the dock.

Fort Myers Beach to Michigan

Mary and I flew to Florida on Sunday to close the condo down for the summer and then drive home with the boat. We got everything done and Wednesday morning we were on our way home. Five minutes into a 25 hour trip we had our first argument about which way to go but after that it went great. The first day on the road we had great weather and we drove till 10 that night. Thursday it rained the whole day but we made it home by 4 pm. Now if only Summer would come to Michigan.

Field Work

I spent Friday working at the tree farm property on Filmore Street. This used to be a Christmas tree farm years ago. I burned as much as I could then disked it up. I want to turn this into a productive field for crops.

Everything was going well untill the golf course next door came over and asked me to stop because all the smoke was blowing over the course.

Spring Break 2009

Mary and I spent the last few weeks in Florida. We had lots of fun with Gisele on the beach.

The neighbors built a huge sand castle.

Grandma and Gisele on the beach.

This is the balloon lady. She has been working at Ft. Myers Beach for at least ten years. She knows Jacob and Gisele by name.

Always room for ice creme.

Gisele loves to make new friends.

Eating lunch on the boat.

Easter egg hunt by Gisele's cousins place.

The excitement of the week was this sailboat that blew up on the beach during a storm. The owner was a beach bum that everyone felt sorry for. He collected money for five days then took off leaving the boat.

We have great beach for finding sand dollars and shells.

This was my find of the week. Three live star fish at low tide. I let them go.

Everyone shelling at low tide.

My Bull Elephant

A little video of Keith shooting his elephant in Africa.  Killed with his .416 and a "Perfect Shot"