Vacation Updatia

[ellyssian]

Every year on the first working day of January, we're asked what vacation days we're taking. For the longest time, I, like most folks except those who have already planned some more involved event with gobs of lead time, usually have no clue when I'll be using my allotted time. Over the last couple years, I've evolved a bit, and now there are always certain days I'll take off: my birthday (or the Monday/Friday nearest,) a day or so around the 4th of July, the day after Thanksgiving, and the week between Christmas and New Year. Guess which day today is? =)

Sat outside on the porch for a bit, and Brandon and I were treated to a tentative approach by a hummingbird - swooped in, hovered by the feeder long enough for me to get a good look at him, then flew into the nearest oak, where I could still see him highlighted against a leaf. He zipped off, buzzing like a big ol' bumbledeebee, but came back again, this time hovering just off the side of the porch. The second time Brandon and I were quiet, but I guess our movement was enough to spook him.

Going to make some crockpot BBQ ribs on Sunday - we'll see how they turn out; I haven't tried to cook them before. Tonight will be top sirloin steaks and stuffed fillet of sole.

If anyone in Eastern PA wants some oaks (of both the red and white families) or red maples, let me know. They grow like weeds, and I trim/remove brazillions of the oaks - the red maple I leave as distractions for the deer, and will just cut them back periodically, at least until the trees they're protecting grow up out of the danger-deer-zone.

Comments

[pete-wisdom.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's right...my brother's birthday is tomorrow...he's going to be 22...

[ellyssian.livejournal.com]

Good day to have a birthday, if I do say so meself. =)

[d2leddy.livejournal.com]

Happy Birthday.

I were treated to a tentative approach by a hummingbird

Cool. Ruby Throated?

The second time Brandon and I were quiet, but I guess our movement was enough to spook him. They have advanced eyesight, though fear does not seem included in their repertoire, they can be cautious. Cruising speed 25 mph. Maximum speed: 70 mph.

stuffed fillet of sole.

Last time I had that it was tough--as leather . . .

If anyone in Eastern PA wants some oaks (of both the red and white families) or red maples, let me know. o_O

How about Virginia????

[ellyssian.livejournal.com]

Happy Birthday.

Thanks!

Cool. Ruby Throated?

Yep. Male.

They have advanced eyesight, though fear does not seem included in their repertoire, they can be cautious. Cruising speed 25 mph. Maximum speed: 70 mph.

We have a couple of hostas along the front porch, and they frequent the flowers, whether or not we're sitting on the bench seat. If we move, though, they take off like a shot. I'm trying to create an abundance of hummingbird favorites along Stone Stream just off the corner of the porch to allow them some distance, but still be close enough for viewing.

Last time I had that it was tough--as leather . . .

Oy.

How about Virginia????

I can send seedlings in the fall, I suppose, but if you wanted to grab some of the larger ones (and I'm willing to let a lot of them go as well, provided they can be dug up without damaging things I do want) you'd actually have to stop by. Come up for a cookout, and you can get dozens of 'em.

[d2leddy.livejournal.com]

provided they can be dug up without damaging things I do want) you'd actually have to stop by. Come up for a cookout, and you can get dozens of 'em

Sweet. Don't want dozens, but a few would be great! I planted a souther red oak a few years back; then realized I planted it on top of my well . . .I had to cut it down :(

[bookgirlwa.livejournal.com]

"Guess which day today is? =)"

::is puzzled:: The day between Xmas and New Year? ::checks `friends'birthdaysthingo::

Got it! - you were waaaaay too subtle for me, either that, or I'm not too bright. ;-)

Happy Birthday to you, and many more!! :-)

[ellyssian.livejournal.com]

Heh. Thanks!

[dangerdean.livejournal.com]

Happy Birthday!

[ellyssian.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[cornetdude.livejournal.com]

Happy Birthday!
I've only seen a hummingbird once...well, twice, if you count on Johnny Carson. That was years ago...is it unusual to see a hummingbird in your parts?

[ellyssian.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

I'd have to say it's not that unusual, because we've had more and more sightings over the three years since we moved here - and I expect planting things they like can only help.

I had never seen one live in person until moving here, though - at least, not that I recall.

[(Anonymous)]

I would be guessing that someone is having a birthday. :o)
Enjoy your long weekend!

Unrelated question....have you ever played a hammered dulcimer, or is your's a spectator interest? Just curious. My fiancé has been obsessed about them for a long time and is looking to finally purchase one. It was neat to see someone interested in a more obscure instrument.

[ellyssian.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

My mom had one custom made some years ago, and then she gave it to me. I've played it a bit, not extremely proficient with it, but all you have to do is let it resonate and it sound beautiful despite the player's lack of competence.

[elaine-today.livejournal.com]

Oops and crap. I wasn't logged in. The dulcimer question was from me.

[ellyssian.livejournal.com]

Heh. I was wondering who that had been (I know a couple people who read but don't have an LJ - sometimes they sign, sometimes they don't... =)

[nhmetalchick.livejournal.com]

Don't want dozens, but a few would be great! I planted a souther red oak a few years back; then realized I planted it on top of my well . . .I had to cut it down :(
LMAO, there's one way to mark where you well is.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLD MAN!

[ellyssian.livejournal.com]

Thanks! =)