Creature Comforts

I just have a few photos to share today and they seem to have taken on an animal theme.

The bird feeder has been attracting a fair number of feathered, and even a couple of furry friends. This squirrel happily stocks up on nuts.




This male cardinal is among those who wait their turns at a freshly-filled feeder one snowy morning.



The female watches and waits for an opportunity to help herself to the seeds.




Even the dogs have been known to munch on the nuts, shell and all. Here's a video of Benny's partner in crime, Raven hopping around the seed-covered table, trying to reach a peanut.



Benny got all tangled up on his walk, while wrestling with a small branch.


Lucy is Frank's African Grey parrot. She seemed a bit wary of the camera, but that didn't stop her from asking me for (and accepting) peanuts and chips.


Every now and then, Benny got a little too close for her liking. Watch that nose, Benny!


On our way back home, Benny let out a few mournful cries from his traveling cage, but soon settled into a sleep.


Skitty waits on a high plateau, ready to pounce on a well-rested, ultra-energetic Jack Russell Terror.



Later, Benny decided to join Skitty and me (under the blanket) to have a rest on the sofa. All was fine for a while as both animals laid together quietly. But Benny couldn't resist poking his nose closer and closer until it was too much for Skittles. A quick whap on the nose sent Benny on his way. Photo taken by Frank.

My Son the Musician

In the summer of 2004, my son Alex was about to turn 14 and he thought that he would like a guitar for his birthday. Having been through piano lessons that fizzled out before long, and middle school music classes which were met with little enthusiasm, we were hesitant to consider the expense of an electric guitar and amplifier. His Dad ended up finding a decent instrument for a good price and he bought a cheap amp to go along with it.

It was one of the best decisions we've ever made.

From that day, Alex has scarcely put the guitar down. He is mostly self-taught having opted to take a few months of lessons after he felt he had figured out all that he could on his own. His fingers and guitar strings seem to empower one another, and I can not imagine my son ever separating himself from his guitar for more than a day.

His strong preference is toward metal, but he has been listening to, loving and learning new sounds and styles daily.

On Friday, his school held a talent show, and Alex, along with his friend Steven performed Summer, from Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Alex has the bored/cool musician look down pat, but he couldn't quite hide his pleased grin at the end.

A proud mom was there to record it.