The Elysian Fields

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.