Thursday, August 4, 2011
Sorry, I am no longer posting on this url. But you can still find me at my new location. Look to the right for my new link and click or copy and paste from below. Thanks
If you are interested in more, please go to www.dontmesswithmeigotablog2.blogspot.com There you will find more silly antics .
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Pouting
Today I was reminded again of a story I mentioned in a previous article. I was still in Memphis and another adventure was on the horizon with the GK's 1 and 2.
There was a couple of reasons we were there and one was to take care of my mom. This morning was one of those great-memaw days for the my grand kids. The boy's and I were going over to visit and bring her some lunch. GK1 was stung by two or three dang wasp on her front porch two days prior. I thought I had killed them all, after they got me, but apparently not. He was scared to death to go back over there. The GK's wanted me to buy them both a Gameboy game to play while there, "to make them braver". Now, just picture two little boys 6 and 7, big brown eyes, bottom lips just a quivering and a little cracking in their voice. I said no because they have so many games as is and they should just take one they already have.
Well, two new Gameboy games later we were having a good visit with mom. Mom gave them 5 dollars a piece. As soon as we got back into the car, they were begging to go back to Game Stop for a used game. NO, I tell them, it is hot and we needed to eat.
Well, one more game later, we were heading to KFC. We passed a park and they wanted to play. I told them I don't want to stop it is just TOO HOT.
Well, forty-five minutes later we're leaving our picnic and play time at the park. This time I was determined to not give in to any other demands. I told them we were playing the quite game all the way home and who ever wins gets a dollar. "A DOLLLLLARRRRR??" they asked. "How 'bout 5.00 and we got a deal.", said GK2.
Well, 10.00 later (it was a tie), I realized somewhere between the 2nd trip to the game place and the park that I was fighting a losing battle with them and to cut my losses with any sum money they demanded. I did enjoyed silence all the way home. Big brown eyes, pleading little voices, hugs and many many kisses are just too hard for me to resist. -so shoot me-
Here at the bird house I see this daily between parent/child and gparents/child. We have the cutest little bird and insect stuffies from the Audubon Society. Each little bird or insect, makes the correct corresponding sound of the critter it is representing. Guardians start out with no, no, no. The next thing I hear from them is how CUTE they are. Then they start trying to talk the kids into getting the ones they love the most. Thank goodness I am in good company. I too have been known to try to get my favorite via the kid!
Until next time,
Ruth
Store Manager for The Bird House
203 James Canyon Hwy
P. O. Box 117
Cloudcroft, NM 88317
575-682-6902
There was a couple of reasons we were there and one was to take care of my mom. This morning was one of those great-memaw days for the my grand kids. The boy's and I were going over to visit and bring her some lunch. GK1 was stung by two or three dang wasp on her front porch two days prior. I thought I had killed them all, after they got me, but apparently not. He was scared to death to go back over there. The GK's wanted me to buy them both a Gameboy game to play while there, "to make them braver". Now, just picture two little boys 6 and 7, big brown eyes, bottom lips just a quivering and a little cracking in their voice. I said no because they have so many games as is and they should just take one they already have.
Well, two new Gameboy games later we were having a good visit with mom. Mom gave them 5 dollars a piece. As soon as we got back into the car, they were begging to go back to Game Stop for a used game. NO, I tell them, it is hot and we needed to eat.
Well, one more game later, we were heading to KFC. We passed a park and they wanted to play. I told them I don't want to stop it is just TOO HOT.
Well, forty-five minutes later we're leaving our picnic and play time at the park. This time I was determined to not give in to any other demands. I told them we were playing the quite game all the way home and who ever wins gets a dollar. "A DOLLLLLARRRRR??" they asked. "How 'bout 5.00 and we got a deal.", said GK2.
Well, 10.00 later (it was a tie), I realized somewhere between the 2nd trip to the game place and the park that I was fighting a losing battle with them and to cut my losses with any sum money they demanded. I did enjoyed silence all the way home. Big brown eyes, pleading little voices, hugs and many many kisses are just too hard for me to resist. -so shoot me-
Here at the bird house I see this daily between parent/child and gparents/child. We have the cutest little bird and insect stuffies from the Audubon Society. Each little bird or insect, makes the correct corresponding sound of the critter it is representing. Guardians start out with no, no, no. The next thing I hear from them is how CUTE they are. Then they start trying to talk the kids into getting the ones they love the most. Thank goodness I am in good company. I too have been known to try to get my favorite via the kid!
Until next time,
Ruth
Store Manager for The Bird House
203 James Canyon Hwy
P. O. Box 117
Cloudcroft, NM 88317
575-682-6902
Friday, June 17, 2011
It's True
I was going to tell you another story about my GK's this week but we have had so much interest in The Bird House garden that I thought I would tell this story first.....
I love those scented softsoap shower gels. Not only does it make your skin feel great, they can make bubbles for miles in a jetted tub and they have an aromatherapy effect that can rival any spa. Really I can't say enough about them. Tonight was another bubble bath night. I needed a memory to kick in so I could stop fretting about what to write. It seems there are two sure fire ways to get my mind in gear and that is a snow storms or a warm bubble bath.
The bubbles were at least 18 inches high. The bathroom had a heavenly aroma of cucumber with melon and pomegranate oil. The dogs opted out of the bath time show tonight so there were no worrisome whines to get in the tub with me. Nothing at all to cloud the mind.
(insert cricket sounds here...no really you need to make the sound)
There is nothing in this head of mine. And that is nothing short of astounding. I think I just heard half of my friends hit the floor! Anyway, I decided to relax and try to remove the perils of the day. Five minutes later...(again with the crickets). I can not get my head in the game. It was not long before my eyes came to a rest on the faucet at the tub. I got to thinking about those old television shows and movies which shows the hot chickie in the tub and she has her toe stuck in the faucet. How in the world does a real person get their toe stuck in such a large opening? And so starts the stupidity of it all.
I tried it. I stuck my toe in and out it fell. Hummm. It entered my mind that if this were Myth Busters, they would keep trying until they proved it to be plausible or busted. At that moment, I decided to really give this as much attention as Jamie and 'what's his name' would have given it on their tv show. I schooched down a little bit to get a better angle. Nothing, it fell right back out. I wiggled down more and crammed my toe way in there and left it. It started to feel like it was going to work. I left it for a few minutes longer then it hit me. If my toe really does get stuck, my husband is going to have to help me get out of it. The first 10 years we were married he thought I was one of the smartest women alive. ( I...am a fantastic actress ) In the last ten years he has changed his mind. It appears he might be right because the next thing I do is pull my toe and it's stuck. WOW it's true! No problem, I will just relax and it will fall out. NOT. I laid there thinking about this situation I got myself into. I think, maybe it is like Chinese handcuffs. So I push it in further! Yeah, not like Chinese handcuffs. It now hits me I am really STUCK. I can't call my husband; I just can't! I decide to stand up. That in itself was a little bizarre. Arms and legs flailing in the air trying to stand with one foot stuck and soap bubbles everywhere. I found myself standing but I was at a loss as to what to do. I thought maybe if I can twist the faucet upward, then I could pour some of that Pomegranate oil in the space between my toe and the metal. And so, I did and I waited. Crap! the dogs started scratching the door down trying to get in. I guess all the splashing to stand up gave them some cause for alert. I couldn't get to the door to let them in. About that time I hear footsteps and they are coming my way. I am pulling with all my might to get that toe out. THEN....out it pops. The door cracks open and the dogs rush in then the door closes. I never saw a face but I hear my daughter mumbling as she walked out. She was tired of hearing the dogs beg. Toe is free, free, free at last. A little swollen and red but all in all not bad. I will NEVER do that again!
Did you know, at this time of the year, birds will flock to water faster and more often than seed feeders? Sounds from the water gentle falling into the container will attract birds near and far. We also carry birdbath cleaner that is safe and effective. Next time you are up here come check out our fountains. Don't worry the birds here are smart. I doubt you will find one of their toes stuck in the pump.
Until next time,
Ruth
Store Manager for The Bird House
203 James Canyon Highway
POBox 117
Cloudcroft, NM 88317
575-682-6902
Summer Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00 to 5:00, Sun 9:30 to 3:00
I love those scented softsoap shower gels. Not only does it make your skin feel great, they can make bubbles for miles in a jetted tub and they have an aromatherapy effect that can rival any spa. Really I can't say enough about them. Tonight was another bubble bath night. I needed a memory to kick in so I could stop fretting about what to write. It seems there are two sure fire ways to get my mind in gear and that is a snow storms or a warm bubble bath.
The bubbles were at least 18 inches high. The bathroom had a heavenly aroma of cucumber with melon and pomegranate oil. The dogs opted out of the bath time show tonight so there were no worrisome whines to get in the tub with me. Nothing at all to cloud the mind.
(insert cricket sounds here...no really you need to make the sound)
There is nothing in this head of mine. And that is nothing short of astounding. I think I just heard half of my friends hit the floor! Anyway, I decided to relax and try to remove the perils of the day. Five minutes later...(again with the crickets). I can not get my head in the game. It was not long before my eyes came to a rest on the faucet at the tub. I got to thinking about those old television shows and movies which shows the hot chickie in the tub and she has her toe stuck in the faucet. How in the world does a real person get their toe stuck in such a large opening? And so starts the stupidity of it all.
I tried it. I stuck my toe in and out it fell. Hummm. It entered my mind that if this were Myth Busters, they would keep trying until they proved it to be plausible or busted. At that moment, I decided to really give this as much attention as Jamie and 'what's his name' would have given it on their tv show. I schooched down a little bit to get a better angle. Nothing, it fell right back out. I wiggled down more and crammed my toe way in there and left it. It started to feel like it was going to work. I left it for a few minutes longer then it hit me. If my toe really does get stuck, my husband is going to have to help me get out of it. The first 10 years we were married he thought I was one of the smartest women alive. ( I...am a fantastic actress ) In the last ten years he has changed his mind. It appears he might be right because the next thing I do is pull my toe and it's stuck. WOW it's true! No problem, I will just relax and it will fall out. NOT. I laid there thinking about this situation I got myself into. I think, maybe it is like Chinese handcuffs. So I push it in further! Yeah, not like Chinese handcuffs. It now hits me I am really STUCK. I can't call my husband; I just can't! I decide to stand up. That in itself was a little bizarre. Arms and legs flailing in the air trying to stand with one foot stuck and soap bubbles everywhere. I found myself standing but I was at a loss as to what to do. I thought maybe if I can twist the faucet upward, then I could pour some of that Pomegranate oil in the space between my toe and the metal. And so, I did and I waited. Crap! the dogs started scratching the door down trying to get in. I guess all the splashing to stand up gave them some cause for alert. I couldn't get to the door to let them in. About that time I hear footsteps and they are coming my way. I am pulling with all my might to get that toe out. THEN....out it pops. The door cracks open and the dogs rush in then the door closes. I never saw a face but I hear my daughter mumbling as she walked out. She was tired of hearing the dogs beg. Toe is free, free, free at last. A little swollen and red but all in all not bad. I will NEVER do that again!
I was thinking the closest thing we have to a faucet is one of our bamboo fountain pumps. They are so nice.You can take any water tight container attach the fountain pumps and waaa laaa instant zen.
Did you know, at this time of the year, birds will flock to water faster and more often than seed feeders? Sounds from the water gentle falling into the container will attract birds near and far. We also carry birdbath cleaner that is safe and effective. Next time you are up here come check out our fountains. Don't worry the birds here are smart. I doubt you will find one of their toes stuck in the pump.
Note: Fountain shown above is one made from a root ball of a tree, rocks from the land, moss, a kiddie pool and a pump. We also have our bamboo fountain pumps, left, running in two of our three water features. We used a lined wooden barrel added rocks and a pump then planted flowers for the butterflies. Get on in here we can't wait to show you how easy it is to have a little zen in your garden.
Until next time,
Ruth
Store Manager for The Bird House
203 James Canyon Highway
POBox 117
Cloudcroft, NM 88317
575-682-6902
Summer Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00 to 5:00, Sun 9:30 to 3:00
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Flying Things
If you follow our blog, you have read about my dogs Mutt and Jeff. You also know that I have changed their names to protect the not so innocent. Maybe it is time you put a face to the pseudonym. Mutt is the big one. She is a cross between goofy and gentle. I bet you thought I was going to give you a couple of breeds didn't you? Jeff is a tiny Pomeranian . He is not a cross between anything. He is straight up bossy, which can lead him into the wrong direction and that brings me to this week's story...
Shortly after moving into our home we adopted Jeff. He was born head strong. He always walked his own path and was just plain hard to warm up to. He was and still is a strange dog with some odd peculiarities. When he was a baby he only wanted to be petted with your feet. Petting him with your hands would drive him crazy and not in a good way. Lord forbid you pick him up that would send him over the edge. Some of his peculiarities have disappeared over the years, some intensified and some are the same like hating ANYTHING that flies. Birds, bees, flies, you name it, if it flies he wants to catch it, defeat it and eat it. Many, many days I would be cleaning the kitchen, look out the window and see this crazy dog running in circles barking and jumping in the air for no apparent reason. (I always looked to see if the neighbors were watching him do this. They already think he is a little rabid he-devil. Seeing Jeff preform this ritual would seal the deal.) After closer inspection, I realized he was chasing little flying insects. It seems his favorite were little sweat bees. Many times he would come in the house after a good day of chase with a blown up snout. Before I really knew what was causing it, I thought maybe allergies.
One evening I was sitting on the back porch with Mutt and Jeff. I noticed Jeff's head bobbing back and forth. After a few seconds of bobbing, he would stand perfectly still then pounce the ground with his front paws. At first, I could not see what he was after but I could smell it. He had found a stink bug. It didn't take long before I saw that it . It would crawl a little bit then try to fly. Of course, that would drive him crazy. Stink bugs have sticky legs with tiny barbs. They can hang on to anything for as long as they want. A few times it would stick to his snout. Oh my, that would send him into orbit. I kept telling him to stop messing with the bug. He would, for about 2 seconds, then go right back at it until I made him go in the house. A few nights after that incident with the stink bug he was wanting out into the fenced back yard. I let him out while I stayed inside to watch a movie. Around 2 hours later, I noticed he was not back yet. I opened the door and found him sitting on the step. In he walked, then he stopped in the middle of the floor. As I watched him, I noticed something seemed to be stranger than normal. He was staring into space and swaying back and forth. You know that dipping deep kind of swaying. The kind that almost looks like you're leaning into a strong wind while trying to climb up a 90 degree hill. All of a sudden, he rared up straight then fell over stiff. I FREAKED OUT! OMG What is going on? MY DOG! I raced over and held him in my arms crying like a baby. I could not figure out what was wrong but I did notice his breath. UGH! He had the strongest stink bug breath I had ever smelt. In no time at all, he popped out of it and was looking at me like, Why are you touching me with your hands??? I was so confused. I went outside and looked around. Nothing, I found nothing but I smelt that nasty bug smell. I followed my nose until I came upon a hole in the ground. There I saw the remains of hundreds of dead stink bugs. Jeff had dug them up and eaten them. Apparently, stink bugs can make a dog drunk!
The next day he was showing no signs of illness. In fact, he was barking his brains out chasing another flying thingy. I ran out to make sure he did not have another stink bug. One heart attack a year is all that I can handle. As I got to him, I noticed it was not a stink bug but a little butterfly. It must have not been as exciting nor as enticing as the stink bug because he spat it out on the spot.
(And here is where my ADHD comes into play..... )
Butterflies? Did I say butterflies? At the Bird House, we have all things butterflies. From butterfly houses to feeders, butterfly nectar to plastic butterfly yard stakes and beautiful butterfly books. Come on in to The Bird House for a look see. You would be surprised at all the things that are available for the care and love of butterflies. If you mention this post I will give you a one time 20% off anything butterfly while you are in the store.
Until next time,
Ruth
A quick note: Kazumi and I want to welcome Chris to the Bird House. She will be working on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays for the rest of the summer. Please stop in and welcome her.
Shortly after moving into our home we adopted Jeff. He was born head strong. He always walked his own path and was just plain hard to warm up to. He was and still is a strange dog with some odd peculiarities. When he was a baby he only wanted to be petted with your feet. Petting him with your hands would drive him crazy and not in a good way. Lord forbid you pick him up that would send him over the edge. Some of his peculiarities have disappeared over the years, some intensified and some are the same like hating ANYTHING that flies. Birds, bees, flies, you name it, if it flies he wants to catch it, defeat it and eat it. Many, many days I would be cleaning the kitchen, look out the window and see this crazy dog running in circles barking and jumping in the air for no apparent reason. (I always looked to see if the neighbors were watching him do this. They already think he is a little rabid he-devil. Seeing Jeff preform this ritual would seal the deal.) After closer inspection, I realized he was chasing little flying insects. It seems his favorite were little sweat bees. Many times he would come in the house after a good day of chase with a blown up snout. Before I really knew what was causing it, I thought maybe allergies.
One evening I was sitting on the back porch with Mutt and Jeff. I noticed Jeff's head bobbing back and forth. After a few seconds of bobbing, he would stand perfectly still then pounce the ground with his front paws. At first, I could not see what he was after but I could smell it. He had found a stink bug. It didn't take long before I saw that it . It would crawl a little bit then try to fly. Of course, that would drive him crazy. Stink bugs have sticky legs with tiny barbs. They can hang on to anything for as long as they want. A few times it would stick to his snout. Oh my, that would send him into orbit. I kept telling him to stop messing with the bug. He would, for about 2 seconds, then go right back at it until I made him go in the house. A few nights after that incident with the stink bug he was wanting out into the fenced back yard. I let him out while I stayed inside to watch a movie. Around 2 hours later, I noticed he was not back yet. I opened the door and found him sitting on the step. In he walked, then he stopped in the middle of the floor. As I watched him, I noticed something seemed to be stranger than normal. He was staring into space and swaying back and forth. You know that dipping deep kind of swaying. The kind that almost looks like you're leaning into a strong wind while trying to climb up a 90 degree hill. All of a sudden, he rared up straight then fell over stiff. I FREAKED OUT! OMG What is going on? MY DOG! I raced over and held him in my arms crying like a baby. I could not figure out what was wrong but I did notice his breath. UGH! He had the strongest stink bug breath I had ever smelt. In no time at all, he popped out of it and was looking at me like, Why are you touching me with your hands??? I was so confused. I went outside and looked around. Nothing, I found nothing but I smelt that nasty bug smell. I followed my nose until I came upon a hole in the ground. There I saw the remains of hundreds of dead stink bugs. Jeff had dug them up and eaten them. Apparently, stink bugs can make a dog drunk!
The next day he was showing no signs of illness. In fact, he was barking his brains out chasing another flying thingy. I ran out to make sure he did not have another stink bug. One heart attack a year is all that I can handle. As I got to him, I noticed it was not a stink bug but a little butterfly. It must have not been as exciting nor as enticing as the stink bug because he spat it out on the spot.
(And here is where my ADHD comes into play..... )
Butterflies? Did I say butterflies? At the Bird House, we have all things butterflies. From butterfly houses to feeders, butterfly nectar to plastic butterfly yard stakes and beautiful butterfly books. Come on in to The Bird House for a look see. You would be surprised at all the things that are available for the care and love of butterflies. If you mention this post I will give you a one time 20% off anything butterfly while you are in the store.
Until next time,
Ruth
A quick note: Kazumi and I want to welcome Chris to the Bird House. She will be working on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays for the rest of the summer. Please stop in and welcome her.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The Dance
This past week I posted my last story that I had in reserve. I tend to get a flood of stories in my head and then nothing. I have learned that when it flows it is better to roll with it and write all the stories I can because when it is dry it is dry. All week I have been racking my brain to remember some kind of a story. Tonight, as I was soaking in the bath, I started to struggling with what to write again. I am trying to relax but the dang winds are so bad they are rattling the Hardy Board on the side of the house. Strong winds and no rain are a mountain resident's worst enemy. Then it hits me....
I can not tell you how long it has been since we have had rain. Days would be an understatement more like months and months. I remember a few years ago we had a pretty good dry spell too. A handful of us gals 'decided' to try a rain dance. We 'decided' on a designated time, we 'decided' to do it in our own back yards and we 'decided' to do it naked!. WHY??? I don't know but that was the deal. You had to follow these decisions to the T or don't do the dance at all. We were convinced it would only work if we all did it and followed the criteria to the letter. The dance was not choreographed nor rehearsed. You might say we 'decided' (there is that word again) to do an interpretative dance. I remember thinking, "What the heck am I DOING?", while I was stomping my feet, throwing my hands in the air, having normally covered places now exposed and wiggling in the wind, my arms waving and chanting, "Come on, come on and make it rain!", over and over and over again. I felt so foolish. My dogs thought I had lost my mind but they liked it. They were running in circles chasing each other in the dark of night and barking up a storm. Thank goodness my neighbors were gone. The whole time I was wondering if everybody else was doing it or if any moment they were going to jump out and punk me. The one thing we did not 'decide' was how long we were to do this naked rain dance. After what felt like LONG ENOUGH, I grabbed my robe and ran inside, dogs in tow. A few days later the rain came. It rained and rained. It rained so much that parts of the mountain flooded. In fact, I had a rather large stream running through my front yard. Parts of the highway had to be closed because of the run off. It was strange to say the least. That following winter was a good snowy winter as well. I would have to say that the nude rain danced worked.
Now here we are again. No rain in sight and nothing on the radar. One of the original organizers called the other night and stated we need another rain dance. Same rules as last time...and to be followed to the T or it just won't work. Last night at 9:00 p.m. I tipped toed out the back door. My dogs were not invited this year because my neighbors were here most of the week and I was not sure if they had left yet. I preferred no one witness this crazy woman trying to do her part for all her forest neighbors. Nine o'clock struck and I began to dance as before. Right as I started, I heard a noise behind me. I could not see a thing because my eyes had not had a chance to adjust to the dark. All I could think of was a coyote or bear or some other kind of wild animal breathing on my bare legs! I stood there frozen, naked and night blinded. I gave myself a minute to adjust and turned slowly. My dogs! My dogs had slipped out through the dog door and were waiting for their dance invitation, which I was happy to give after I made sure my neighbors were gone. Those little happy brown eyes and wagging tails were just so cute I just could not refuse them. We started slowly then worked our way up to a full fledged rain dance! The dogs were in heaven running in circles and barking. We were having a pretty good time. It felt oddly freeing and if it paid off like last time very rewarding. I felt no embarrassment in the cloak of darkness and no one else was around... until look up to see my husband's shadow moving toward the window. Oh no, he is going to think I have lost my mind again. He knew that us girls were going to do a rain dance but he had no idea that we were doing it naked. In all our dancing fun, the dogs and I had worked our way out further in the yard than I had planned. I had not noticed that until I had to race for my robe by the door. I had to get to it before he turned ON the Porch Light! I believe my dogs 'decided' this was a race to end all races. Mutt must have felt I was winning because she moved her body right in front of mine and over I went. Ouch. I had to have bounced because I was on my feet in a split second and in full stride. WHAT WAS I THINKING? Finally I get to my robe, compose myself, pulled the sticks out of my hair and walked in as if nothing happened. As I walked in, husband asked, "Did you do your dance at 9:00?" "Yes", I said then went to wash my wounds. While tending to my skint knees I 'decided' to pass on next years dance. I will leave that to the younger braver ones.
Hopefully our efforts will bring the rain again this year. If and when the rain does come, you must come in to check out our newest merchandise. We are now carrying Galleria Umbrellas. They are the best quality umbrellas I have used. Galleria umbrellas have been featured in Women's Day, Redbook and Better Homes and Garden. Please come in to check them out because, if this works like last time, your going to need one.
We have about 8 different designs. Here are a couple of examples. They come in sticks and fold-able styles.
Until next time,
Ruth Lane
The Bird House
575-682-6902
I can not tell you how long it has been since we have had rain. Days would be an understatement more like months and months. I remember a few years ago we had a pretty good dry spell too. A handful of us gals 'decided' to try a rain dance. We 'decided' on a designated time, we 'decided' to do it in our own back yards and we 'decided' to do it naked!. WHY??? I don't know but that was the deal. You had to follow these decisions to the T or don't do the dance at all. We were convinced it would only work if we all did it and followed the criteria to the letter. The dance was not choreographed nor rehearsed. You might say we 'decided' (there is that word again) to do an interpretative dance. I remember thinking, "What the heck am I DOING?", while I was stomping my feet, throwing my hands in the air, having normally covered places now exposed and wiggling in the wind, my arms waving and chanting, "Come on, come on and make it rain!", over and over and over again. I felt so foolish. My dogs thought I had lost my mind but they liked it. They were running in circles chasing each other in the dark of night and barking up a storm. Thank goodness my neighbors were gone. The whole time I was wondering if everybody else was doing it or if any moment they were going to jump out and punk me. The one thing we did not 'decide' was how long we were to do this naked rain dance. After what felt like LONG ENOUGH, I grabbed my robe and ran inside, dogs in tow. A few days later the rain came. It rained and rained. It rained so much that parts of the mountain flooded. In fact, I had a rather large stream running through my front yard. Parts of the highway had to be closed because of the run off. It was strange to say the least. That following winter was a good snowy winter as well. I would have to say that the nude rain danced worked.
Now here we are again. No rain in sight and nothing on the radar. One of the original organizers called the other night and stated we need another rain dance. Same rules as last time...and to be followed to the T or it just won't work. Last night at 9:00 p.m. I tipped toed out the back door. My dogs were not invited this year because my neighbors were here most of the week and I was not sure if they had left yet. I preferred no one witness this crazy woman trying to do her part for all her forest neighbors. Nine o'clock struck and I began to dance as before. Right as I started, I heard a noise behind me. I could not see a thing because my eyes had not had a chance to adjust to the dark. All I could think of was a coyote or bear or some other kind of wild animal breathing on my bare legs! I stood there frozen, naked and night blinded. I gave myself a minute to adjust and turned slowly. My dogs! My dogs had slipped out through the dog door and were waiting for their dance invitation, which I was happy to give after I made sure my neighbors were gone. Those little happy brown eyes and wagging tails were just so cute I just could not refuse them. We started slowly then worked our way up to a full fledged rain dance! The dogs were in heaven running in circles and barking. We were having a pretty good time. It felt oddly freeing and if it paid off like last time very rewarding. I felt no embarrassment in the cloak of darkness and no one else was around... until look up to see my husband's shadow moving toward the window. Oh no, he is going to think I have lost my mind again. He knew that us girls were going to do a rain dance but he had no idea that we were doing it naked. In all our dancing fun, the dogs and I had worked our way out further in the yard than I had planned. I had not noticed that until I had to race for my robe by the door. I had to get to it before he turned ON the Porch Light! I believe my dogs 'decided' this was a race to end all races. Mutt must have felt I was winning because she moved her body right in front of mine and over I went. Ouch. I had to have bounced because I was on my feet in a split second and in full stride. WHAT WAS I THINKING? Finally I get to my robe, compose myself, pulled the sticks out of my hair and walked in as if nothing happened. As I walked in, husband asked, "Did you do your dance at 9:00?" "Yes", I said then went to wash my wounds. While tending to my skint knees I 'decided' to pass on next years dance. I will leave that to the younger braver ones.
Hopefully our efforts will bring the rain again this year. If and when the rain does come, you must come in to check out our newest merchandise. We are now carrying Galleria Umbrellas. They are the best quality umbrellas I have used. Galleria umbrellas have been featured in Women's Day, Redbook and Better Homes and Garden. Please come in to check them out because, if this works like last time, your going to need one.
We have about 8 different designs. Here are a couple of examples. They come in sticks and fold-able styles.
Ruth Lane
The Bird House
575-682-6902
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
A Beautiful Memory
Today I was planning to go on a bird watching hike and a Geo Caching hunt early morning before work; but this day had other plans for me. You see, not only do I work here at The Bird House, I am also a relief driver for the USPS. You need to be diversified to live in the most beautiful place in the world. This morning had an unexpected event that dictated I throw the mail. My backpack would have to wait for another day.
I love throwing the mail except in winter. I usually sit in the truck in winter and let my partner brave the elements. I hate the cold on my hands, the multi-boxes that refuse to close and the wind that gives me earaches. Today was NOT such a day. Beautiful just does not come close to describing the spring weather we are having now.
The mail route is fairly simple and mundane but the last leg of the route is down 16 Springs. The road into 16 starts out paved and then goes to gravel as it runs through the Lincoln National Forest, then back to paved. Up until today, I never noticed how steep the drop-offs are on that road… SPOOKY. As I was driving along the edge, I started remembering a couple of years ago when we had such heavy snow fall that the roads looked as if they had bumper pads pushed there by the snow plows. I sure felt safer with all that snow padding the sides. The memory of all that snow brought me back to one day in particular.
We were rounding the bend when I saw four large black blobs. The closer we got the more I realized what I was seeing. There were four large, dark brown wild horses standing in the middle of the road. They were pawing the snow to uncover any type of vegetation they could get their lips around. The contrast of their dark bodies against the white snow was so striking. We rolled slowly towards them to get a closer look and to take a picture but, as soon as we got within 200 feet of them, they took off. There is nothing on earth like watching horses in full stride. Their nostrils flaring with winter breathe that showed in clouds of moisture. The power their muscular bodies possessed is nothing short of remarkable. It was a beautiful thing seeing them uninhibited, wild and unruly. I love 16 Springs and discovering the wild horses on a snow-covered back road is one of my most treasured memories.
Today would not provide me with any close encounters of the big animal kind nor any bird activity. I did however, see one of our rural route residence pulled over on the side of the road. I stopped to chit chat. She was so, so sweet and very surprised to see me delivering the mail. I saw another one of the residence out in the field tending their cattle waving as we drove by. I had to give thanks to be living in such an awesome community.
As I was driving out, I got to thinking, how could I write about this day? How could I share one of the most awesome memories of my life and tie it back to The Bird House? Then all of a sudden, something caught my eye….a little squirrel. It made my day. You see I just love LOVE squirrels. My facebook profile picture has been a squirrel in different poses since I opened my wall. One time I put my real picture on there and half of my friends ask who that was. I guess everyone associates me with a squirrel now and that is okay by me. It scampered down the tree then ran like hell across the road tail crocked in the air; it reminded me of a boat's rudder as it rounded the edge of the road. Then it disappeared. BINGO! my story.
If you love squirrels too or want to try to keep them away from your bird seed, come on into The Bird House and check out our squirrel merchandise. We have items to entice them in the yard and merchandise to not only deter but to WIN the war against bird seed thievery. We even have toy squirrels for the dog to terrorize. I am sure we can help you with all your squirrelly needs. :o)
Until next week,
Ruth
www.thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com
Friday, May 6, 2011
Thighs
This is a story I wrote on my personal facebook page. What does it have to do with the store? Well, keep reading.
Back around July 2010 I went to Memphis for a couple of months. My mom was sick and my son had to have some medical issues addressed. I went to help take care of them and my grandbabies. One day while visiting mom.......
I went to the deli for my mom today. She wanted some chicken livers and potatoes. I get to the counter and a little 20-something, beautiful blonde, big eyed, gorgeous smile, girl asked, "Can I help you?" with that familiar southern drawl. I asked if they had chicken livers today. She pointed at the food in front of her and said yes. The case was full of meat from meatloaf to fried chicken to livers. She informed me that I could get chicken livers and 2 "thighs" for 3.99. I said okay. I thought about it for a second and decided that mom would only eat the livers the rest would go to waste. I asked her to just give me the livers and skip the thighs. She looked at me with a confused faced and asked, "Where did you get thighs?" "From you," I said. Now she is extremely perplexed and at a loss for words. I repeated her words back to her verbatim. She started to laugh so hard she almost dropped the prongs. Then she says, "No s-i-d-e-s, which she spelled slowly, sides she repeated in her southern drawl. Of course, that made sense. I said, "That will be fine.", and moved to the vegetables. As I was peering in to the hot food case for the "SIDES", something caught my eye. It was strange. It was little brownish red thingies with green bean snaps and tomatoes in it. I looked up and asked her, "What is that?" She responded with, "That is what I was talking about the siddddes." I said, "No what is it?", again she says, "A SIDE" this time with a sharper tone. At this point, I am laughing so hard I can't talk. I finally get out the words, "What kind of vegetable is it?" She says," Oh that's just beans, honey."
As I drove back to mom's, I came to the conclusion that even though I have one of the thickest southern accents in Cloudcroft, I have lost my ability to decipher the southern dialect. O Mama.
Still what does that have to do with The Bird House? I will tell you. Here at the Bird House we carry Poultry Scratch for CHICKENS. The chickens just eat it right up which makes for fine plump chicken thighs. And we have also been selling it for the Stellar Jays and ground feeders but I would not recommend eating a Jay's thigh.
Just a little acknowledgment to a wonderful boss. The day I was hired for the Bird House I got the call about all the sickness going on in Memphis. I was suppose to start work within a week but instead I was right back up at the store apologizing for having to turn the job down. My boss would have none of that. She told me to go and take care of my family and my job will be waiting on me. She held my position almost 2 months, during the summer no less. I could not believe it. I want all to know that I love my job, my boss and the wonderful lovely people that walk through these doors. I feel so blessed.
Update--- Unfortunately I lost my mom about two weeks after returning home.
RIP mama. Your laughter was the greatest gift you ever gave me.
Until next week
Ruth Lane
www.thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com
www.cloudcroftwebcam.com/beta
Back around July 2010 I went to Memphis for a couple of months. My mom was sick and my son had to have some medical issues addressed. I went to help take care of them and my grandbabies. One day while visiting mom.......
As I drove back to mom's, I came to the conclusion that even though I have one of the thickest southern accents in Cloudcroft, I have lost my ability to decipher the southern dialect. O Mama.
Just a little acknowledgment to a wonderful boss. The day I was hired for the Bird House I got the call about all the sickness going on in Memphis. I was suppose to start work within a week but instead I was right back up at the store apologizing for having to turn the job down. My boss would have none of that. She told me to go and take care of my family and my job will be waiting on me. She held my position almost 2 months, during the summer no less. I could not believe it. I want all to know that I love my job, my boss and the wonderful lovely people that walk through these doors. I feel so blessed.
Update--- Unfortunately I lost my mom about two weeks after returning home.
RIP mama. Your laughter was the greatest gift you ever gave me.
Until next week
Ruth Lane
www.thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com
www.cloudcroftwebcam.com/beta
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Raven part deux
Around the first year I lived here, I was seeing things that this city girl was never exposed to. For example, mountain lions, bears, and horny toad lizards were just a few of the unusual things I was privy to see. Each time I saw something new, I would call my husband and tell him my experience with my new discovery. It was not until I started seeing things that were not normally in this area that my husband started to doubt my sanity.
One day on the way to work, I swear I saw a wolf. Husband said it was a coyote. I said I know the difference between a wolf and a coyote. He said I was wrong and went on back to what he was doing. A few months later a news cast mentioned that the Mexican Gray Wolf had been spotted in the south central area of New Mexico.
Next, I was going down to Walmart and saw a roadrunner by the ski area. Called husband again to tell him what I saw. He said at 9,000 ft in the winter, no less, you would not find a roadrunner. But yet there was that dang roadrunner crossing the highway. I was determined to prove to my husband I was not going crazy. I followed the car in front of me all the way down to Alamogordo. I followed him until he parked in the parking lot of Wal-Mart. I jumped out of my car, rushed him and asked him if he saw what I think I saw crossing the hwy at the ski area. He asked, "You mean that Roadrunner?" "Hold it right there.", I said. I quickly called husband and said "Hold on I have someone here that saw the same thing I saw" I asked the poor fellow that I had just accosted to tell my husband, who thinks I am going crazy, what he saw. The poor fellow was so nice he says "Hello?". For a minute there, I think he thought I was crazy too. He did tell husband that yes in deed there was a roadrunner at the ski area. Then he gave me my phone back and backed away. He did not turn his back to me until 20 ft. before the automatic doors. Yep, I think it is safe to say he thought I was crazy too.
Then one day, I was headed to Alamogordo again. I got to the bottom of the hill and noticed a junk shop. You know the kind, junk everywhere and everything for sale. I was walking up to the door and noticed a dog. I leaned over to pat him and heard..."Hello" " Whatca gona buy?" I look around and see NO ONE but the dog. The dog was just laying in the sun. His tail wagging and tongue hanging out. DANG! maybe I am going crazy. About that time, I heard, "Go on in." This time I really start to look around. I am looking for anyone, for a speaker system or one of those rock speakers....you know the kind they put around the pool to deliver music to all that are swimming. NOTHING! I slowly go inside. All at once I notice a bird, a BIG bird. It was a crow. The biggest crow on the face of the earth. I get inside and decide to take my chances. I ask the guy inside if he knew he had a talking crow....A BIG TALKING CROW. He said yes but it was not a crow. He tells me it is a Common Raven. Turns out he found it years ago when it fell out of its nest. He could not bare to leave it to the elements so he brought it home and raised it. Somewhere along the way it started to pick up words. He said it knew about 50 plus word to date. I thought, OH BOY, what will husband think of this?
I decided to not say anything until I got home. I later told husband, "A Raven spoke to me today." Man oh Man, that was it for him. He thought I really had lost my mind. I explained the whole thing. To this day, I am not sure he believed me. And after that, I decided to not tell him my further discoveries.
Who knew a Raven could speak? NOT THIS CITY GIRL!
This week in the store we are running a special on Hummingbird Feeders! We have a large selection at this time. From hand blown glass to plastic feeders, you can be sure you will find what you are looking for.And if you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of the Raven that hangs out in our bird tree.
Until next week
Ruth
Store Manager
www.thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com
www.cloudcroftwebcam.com/beta
Next, I was going down to Walmart and saw a roadrunner by the ski area. Called husband again to tell him what I saw. He said at 9,000 ft in the winter, no less, you would not find a roadrunner. But yet there was that dang roadrunner crossing the highway. I was determined to prove to my husband I was not going crazy. I followed the car in front of me all the way down to Alamogordo. I followed him until he parked in the parking lot of Wal-Mart. I jumped out of my car, rushed him and asked him if he saw what I think I saw crossing the hwy at the ski area. He asked, "You mean that Roadrunner?" "Hold it right there.", I said. I quickly called husband and said "Hold on I have someone here that saw the same thing I saw" I asked the poor fellow that I had just accosted to tell my husband, who thinks I am going crazy, what he saw. The poor fellow was so nice he says "Hello?". For a minute there, I think he thought I was crazy too. He did tell husband that yes in deed there was a roadrunner at the ski area. Then he gave me my phone back and backed away. He did not turn his back to me until 20 ft. before the automatic doors. Yep, I think it is safe to say he thought I was crazy too.
Then one day, I was headed to Alamogordo again. I got to the bottom of the hill and noticed a junk shop. You know the kind, junk everywhere and everything for sale. I was walking up to the door and noticed a dog. I leaned over to pat him and heard..."Hello" " Whatca gona buy?" I look around and see NO ONE but the dog. The dog was just laying in the sun. His tail wagging and tongue hanging out. DANG! maybe I am going crazy. About that time, I heard, "Go on in." This time I really start to look around. I am looking for anyone, for a speaker system or one of those rock speakers....you know the kind they put around the pool to deliver music to all that are swimming. NOTHING! I slowly go inside. All at once I notice a bird, a BIG bird. It was a crow. The biggest crow on the face of the earth. I get inside and decide to take my chances. I ask the guy inside if he knew he had a talking crow....A BIG TALKING CROW. He said yes but it was not a crow. He tells me it is a Common Raven. Turns out he found it years ago when it fell out of its nest. He could not bare to leave it to the elements so he brought it home and raised it. Somewhere along the way it started to pick up words. He said it knew about 50 plus word to date. I thought, OH BOY, what will husband think of this?
Who knew a Raven could speak? NOT THIS CITY GIRL!
This week in the store we are running a special on Hummingbird Feeders! We have a large selection at this time. From hand blown glass to plastic feeders, you can be sure you will find what you are looking for.And if you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of the Raven that hangs out in our bird tree.
Until next week
Ruth
Store Manager
www.thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com
www.cloudcroftwebcam.com/beta
Thursday, April 21, 2011
A Wicked Sense of Humor
When we moved here years ago I was totally shocked at the size of these birds up here. I thought they were giant crows that were involved in some type of nuclear fall out. I can only guess their weight but I would guesstimate an average of 20 lbs...some larger some smaller but all huge! I was told later on they were Common Ravens. Shoot, there is NOTHING common about those birds as far as I am concerned. In the last few years I have come to believe the Common Raven must have a sense of humor. This past winter, one of the Ravens that hangs out at the top of my backyard Pines got a big chuckle when he witnessed my dogs’ surprise of the first snow this winter.
This morning was a tad bit different. Can't wait, Can't wait! (the same) Ready set GO (the same)....run, run, run (the same)... the little one (7 lbs Jeff) gets to the end of the porch first but things are DIFFERENT! White stuff EVERYWHERE! He puts on the brakes right as he gets to the end of the porch.....PLONK! He flew off alright but not in the manner he was accustomed to. Pride was............GONE.
The BIG one (70+ lb, Mutt) was hot on his trail. There was no way that little one was going to beat her. Her mind quickly changed as she watched him fly then land hard in the snow. She tried with everything she had to stop. Too late, the snow and ice started about 15 ft from the end and she was already in it. BRAKE, BRAKE, BRAKE you could just see her mind yelling it. She did manage to slow down before the big finish, which lead to an agonizing slow motion crash. She felt ever step she hit as she was going down. The little one watched at first with horror and moved out of the way before she squished him. Then he appeared to be basking in pure joy to see the big dog epically fail. Both of them got up. No barking, no looking back with pride........they did their business and came back to their nice warm beds and licked their proverbial wounds.
When I walked back to the den I noticed there was not only the one Raven at the top of the tree, there were now about five or six Ravens clucking and chuckling like little hens. I guess the one at the top call for the others to watch the entertainment. Yep, I think the Common Ravens have a wicked sense of humor.
Next week Raven part deux..... they were not finished with me yet
Until next week,
Ruth
Store Manager
www.thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com
www.cloudcroftwebcam.com/beta
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
“I need hiking boots for this…”
The last ten months have been particularly hard on me and the people I love. It feels like it has been one devastating ordeal after another. If it were not for my friends here in Cloudcroft and my family, I am not sure I would have made it.
One of those friends suggested we take a break. Get all the girls and take a mini vacation. We needed to go somewhere close to home with beautiful scenery. And I have heard there is nothing like a vacation in your own back yard or in this case your own state. My three dearest friends and a recently new friend decided to spend some time bonding in a huge condo in Ruidoso, NM.
Oh my goodness! To say we all had the time of our life would be an understatement. We watched chick flicks, played games, soaked our bones in the HOTTEST hot tub in the world, went dancing and Geo Caching. We were so busy with all that stuff we did not even get to shop until we were heading back home and then we only stopped at one store. Can you believe, five women and three days of non-stop shopping right in front of us and we decide instead to spend it together bonding. By-the-way this trip was supposed to be a birthday celebration for my dearest friend but they turned it around and made it a “you need to be happy again” weekend for me. There is no place on earth like our community, the wonderful people that live here and my beautiful loving friends.
I am an avid Geo Cache hunter. All my friends know I do it but they had never tried it nor did they know what it was. I took this together time to introduce them and now they are HOOKED too. Geo Caching is like a treasure hunt. You go to the website type in the zip code you want to hunt in and it pulls up different locations of hidden treasures or small boxes to record your hunt. If you find a regular size box, it will have several things in it to select from. If you take something, you must put something back in. If you find a micro container, you take out the log and sign it then replace for the next hunter. This is an awesome way to get out and explore nature. It can take you on a hike way back in the mountains or just a short drive in town. It can take you to places you might not have even known existed. It stimulates your brain cells and along the way reveals the beauty of our earth. You can do a little bird watching along the way meet up with different critters and other Geo Cache hunter along the way. Some hides are so clever it seems to reveal a little bit of personally of the hider.
All you need to do for Geo Caching is to pull up the website, register, put in a zip code, get a GPS, grab your backpack and go. Don’t forget to put your camera and binoculars in your bag. Binoculars not only make bird watching easier on your quest you may even need them to find the cache. If you need binoculars, stop by The Birdhouse and pick up a pair. I would love to hear where you have been or where you are going. Hey while you are here, check out all the new Merchandise we just received.
Until next week,
Ruth Lane
After all that hunting one of my friends said "I need hiking boots for all this……"
And I am happy to report my happy is back!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Tastes like Chicken
In 2005 my husband, daughter, son and three dogs moved into our family built home. At first, we had construction ground. Ya know, dirt, grass, dirt, grass, bump, tree, dirt, grass, etc. My father in law did all the excavating and to his credit he left more grass than dirt. This lead to a full grass lawn within a year and a half. And that is when it all began.
One afternoon my husband and I were cutting the grass. Every time I got off the mower, I would fall into a hole. These holes would always have an underground tunnel attached to them which was evident from the turned up dirt on top of the ground. Some of the holes were small and some, like the ones I kept falling in, were huge. I could not figure out what type of animal would make both large and small holes. Finally, I decided it had to be moles. Being from the south, that was a critter I was familiar with. However, these trails were so much longer and wider than what I had been accustomed to. I hike a lot around my neighborhood and I would spot thousands of tiny holes with underground trails attached to them. DANG! We were infested. When I hike I almost always take my dogs, Mutt, Jeff and Lucy. (Their names have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent.) They love to go any place outside and I like their awareness, it keeps me on my toes.
This particular day I was trying to get home before the rain started. I was hootin' and hollerin' for the dog to keep up. As I got to our driveway, I looked around for the them. They were no where to be seen. Lucy was my oldest, at 17 pounds she was one of the smallest, and the love of my life. We were perfectly in sync with each other so for her to not be at my side was unusual. There had been some sightings of mountain lions close to our neighborhood and I was not about to lose one or both of my dogs like that. I had to back track. They were not on the road so that meant getting back in to the woods. I followed my footsteps back until I spotted them, well one of them. As I turned the bend, I noticed Lucy jumping up and down into the air then she would dart back and forth like an out of control wind up toy. I could see her stop and run back over to the other dog, Mutt, and soon after it would start all over again. I had never seen either of my dogs act like this before so to say I approached cautiously would be an actuate statement. As I got closer, I saw my Lucy covered in dirt. I'm not talking 'bout a little dirt; I'm talking dirt stuck to her wet nose, in her runny allergy eyes, in her ears and all over her body. It was stuck to and in every cavity she had. Then I saw why she was in such a state. My big dog, 70 pound Mutt, was digging in the dirt like a high speed auger. Dirt was flying as far as four feet back and at least 2 feet high. I watched them for a while to try to figure out what they were after. I would notice that every time Mutt would tire the little one, Lucy, would run to the big hole and start sniffing. It was not one of those dainty sniff, sniff, kind of sniffs. It was the kind that you would see on the cartoons. Ya' know, the animal would sniff the hole so hard it would suck up everything under the ground into its nose. Hence, all the dirt on her nose, which was now caked so thick that she'd lost her nostrils. As soon as they saw me, they went into a frenzy. Mutt jumped up and started digging like the wind with an occasional pause to see if I were watching her. Lucy was running after the dirt trying to catch it in mid-air. Then all of a sudden I saw some kind of critter fly by as if it had been shot out of a cannon. Lucy was all ready in flight when she caught it. Then she ran like the devil under a bush. Big dog, Mutt, had no idea that Lucy had claimed the prize and was off enjoying the fruits of Mutt's labor. Mutt was still digging, digging and Lucy was munching, munching. It was not long before Mutt stopped to smell the hole. Immediately her head pops UP and she looks around for Lucy. She knew she had been duped. She starts running in circles trying to find her. Soon they were both in the bushes. Out they came, Lucy was caring what looked like a big ole' fat tailless rat with Mutt hot on her paws. I made her stop and drop. UGH! A half eaten something. It looked like a grayish, stubby tailed ratlike-thingy. I gave Lucy the go ahead and by the time we got home she had eaten it all. Poor Mutt couldn't do a thing but watch all of her hard work go down Lucy's throat. Lucy was looking at Mutt, with those cute twinkly eyes, as if to say, "Tastes like chicken."
After I got home, I asked my husband, a native born Cloudcroftian, what the heck it was. He called it a Vole. It turns out these critters eat tree roots. They leave hundreds, if not thousands, of holes and trails all through your yard. It is suggested that a trap be used to catch them. Or you can use poison....UGH! Or you can do like me and turn your dogs on them. No ucky traps to empty, no killing of innocent critters with the poison, just good old fun for your dogs. You may even experience a decrease in your pet food budget. Of course, there is that little "large holes to fall into" problem. But hey, the dogs are happy.
As for the moles, I've been told you should place pinwheels in the ground. It's said that the vibrations from the pinwheel spinning will disturb the moles and cause them to search out food in other areas. We carry a large selection of pinwheels both large and small at The Bird House so come on in and check them out. They will not only be chasing away the moles, they will look awesome in your yard.
A sad note: Kazooie, aka Lucy, died November 20, 2010. It is a hard thing to lose one's shadow. I still love, remember, and miss her antics. The best dog I ever had. I love you sweet baby girl.
Until next week,
Ruth
www.thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com
www.cloudcroftwebcam.com/beta/
One afternoon my husband and I were cutting the grass. Every time I got off the mower, I would fall into a hole. These holes would always have an underground tunnel attached to them which was evident from the turned up dirt on top of the ground. Some of the holes were small and some, like the ones I kept falling in, were huge. I could not figure out what type of animal would make both large and small holes. Finally, I decided it had to be moles. Being from the south, that was a critter I was familiar with. However, these trails were so much longer and wider than what I had been accustomed to. I hike a lot around my neighborhood and I would spot thousands of tiny holes with underground trails attached to them. DANG! We were infested. When I hike I almost always take my dogs, Mutt, Jeff and Lucy. (Their names have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent.) They love to go any place outside and I like their awareness, it keeps me on my toes.
This particular day I was trying to get home before the rain started. I was hootin' and hollerin' for the dog to keep up. As I got to our driveway, I looked around for the them. They were no where to be seen. Lucy was my oldest, at 17 pounds she was one of the smallest, and the love of my life. We were perfectly in sync with each other so for her to not be at my side was unusual. There had been some sightings of mountain lions close to our neighborhood and I was not about to lose one or both of my dogs like that. I had to back track. They were not on the road so that meant getting back in to the woods. I followed my footsteps back until I spotted them, well one of them. As I turned the bend, I noticed Lucy jumping up and down into the air then she would dart back and forth like an out of control wind up toy. I could see her stop and run back over to the other dog, Mutt, and soon after it would start all over again. I had never seen either of my dogs act like this before so to say I approached cautiously would be an actuate statement. As I got closer, I saw my Lucy covered in dirt. I'm not talking 'bout a little dirt; I'm talking dirt stuck to her wet nose, in her runny allergy eyes, in her ears and all over her body. It was stuck to and in every cavity she had. Then I saw why she was in such a state. My big dog, 70 pound Mutt, was digging in the dirt like a high speed auger. Dirt was flying as far as four feet back and at least 2 feet high. I watched them for a while to try to figure out what they were after. I would notice that every time Mutt would tire the little one, Lucy, would run to the big hole and start sniffing. It was not one of those dainty sniff, sniff, kind of sniffs. It was the kind that you would see on the cartoons. Ya' know, the animal would sniff the hole so hard it would suck up everything under the ground into its nose. Hence, all the dirt on her nose, which was now caked so thick that she'd lost her nostrils. As soon as they saw me, they went into a frenzy. Mutt jumped up and started digging like the wind with an occasional pause to see if I were watching her. Lucy was running after the dirt trying to catch it in mid-air. Then all of a sudden I saw some kind of critter fly by as if it had been shot out of a cannon. Lucy was all ready in flight when she caught it. Then she ran like the devil under a bush. Big dog, Mutt, had no idea that Lucy had claimed the prize and was off enjoying the fruits of Mutt's labor. Mutt was still digging, digging and Lucy was munching, munching. It was not long before Mutt stopped to smell the hole. Immediately her head pops UP and she looks around for Lucy. She knew she had been duped. She starts running in circles trying to find her. Soon they were both in the bushes. Out they came, Lucy was caring what looked like a big ole' fat tailless rat with Mutt hot on her paws. I made her stop and drop. UGH! A half eaten something. It looked like a grayish, stubby tailed ratlike-thingy. I gave Lucy the go ahead and by the time we got home she had eaten it all. Poor Mutt couldn't do a thing but watch all of her hard work go down Lucy's throat. Lucy was looking at Mutt, with those cute twinkly eyes, as if to say, "Tastes like chicken."
Until next week,
Ruth
www.thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com
www.cloudcroftwebcam.com/beta/
Friday, April 1, 2011
O My Hurry Hurry!
One evening a couple of years ago, I was sitting in the living room watching TV. My husband was in the den fully engaged with something on the computer and my daughter was in her room doing homework, well that is what she was told to do. As I sat there watching TV, I heard a huge thud on the large picture window, which was right behind my head. My first thought was, 'That was a huge bird.' Then I thought it was a bat but it was the middle of winter no way would a bat be out now. I then settled on an owl. That had to be it. It was a big thunk certainly as big as a very large owl. I got up to satisfy my curiosity. And to administer any kind of help I could give to that poor, poor little creature.
I flipped on the porch light. I immediately noticed the porch was illuminated but the door area was dark. Dang maybe one of the light burned out, no bother, for now my attention was on the little owl. I ran around the couch and over to the big window. I looked out but I didn't see it. I looked and looked but nothing was out there. That seemed impossible to me. That owl hit that window so hard it made me think the glass could have shattered or it could have been knocked out. Maybe it was under the wicker couch on the porch....it had to be. While looking for the bird I saw that the light near the door had not burned out. It was as bright as the other two lights that was shining on the porch. Weird!
I decided to go on the porch and check under the couch. Not only was it cold we still had snow on the ground. That little creature would freeze to death if left out there. I ran around the couch again to the door. All of a sudden I noticed the door was still dark. What the heck? I leaned back to view the picture window.... lights were on but yet the door was dark. My dogs were GOING crazy. I leaned into the beveled glass to try to see what the problem was. All I saw was my dog's hair reflecting in the glass. I decided I would deal with the light issue as soon as I got the bird taken care of. I turned the lock on the door knob and preceded to open the door when all of a sudden this huge shadow moved and light started pouring in the front door's beveled window. OMG what just happened? I left the door shut and ran to the front window again. And there it was! No, not a bat nor a bird not even an owl, it was a huge black BEAR!!!!!!!!!! And it wanted in my house! More precisely, it wanted me! I ran to the den shouting BEAR! BEAR! BEAR! my husband was still so involved working on the computer that he never even looked up...."okay" is all he said. UGH! I ran back to the porch window. The bear was now standing straight up and looking at me...ME! I screamed BEAR! BEAR! BEAR! and ran to get my daughter. She was all involved in her 'homework' which was really a computer game and her response was "okay mom in a minute". I ran back to the window. I did not see it anywhere but I did noticed the door was dark again. I ran to it, all the while screaming BEAR BEAR BEAR THERE IS A BEAR ON THE PORCH. OH MY HURRY HURRY HONEY!.... no one responded. I checked out the beveled door's window. OMG that was not the dog's hair reflected in the glass. IT WAS THE BEAR'S HAIR AND HE IS TRYING TO TEAR THE DOOR DOWN! Now I am screaming so loud even my dogs can't compete and they head for the bedroom with tails tucked. I look out the window again...bear is on the move...to the BACK YARD! I have a doggie door. It is not big enough for the "BEAR" to get in but its head or paw could get in. I run to get the dog door cover located behind my husband's chair and slide it into place.
It was about then my hubby looks up and says, "What are you doing?" I scream "A BEAR, A BEAR IS TRYING TO GET IN THE HOUSE!" "What?", he says with a dazed and confused look on his face. Then it hit him and he sprang into action. He ran to the front window and said, "There is no bear out there." "I know!", I said, "It went around the back!" He runs to the back and opens .....THE DOOR! I run for the bedroom with the dogs. Along the way I pass my daughter in the hall and yell, "A BEAR!". After what seems like at least 15 minutes all was calm and I came back out. There was no bear anywhere. I guess he went to our neighbors. Daughter was back in her room and hubby was back working on the computer. They were not impressed. The dogs were still in hiding under the covers and I was left with an exciting memory of an owl, I mean "BEAR!"
Who knew that bears wake up early around here?
Oh! and the next morning I saw the big old paw print that he smacked the window with. It was at the same height as my head would have been sitting in the chair!!! Thank God for thick glass.
And if anyone is interested, we have a fly through feeder that is advertised as BEAR proof. It is made of steel and very heavy. And best of all it is on sale right now. I think it might work on your bear problems.... that is if you have any.
Until next week,
Ruth
www.thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com
www.cloudcroftwebcam.com/beta
I flipped on the porch light. I immediately noticed the porch was illuminated but the door area was dark. Dang maybe one of the light burned out, no bother, for now my attention was on the little owl. I ran around the couch and over to the big window. I looked out but I didn't see it. I looked and looked but nothing was out there. That seemed impossible to me. That owl hit that window so hard it made me think the glass could have shattered or it could have been knocked out. Maybe it was under the wicker couch on the porch....it had to be. While looking for the bird I saw that the light near the door had not burned out. It was as bright as the other two lights that was shining on the porch. Weird!
I decided to go on the porch and check under the couch. Not only was it cold we still had snow on the ground. That little creature would freeze to death if left out there. I ran around the couch again to the door. All of a sudden I noticed the door was still dark. What the heck? I leaned back to view the picture window.... lights were on but yet the door was dark. My dogs were GOING crazy. I leaned into the beveled glass to try to see what the problem was. All I saw was my dog's hair reflecting in the glass. I decided I would deal with the light issue as soon as I got the bird taken care of. I turned the lock on the door knob and preceded to open the door when all of a sudden this huge shadow moved and light started pouring in the front door's beveled window. OMG what just happened? I left the door shut and ran to the front window again. And there it was! No, not a bat nor a bird not even an owl, it was a huge black BEAR!!!!!!!!!! And it wanted in my house! More precisely, it wanted me! I ran to the den shouting BEAR! BEAR! BEAR! my husband was still so involved working on the computer that he never even looked up...."okay" is all he said. UGH! I ran back to the porch window. The bear was now standing straight up and looking at me...ME! I screamed BEAR! BEAR! BEAR! and ran to get my daughter. She was all involved in her 'homework' which was really a computer game and her response was "okay mom in a minute". I ran back to the window. I did not see it anywhere but I did noticed the door was dark again. I ran to it, all the while screaming BEAR BEAR BEAR THERE IS A BEAR ON THE PORCH. OH MY HURRY HURRY HONEY!.... no one responded. I checked out the beveled door's window. OMG that was not the dog's hair reflected in the glass. IT WAS THE BEAR'S HAIR AND HE IS TRYING TO TEAR THE DOOR DOWN! Now I am screaming so loud even my dogs can't compete and they head for the bedroom with tails tucked. I look out the window again...bear is on the move...to the BACK YARD! I have a doggie door. It is not big enough for the "BEAR" to get in but its head or paw could get in. I run to get the dog door cover located behind my husband's chair and slide it into place.
Who knew that bears wake up early around here?
Oh! and the next morning I saw the big old paw print that he smacked the window with. It was at the same height as my head would have been sitting in the chair!!! Thank God for thick glass.
And if anyone is interested, we have a fly through feeder that is advertised as BEAR proof. It is made of steel and very heavy. And best of all it is on sale right now. I think it might work on your bear problems.... that is if you have any.
Until next week,
Ruth
www.thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com
www.cloudcroftwebcam.com/beta
Friday, March 25, 2011
Bird List
Instead of a story this week, I wanted to let you know all the birds we have seen in the Cloudcroft, High Rolls, Mountain Park and Mayhill area in the year 2011.
Pine Siskin Pygmy Nuthatch
Stellar Jay White Breasted Nuthatch
White-Winged Dove Evening Grosbeak
Hairy Woodpecker Common Raven
Downy Woodpecker House Wren
Acorn Woodpecker Cassin’s Finch
Mountain Chickadee Red-Breasted Nuthatch
Band-Tail Pigeon Dark-eyed Junco
Slate-colored Junco Oregon dark-eyed Junco
Red Naped Sapsucker American Robin
Red Wing Blackbird Western Bluebird
Brown Creeper Broad-tail Humming Bird
We at the Bird House are heavily depending on our community and visitors to let us know of the birds they have spotted in our beautiful towns. Please call 575-682-6902 or come on by and let us know what is happening in your backyard.
Put out the humming bird feeders they have arrived!
Until next week,
Ruth
Store Manager
Visit www.cloudcroftwebcam/beta/ to keep up on all the happenings in Cloudcroft, NM
Visit http://thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com/ for up to the minute post.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Waterfall?
One summer we were promised a meteor shower by a newscaster in Abq. A meteor shower in itself is not uncommon to see up here in the mountains. What made this time different was my daughter's cousin was visiting for the summer. Living in a big city he had never seen anything other than the moon and a couple of stars in the sky. I was hoping this could be an experience that he would carry with him long into his adulthood.
We waited until late in the evening then went to the backyard to watch the show, however, living in the Lincoln National Forest has a way of limiting your view of the sky. So, we took a couple of throw blankets and headed toward the highway to find a better spot. We found that space at the end of our subdivision. We parked and rolled down the windows. Out the windows the kids popped on to the roof and hood. Apparently, it was a new moon because there was NO moon light anywhere. To say it was dark, would be an understatement. On occasion a car would come by and we could get our bearings as to where we were and what was around us.
As we settle down, it got quiet, eerily quiet. A car passed and we noticed a few flying creatures. We determined it had to be bats. We sat there waiting on the show and thinking about the bats. It was not long before we all three found reasons to sit in the car until we could see the meteors. eeeekk.
Shortly there after, the show began. It was not the best one I had ever seen but it was awesome for the kids. I would hear lots of ooohhs and aaaahhs. In between the showers, it would become quiet again and the thought of the bats would return. In the dark you could hear the rearranging of bodies. Our finale viewing spot was the door windows half in half out...you know just in case .
We were sitting there waiting on the next shooting star and I was thinking what a great night it was turning out to be. Soon I heard daughter's cousin saying he hears a waterfall. I think WHAT? We have no running water much less a waterfall anywhere around here. All of us listened with great intent. My daughter and I are racking our brains to remember where there is water in our neighborhood. There is no mistaking the sound of running water and we all heard falling water. We listened for a bit then it hits me. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!. I could not stop laughing long enough to tell them what it was. Finally a car comes by and I show them what was making the noise. That waterfall.... was the horse across the highway with bladder issues which went on and on and on. We all started laughing uncontrollably. Finally someone said lets go home I got to make a waterfall.
If you love bats and want to encourage them to eat the insects in your backyard, come on in to the Bird House. We carry Bat House kits that are perfect for a day of fun with that youngen in your life. Bats like to be 80 to 100 degrees in July when they have their young with them. The bat house should be placed in the sun and around 12 to 15 feet off the ground to prevent predators from getting them.
Oh and that memory I was hoping to make was not exactly what I was hoping for, but it has been forever etched in all of our minds. Tee Hee. It was one of the best nights ever.
Until next week
Ruth
www.thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com
We waited until late in the evening then went to the backyard to watch the show, however, living in the Lincoln National Forest has a way of limiting your view of the sky. So, we took a couple of throw blankets and headed toward the highway to find a better spot. We found that space at the end of our subdivision. We parked and rolled down the windows. Out the windows the kids popped on to the roof and hood. Apparently, it was a new moon because there was NO moon light anywhere. To say it was dark, would be an understatement. On occasion a car would come by and we could get our bearings as to where we were and what was around us.
As we settle down, it got quiet, eerily quiet. A car passed and we noticed a few flying creatures. We determined it had to be bats. We sat there waiting on the show and thinking about the bats. It was not long before we all three found reasons to sit in the car until we could see the meteors. eeeekk.
We were sitting there waiting on the next shooting star and I was thinking what a great night it was turning out to be. Soon I heard daughter's cousin saying he hears a waterfall. I think WHAT? We have no running water much less a waterfall anywhere around here. All of us listened with great intent. My daughter and I are racking our brains to remember where there is water in our neighborhood. There is no mistaking the sound of running water and we all heard falling water. We listened for a bit then it hits me. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!. I could not stop laughing long enough to tell them what it was. Finally a car comes by and I show them what was making the noise. That waterfall.... was the horse across the highway with bladder issues which went on and on and on. We all started laughing uncontrollably. Finally someone said lets go home I got to make a waterfall.
If you love bats and want to encourage them to eat the insects in your backyard, come on in to the Bird House. We carry Bat House kits that are perfect for a day of fun with that youngen in your life. Bats like to be 80 to 100 degrees in July when they have their young with them. The bat house should be placed in the sun and around 12 to 15 feet off the ground to prevent predators from getting them.
Oh and that memory I was hoping to make was not exactly what I was hoping for, but it has been forever etched in all of our minds. Tee Hee. It was one of the best nights ever.
Until next week
Ruth
www.thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com
Friday, March 11, 2011
UCC
Back around the beginning of winter 2010, I discovered I had a mystery on my hands. It seemed every time I would put out the feeders they would be completely emptied by morning. The suet container would also be completely empty. This being my first year to feed the birds, I was at a loss at what was going on. At first, I thought is was a bear. Then I decided it was some thing much smaller. My feeders were in disarray not destroyed. A bear would have taken them out. Plus the suet feeder looked as if it were gently opened and emptied. A bear would have taken the whole thing, (dainty, bears are not). I would have to keep an eye opened for this UCC (unidentified crawling critter).
The next night I had built the fire a little too big so I cracked the window. It was not long before my dogs started raising cane. I got up, turned on the light and looked on the porch. At first, I did not see anything but scattered seed from here to there. I kept my seed in a huge 5 gallon bucket with a tricky child proof lid. I thought it has to be a bear! It takes all I have to get that top open and I have thumbs!. Then out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something about the size of a small dog disappear around the corner of the house.
A trap was set up the next night with suet as the bait. I still did not know for sure what it was but the trap I had would surely do the job. The next morning the bait was gone but no critter. The same thing would happen night after night. WHY? WHY? This has never failed before. A few nights later my dogs are going at it again. You would have thought big foot himself was on the porch. I quickly flipped on the light. I was totally taken back by the scene that was unfolding right in front of me. Let me paint a picture for you.
At first, the light caught them so off guard that they did not even think to skedaddle. Soon my dogs caught wind of the raccoons and tried to fly through the windows at them. The coons quickly decided to abandon their mission. Blockhead was scrambling on the rail as if to shout ABORT! ABORT! run you fools. Igor...GONE without a trace. Godfather Kahuna, turned to the window and with a grunt got up and walked away with nary a look back. The two at the trap were the funniest of all. Toot's hands were so greasy that he could not easily turn himself around in the cage to run. Hefty was still holding the plate. He could have let go but his buddy Toot would have been trapped. My dogs were giving him heck. After what seemed a few minutes, Hefty looked at us and I promise he had the strangest smile on his face. It was a little apologetic, a little scared, and a lot of please don't kill me. Moments later, Toot made it out and they had made it off the porch and around the corner. Blockhead was the last to leave. He appeared to be guarding the rear. Then without looking back he jumped off the rail back feet first. It reminded me of jumping out of a plane and then he was gone.
Now a days, I do not have that problem. We sell these rail plant holders that are arched. They hang out so far that the critters can't get to them. Problem solved. If you are experiencing a similar problem come on in and I will fix you up with one of these hooks. They really work.
Until next week,
Ruth Lane
Store Manager
www.thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com
Until next week,
Ruth Lane
Store Manager
www.thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
"How you doin'?
This week I want to tell you about a little Nuthatch. He hangs out with the Pine Siskins most of the time. He has a few other buddies that follow him around too. It seems he is a MASTER at finding food and the others must think he is a Grand Wizard for he can find food anywhere. In reality, he hides seed in the cracks and crevices of the tree bark. Surprisingly, Nuthatches are able to remember where they have hidden seed for up to 30 days. Therefore, he has food when the going get tough and so do his buddies. Waaa laa, instant fame among the birds for the Nuthatch.
Not only are Nuthatches smart, they are one of the friendliest birds around. They are as bold as chickadees, but without the attitude and often fly right up to a feeder even as it's being loaded with seeds or peanut butter. I know this from experience. During the winter we close at 4:00 and I bring in the feeders. This particular day there were tons of birds everywhere getting that last morsel of seed before I left. I walked out and the birds scattered. I pulled down all the feeders at once. (A skill I have perfected over the months, HA) As I got to the door, I arranged the feeders to be hung inside until the next morning. When I hung the last one, I came eye to eye with a little Nuthatch still eating his dinner! Talk about surprised, I was very surprised he seemed to be saying "How you doin'?". If I made any sudden movements he would leave his perch and be trapped in the store. I have found that once a bird gets inside the store it can take up to two or three hours to get it out. I wanted to go home not chase a bird all night long. So I slowly turned around and walked back out. As I walked out I looked at the little bird. It was just too endearing ; his bravery and his ultimate cuteness was off the chart. We get to the outside porch and he would not leave. I shook the feeder...nothing. Finally, I tried to pick him up. He was having none of that. Away he went to the feeding tree and watched as I went back inside.
When, I left for the day, I noticed him and his buddies scaling the tree to pull seed out of the bark. The Juncos were on the ground waiting for anything to fall. The Woodpecker was watching with intense curiosity. Yep, he was their Grand Wizard and now my little friend.
We keep chairs on the porch for our human visitors to stop in and do a little bird watching. Make sure when you are in Cloudcroft to stop over and bring your camera. You are sure to be entertained. While here come on in and pick up a little seed and a feeder so you can start your on bird sanctuary
Can't wait to see you,
Ruth
Store Manager
www.thebirdhousecloudcroft@blogspot.com
Not only are Nuthatches smart, they are one of the friendliest birds around. They are as bold as chickadees, but without the attitude and often fly right up to a feeder even as it's being loaded with seeds or peanut butter. I know this from experience. During the winter we close at 4:00 and I bring in the feeders. This particular day there were tons of birds everywhere getting that last morsel of seed before I left. I walked out and the birds scattered. I pulled down all the feeders at once. (A skill I have perfected over the months, HA) As I got to the door, I arranged the feeders to be hung inside until the next morning. When I hung the last one, I came eye to eye with a little Nuthatch still eating his dinner! Talk about surprised, I was very surprised he seemed to be saying "How you doin'?". If I made any sudden movements he would leave his perch and be trapped in the store. I have found that once a bird gets inside the store it can take up to two or three hours to get it out. I wanted to go home not chase a bird all night long. So I slowly turned around and walked back out. As I walked out I looked at the little bird. It was just too endearing ; his bravery and his ultimate cuteness was off the chart. We get to the outside porch and he would not leave. I shook the feeder...nothing. Finally, I tried to pick him up. He was having none of that. Away he went to the feeding tree and watched as I went back inside.
When, I left for the day, I noticed him and his buddies scaling the tree to pull seed out of the bark. The Juncos were on the ground waiting for anything to fall. The Woodpecker was watching with intense curiosity. Yep, he was their Grand Wizard and now my little friend.
Can't wait to see you,
Ruth
Store Manager
www.thebirdhousecloudcroft@blogspot.com
Monday, February 28, 2011
Where have you been.........
We at The Bird House are on winter hours Friday - Monday 10:00 to 4:00 closed Tuesday - Thursday. Our wild Pine Siskins plan on their breakfast, lunch and dinner to be on the tree and on time everyday.
One Friday I was trying to get everything ready to open the doors. We like to put items outside so you can get a better look at the quality of our merchandise. In and out I went for about 25 minutes. I finally sat down at the computer and clocked in. Whew, I was ready for the day to begin. It was not long before I felt as if I were being watched. I looked out the window....nothing. A few minutes later I got that strange feeling again. I looked out again but this time I heard tweeting. I looked up at the hanging hooks and there were about 20 little finches hanging upside down, hanging side ways and doing a leaning hang towards the window staring AT ME. They looked as if to say, "Where have you been for three days?" They were so cute but after a few minutes of me ooooing and aaahhhing I began to feel like I was in a scene of The Birds. At that moment, I realized what I had forgotten to do in my hurry to get the morning started. I forgot the feeders and they had no problem letting me know it. When I saw them the first time, I thought their little eyes were so tiny smiling and precious; however, on closer inspection I swear I thought I saw a little glimpse of pointed teeth and a psychotic frenzied physical assault coming on...... which was directed at me! I quickly grab all the feeders fill them up and placed them in the tree. Within three minutes all the little terrors were happily munching on our Sacramento Mountain Finch Food.
Now, any one that knows a Pine Siskin, knows they do not have teeth nor do they have a sinister look to scare the bajeebies out of people. They are, however, some of the cutest birds around. If you come to The Bird House, winter or summer, spring or fall you will be able to find them dining at their favorite feeder right in front of our store. The Bird House is Located at 203 James Canyon Hwy 82. Come join us for an afternoon of bird watching. www.thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com
See you soon,
Ruth
Store Manager
www.thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com
Now, any one that knows a Pine Siskin, knows they do not have teeth nor do they have a sinister look to scare the bajeebies out of people. They are, however, some of the cutest birds around. If you come to The Bird House, winter or summer, spring or fall you will be able to find them dining at their favorite feeder right in front of our store. The Bird House is Located at 203 James Canyon Hwy 82. Come join us for an afternoon of bird watching. www.thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com
See you soon,
Ruth
Store Manager
www.thebirdhousecloudcroft.blogspot.com
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Wind Wind Wind
Today is such a windy day. We put bird feeders out every morning for our local birds to feast on. 5 feeders every morning full....5 feeders every afternoon empty. Today, however, is different. Wind gust in the 60-70 mph range makes dining an effort. Birds are hanging on for dear life to the feeders. They are here one minute (wind gust)...gone the next. Poor birdies. Snow is in the air and is always common this time of year.
Alone with this time of year is our Mardi Gras. I can remember the first parade. It was sad. I came from the gulf coast where Mardi Gras is done right. But it was a valiant effort. The next year was better and each year after that just got better and better. Love the atmosphere and contagious happiness it brings. The bands and dancing, the food and games always fun. A real family affair during the day and night time brings the adults together for fun, food and dancing. Yep, it just gets better and better each year. Down south it is hot during Mari Gras, here not so much. If you come, you better bring your snow boots. I think we have only had one or two years free of snow when the Mardi Gras was taking place. At first, it was strange but now it feel as normal as breathing. I think it is worth coming up for. I would check the webcam for snow. If we have it don't forget the sleds or inter-tubes for tubing. I think the ice skating rink is still open too.
We hope you come up and don't forget to stop in The Bird House for our Mardi Gras Specials. Well I better go bring in the feeders. The little birdies are squealing as they are blown off the feeders. Time to go home little babies.
Ruth Lane
Alone with this time of year is our Mardi Gras. I can remember the first parade. It was sad. I came from the gulf coast where Mardi Gras is done right. But it was a valiant effort. The next year was better and each year after that just got better and better. Love the atmosphere and contagious happiness it brings. The bands and dancing, the food and games always fun. A real family affair during the day and night time brings the adults together for fun, food and dancing. Yep, it just gets better and better each year. Down south it is hot during Mari Gras, here not so much. If you come, you better bring your snow boots. I think we have only had one or two years free of snow when the Mardi Gras was taking place. At first, it was strange but now it feel as normal as breathing. I think it is worth coming up for. I would check the webcam for snow. If we have it don't forget the sleds or inter-tubes for tubing. I think the ice skating rink is still open too.
We hope you come up and don't forget to stop in The Bird House for our Mardi Gras Specials. Well I better go bring in the feeders. The little birdies are squealing as they are blown off the feeders. Time to go home little babies.
Ruth Lane
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