Author Archives: makielb

We spent the morning with Don taking us to look for birds. We started along the beach looking aat gulls and terns. Royal Terns and Laughing Gulls were dominant species. There were also several batches of Black Skimmers. Finding Sandwich Terns is always fun. The dominant shorebirds were Ruddy Turnstones, Sanderlings and this Willet. TheContinue reading “New Smyrna Beach – day-1”

On our final day before getting to New Smyrna Beach, Florida we visited Harris Neck, Georgia. The habitat was wonderful, as were the birds, mammals and plants. A great way to start the day was with a Dolphin, which I was unable to photograph. Followed immediately by a very cooperative Clapper Rail The water birdsContinue reading “Harris Neck, Georgia”

We care “a whole awful lot,” which is why we visit so many wild areas. Today the search for plant and animal diversity took us to the Savannah Wildlife Refuge. The main driving trail was closed for work. So, we found another spot with extensive hiking trails. And this is what we ended up withContinue reading “Visiting the Savannah Wildlife Refuge”

Our day started in London, Kentucky. We were soon on our way further south as we were heading to Spartenburg, South Carolina. We like to stop at the Welcome Center rest area since it has a nice little uphill trail allowing us to get out and walk a bit after being in the car forContinue reading “Travel through Tennessee”

Interestingly, I posted this on FB in January, 2019 – a year before the current pandemic began. It was somewhat predictable. I shoveled about two inches of snow from the drive, so I could get the car out to pack for our trip south. Obviously, some animal walked across the drive in the darkness. OneContinue reading “On the road again!”

This is the embossed cover of the journal that I am currently writing in. I have kept personal journals for too many years to remember, although I could go downstairs and look for the ones that date back to the early 1970s. For me it’s fun to be able to look back and read aboutContinue reading “Writing and planning”

I made lamb kofta for dinner last night. I’ve been making this for years. it requires some planning. The day before I made the kofta spice mix. Then I prepared the kofta mix. Susan pan fried the kofta. It was served with a mint-lemon yogurt sauce, steamed carrots, brown rice and kale (still getting itContinue reading “The color of the day and dinner last night”

Started the day with a great breakfast. Then thinking about identifying plants and birds. A friend post this on Face Book, I thought that it might help with birds. But today we were heading off in search of plants. One of our favorite spots to look at plants is Nan Weston. Tremendous diversity here. ThereContinue reading “Searching for a winter orchid”

It’s hard to believe that my little girl is all grown up and half a continent away. The photo was her first day home from the hospital. Regardless, it’s her birthday. Her she is on the day that Susan and I got married. She was five years old. The first day of kindergarten, walking toContinue reading “A wonderful journey”

This is how I know that the sundial was developed in southern Europe. Regardless I like the snow, and not knowing what time it is. The polar bears down the street care about people. The kale is still ready for picking. It will be part of dinner until the spring when the new plants areContinue reading “The color of the day is white”