Nature can be cruel!

I checked  the nest today and all three eggs are missing. I saw a crow near our deck. Hmmm!
Three egg omelet?

Surprise, bird lays third egg!

 

We were a little concerned since we hadn't seen the mother around to set but apparently she was not finished  laying her eggs. Thanks to my camera for this photo. I just held it over the basket and got this shot. I don't like to disturb any of the foliage as it may scare the mom.

Eggscitement on MacKenzie Acres

                                   Next step...bird sits on eggs!

 

Water with care!

This morning I spotted a Oregon Junco carrying a piece of dry grass into one of our hanging baskets.
I decided to take a peak and see if it was really building a nest.  There is a nest in the hanging basket. This to me is amazing since the basket was in Costco a few days ago.

                                        Hope I see some eggs soon!

Easter Feast

After a great but rather tiring weekend singing at St. James, we were treated to a wonderful feast
at Joe and Debs home in Kenmore. Deborah, our Daughter-in-law is a great hostess and served a feast of healthy and delicious food.  Liz brought her wonderful berry pies. I brought a cake which was really not needed but appreciated.
I really enjoyed the visit and the doing nothing was really fun.
I took a few photos. I even accidentally(?) got one of he who shall not be photographed.

                                     Deb was too busy checking the salmon on the grill so I took a picture of her picture

                                                        Mike

                                                     John and Liz

                                                  Joe

                                                  Liz and her brother, Mike

                                                    Mike -  deep in thought

                                                   Joe and Zoe...I think she was hungry!

                                           Gerald Joseph  and his Dad Joe

                                          One of many yummy salads

Joe  almost smiling

Spring Inventory

Each year I try to take a photo of trilliums when they turn lavender. Many years the deer eat them before I snap the photo. While I was searching for color in the back yard it was apparent that the deer have been here. Hoof prints and holes all over the yard. But trilliums are untouched. They must've changed their diet.

 

Not One of my Favorite Things!

 

Years ago, Joe was a duck hunter. I was happy when his interest changed to photography.
Yesterday we planned to stop at Nisqually Delta, a great wildlife Reserve, on our way to Tumwater to visit James, Meagan Dylan and Ian MacKenzie.   When the rain became serious, we decided to stop at Cabellas. Joe wanted to check it out.

I have to admit it was rather interesting. The first thing you see upon entering is a place to check your firearms.
This store has every item you would need to hunt and fish including making your own ammunition.
I also like the display of old traps.
I snapped a few photos. Hope you enjoy them.

                                            This is one of the live creatures in the aquarium.

                                                  Joe and the yellow airplane

 

Delicious Dinner and Great Visit

I should have taken a photo of the individual frittata James cooked for each of us. Yummy!

 

A Memorable Event

Joe and I  attended the Special Needs Mass at St. James this morning.
To me, it is the most inspirational event I ever attend.
Those with special needs are an inspiration, as well as the care-givers.
Dr. Savage is at his best on this day, showing concern for each person who participates in the mass.

At the end of mass a young woman (one of the bell  ringers) was introduced. She had a gift for the Archbishop. After receiving it, he said it was the greatest gift he had  received in his entire life. His sincerity was apparent.
What was the gift?
 She had been in the Special Olympics, and had won a gold medal.  She gave the gold medal to Archbishop Sartain. 

Special person in many ways.

Joseph James MacKenzie the third

Our second son was born on April 1, 1957. He was three weeks late and weighed eleven and a half pounds. The nurses loved him. He was strong and fun to carry around.
Joe was always curious and very intelligent.  If he was (is) concentrating, it was (is) difficult to get his attention.
In Kindergarten his teacher put this comment on his report card. " Although I did not always understand Joe, enjoyed him none the less."
                                                  Happy Birthday Joe!