Turkey Vultures

 

Last week we noticed Turkey Vultures circling around.  On our walk last week, we spotted these vultures in a neighborhood tree. Last year the vultures were here about the same time. I believe these are migrating as the temperatures rise down south.  There were around 20 vultures in various pine trees spread over a couple of yards.  A couple days ago there were only 5 in the tree. It is fascinating.  Some turkey vultures or turkey buzzards do migrate.  It is a bit unnerving to walk under these pines and see so many in one area.  Last year they were here for a couple of weeks.

Weekly Roll - Memorial Day

I thought I would show you my Memorial Day Shelfie. I have another Eagle I can't locate. I definitely will keep adding to it. I thought this was a good start and I can keep it all up until 4th of July. 

Above is what is hanging next to the cabinet.  Both my husband and I served so did Pappy and my father, so we have their photos too.  I need to get a picture of my Grandpa L up too.

I am always inspired by Emily at MyWeatheredHome displays. Here is an old one - Patriotic Mantel

I would like to try to make these primitive no sew flags

Inappropriate Thoughts

This just struck me as funny ss we drove through Roswell yesterday.  All the light poles globes have alien eyes in Roswell.

Sitting Bull Falls

 My youngest son wanted to do some exploring as part of his 21st birthday.  We had plans to go to Bottomless Lakes State Park but the day area is being redone. So, we headed to Sitting Bulls Falls. It is about an hour drive from our location.  I think all of us were surprised by the falls. The falls are located in Lincoln National Park. It just doesn't look like falls would be located in this area. This is a recreation day area and there is a $5 cash fee for cars.  

There is a paved path to the viewing platform and some wicked steep steps down to the falls.  The path makes the falls fairly accessible. We enjoyed exploring the stream below the falls. 

My youngest attempted the pool below the falls and slipped on the rocks. It is slippery! We saw this on the same day- Photo Below.  It was like the National Park Service knew my son fell.  Ha Ha

We went on a Friday  and there were just a few people. There are trails that take you to the top of the falls. I can see this being very popular during the weekend. They had some very nice picnic shelters constructed by the civilian conservation corps.

Weekly Roll

 

The almost full moon was so bright on our way home from Alamogordo New Mexico.  We had been in Alamogordo for some imaging for Nonna.  It was both our first time traveling this way through the mountains through Cloudcroft.  It is a pretty drive. We saw lots and lots of deer on the way back. We even saw 2 elk and so many dead skunks. I was reminded we saw turkeys too. Much to my son's disappointment I did not see the giant pistachio nut at Pistachioland. I guess it was outside of town. Nonna's appointment ran long. I WILL RETURN.

Linky Love

Bunny Hug Cookies - These look like fun. My friend posted this on her facebook.

Why Can't We Talk About Amanda's Mom? - Started listening to this podcast as my current Podcast Hide and Seek is winding down.

Bitter Lake Wildlife Refuge

 

On Sunday of the President's Day weekend, we spent the morning exploring Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge. This is definitely the off season for this place.  However, it was nice and quiet. During the right season this place is known for the diverse variety of dragon flies.  

Glad it was too cold to run into the owner of this skin.

There were a lot of birds.  We saw ducks, a few sand cranes, hawks.  

It was windy. My hairdo was on point. 

Picture over the scope. This was taken by my husband.  He thought it was interesting that it had both front and rear sights.

Balloons and Tunes

We got to go see the hot air balloons launch from Eagle Draw Park in Artesia NM last Saturday for their Ballons & Tunes. It was a cold early morning about 34 degrees.  We grabbed a breakfast burrito and coffee to fuel us. 

It was great how close you could get to the balloons as they were being inflated. The Artesia Chamber of Commerce said they had 17 hot air balloons launch

Artesia Mural Trail

 

I posted this photo to Instagram and said how happy these sunflowers made me when I drove by. It turns out this mural is called Community Happy by artists Alyssa Marie and Braden Everly. The title just fits. This is part of the Artesia Mural Trail. I had no idea there was a mural trail. 

Welcome to Artesia

Under A Sky Azure - I need to go back and take a full picture. This was created by Public School Art Students.

There are still quite a few murals I would like to take pictures of. I really love Artesia's bright vibrant murals.

Weekly Roll - NM is full of bugs edition

Toad hiding in our back patio. I know not a bug but still you know I love a good toad pic.

Inappropriate Thoughts

I had to have the bug guy out as we seemed to have an ant problem. What is so weird is has cousins from a nearby town where we use to live.  I had him bait for the ants and he asked if he needed to spray for any other pests. I asked for his recommendation and the answer was scorpions or scorpion like insects. Evidently our black plastic under our rocked front yard attracts these. GREAT! I now will sleep with one eye open. He also told me that New Mexico is much buggier than where we came from. Thanks. 

Binge Watching

Stranger Things (Netflix) - I watched this whole series so far with my youngest son at his request. It is definitely not my genre, but I actually enjoyed it. This series is not for everyone. 

Lincoln Lawyer (Netflix) - I watched the Matthew McCaughey version. We watched the Netflix series verison. I thought it was good.

Linky Love

Massive Catfish  - 70 pounds holy moly

David Sedaris is Bullish on Thank You Notes - found this link via modern Mrs Darcy

Deep Thoughts

Great Friendship Reset - This was a panel discussion that Jen Hatmaker was on. Please listen. It is so good and important. I am so lucky to have good friends. It is hard in your 50's to find friends. This is really worth a listen.

In case any of my friends read this blog. I appreciate you and I am a better person because you are in my life. 

Weekly Roll - Easter Edition

 mural Artesia NM

Linky Love

 

Modern Mrs Darcy's Summer Reading Guide is Coming - I personally can't wait.  It is my go-to guide for my summer reading

Name Change for Murder Hornets This makes me laugh 

California Teen with Autism who vanished 3 years ago found Just wowsers!

Inappropriate Thoughts

Oh, I have so many of these thoughts lately.  Have you ever tried to get rid of a pool table?  We have had our beast for 18 years.  It has served many purposes but lately just a dumping ground.  In case you are wondering it cost $34 to dispose at the dump.  

Podcast Recommendations

Hide and Seek Podcast - For all of you that are true crime/missing people podcast followers. Season 3 has dropped. James is investigating the disappearance of Brittany Wallace.  

The Vanished Podcast - Really enjoying this missing person podcast.  They do updates as well. 

We Can Do Hard Things - Specifically the one with Jen Hatmaker talking about her divorce. For those not familiar with Women Bible Studies and Women of Faith Jen Hatmaker is a mover and shaker in that community and a frequent lighting rod. I found it interesting 

Emily D Baker - Legal Commentator and she covers all the celebrity legal proceedings.  I love her podcast AND youtube.  Total tune in every week. 

50 Sun Project - 26/50

 

Sunset photo taken from 4th floor of the motel in Carlsbad, NM. I love the picture below of the magpies using the pool as a giant bird bath

50 Sunrise/Set Project Details