Snake River Geese

Idaho Falls got it's name because we have some terrific falls in our city.  The Snake River winds its way through the farms, mountains, towns, and some places that resemble a desert.  Lewis and Clark rode in a canoe on the Snake River.  Many early settlers trapped beaver and all sorts of critters on the banks of this mighty river.  There are some big trout in here, too.

Lately we have been watching the river breech it's banks and flood in several places.

On the west side of the river, in downtown Idaho Falls, we have a wonderful walking path.  People ride their bikes, take walks, push baby strollers, and even skate board on the walking path.  However, with the river over it's banks, the sidewalks have disappeared, and we have a few new critters who are taking advantage of the shallow water, where the path should be.

Aren't they just precious?  I want to touch that soft downy fluff ball.

But these little critters come with a mom and a dad.  I will stay my distance for now.

These moms and dads have "honkers" that can hurt you.
They are loud "honkers", too.
They say, "Get back away from my babies, or I will bite your buttocks!"

It is true.  I heard them speaking "Goose Latin."

There are families of geese everywhere on the river, but this one family caught my heart the moment I saw them.  The mom and dad are so diligent in protecting their little flock. 

Did you know that geese mate for life?  They do.  And it is sad when something happens to one of them, because it leaves the other one alone.  They are not complete if they aren't together.

Geese mate for life, and for the eternities.  Like some people.

This mama goose is singing praises for eternal families.  She sings with out care of the quality of her voice, as her message is what is important.  Her kids know it, too.  They listen to their mama and know her message is true.  They know they should pick the right guy goose to date so they will chose a wonderful mate. Shortly after the blissful wedding day they will have start a family.  It better be the right choice they make, because their mama and poppa will have to let them join the extended family.  That is what this mama goose it telling her goslings.

Did you understand all of that?  If not, re-read it.  There is some powerful message hidden in there and I don't want you to miss it.

Go ahead, I'll wait.

Or maybe she is just holding up her head to see which way the wind is blowing.

I don't know for sure, as she is speaking pretty fast, and I am a bit rusty on my "Goose Latin".

The mama and the poppa try to tell the goslings to watch their example.  Some times there is rough water, or high winds and it is hard to stay together.  In the fields below where they will some day fly are men with guns who hunt geese.  They are cunning hunters and hide in the weeds.  As the flock flies over head, thinking happy little thoughts, they don't realize there is danger very close. 

The mama and the poppa show their little ones what willows and weeds look like, so they can learn what to watch for, and be very cautious. 

They are explaining to the goslings all the geographical changes in the river banks.  They must teach them that stuff, or the kids would think swimming on grass is the natural thing to do.

So, having said that to the little ones, they also told them about the litter, and the photographers, especially the lady who has the big black camera and wants to pee her pants cuz they are so cute, and the families who keep throwing bread at them, and about eating responsibly. 

 At this point the little ones are getting bored with all the lessons they are being taught, so mama and poppa decided it was time to join the others of the flock and let the little ones play.  The smart parents know the short attention span of the youngsters.

And by now I bet you would like to know what the rest of the Snake River looks like. 

Look closely on the left side of the photo.  That is where I show you the normal river channel.

Thanks for looking.
I had fun doing it for you.

So, now ain't that something to see? 
All those birds of a feather flocking together......

Thanks for your patience until I got back to the beginning of what I was going to show you.
I think it's pretty dang neat, too.

Bye for now.

Shoshone Falls vs. Niagra Falls

This spring has been one of the most exciting to experience.
Due to the large amount of snow we had during the winter, we now see lots of water.
The rivers are full of run off from the mountains.

Some areas in the state are having flood warnings.
We haven't seen severe flooding, because those in charge of the dams are so good.
The reservoirs have been draining much of the water into the rivers.
That is making more room for the melting snow to fill the reservoirs again

South of where we live is a town called Twin Falls.
Shoshone Falls is near Twin Falls.

So, a group of us took a ride to see the water in Shoshone Falls.
And it was spectacular.
Spectacular.

The water has carved a pretty canyon and exposed lots of crevices in the rocks ,which the animals and birds to call home.

We had a wonderful time with our friends, and taking a little time to enjoy the beauties which surround us.
And we count our blessings every day because we are so thankful to live where we do.

This is a few of our friends....... (me) Paula, JoyLynn and Diane (Diane is JoyLynn's sister visiting from Surprise, Arizona. and she has a home in the Seattle area, too).

 Our husbands 4 wheel together, fish, camp, and entertain their wives, build gardens, mow lawns, haul dirt, put up fences, take their wives to dinner, go to movies, and are pretty much joined at the hip.

Our husbands are so much alike. 
And the women are, too.

And we all like Choke cherries.

The following photo is a choke cherry bush in blossom.

Soon we will pick the little berries and make jam and syrup.
And take a picnic, and ride the 4 wheelers, and play some more.

Shoshone falls is as spectacular as Niagara Falls, and a whole lot closer!

It is Bearly.......Bearable

Food for thought

In this life I'm a woman.

In my next life, I'd like to come back as a bear.

When you're a bear, you get to hibernate.

You do nothing but sleep for six months.

I could deal with that.

Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid.

I could deal with that, too.

When you're a girl bear, you birth your children

(who are the size of walnuts)

While you're sleeping and wake to partially grown,

cute cuddly cubs.

I could definitely deal with that.

If you're a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business.

You swat anyone who bothers your cubs.

If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too.

I could deal with that.

If you're a bear, your mate expects you to wake up growling.

He expects that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.

Yup!  Gonna be a bear.

(Unknown Author)

poem taken from a newspaper I picked up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming this week.

I love it!  Hope you do, too!

Happy Father's Day tomorrow, to all the special men in my life.  Especially my father, and the father of my children.  Also, to the fathers of my grandchildren. May you all get what you deserve :)

7 Things About Myself

Things like this make me look inside myself.  They make me a little uncomfortable.  It is hard to think of random things about oneself.

...but, I will try......I am to share 7 things with you.

1.  I love rain.  I love the sound of water in a bubbling creek.  But, water running from a tap makes me need to pee. 

2.  Jane Austin based movies are my favorite.  I love vintage movies of all times. If a movie has vintage clothes and the actors speak with the English accent, I am stuck to the screen until it ends. Some of my favorites are Jane Eyre, Little Women, Pride and Prejudice.  I think you get the idea.

3. Pizza wins over a hamburger.  Pappa Murphy makes a great Hawaiian pizza.  I bring it home and add chopped olives and more cheese. Then pop it into the oven, and wait impatiently until it is done.

4.  Mahjong's is one of my favorite games to play on the computer or my Nook.  I have been known to stay up until 2:00 am.....just wanting to go to sleep, and couldn't make myself turn off the game.

5.  Nothing smells as good as a fresh Lilac Bush. Scented candles try, but they just can't find the freshness of the real fragrance.  And clean sheets, which were dried outside on the clothes line.

6.  Meadow Larks sing the prettiest song!  I have a few in my front yard, and I get up early just to listen to them.  Then they sing again in the evening.  I love them!

7.  I have to lump the last one together.  WifeMotherGrandmother.  That is worth everything!

Now it is your turn.  You tell me 7 things about you.
Good luck!

The Canine Effect

I have been busy tending two extra dogs for the last....well....it seems like forever.  One has been a resident for a long time and seems like he should belong to me, but he doesn't.  Then, there is a sister of one of my dogs who has been visiting for about 2 1/2 months.  She seems like mine now, too.  But she isn't.  She must someday, go home to her own family.

The four of them have formed a pack.  Not only do they run as a pack, but I am pretty sure they talk to each other, and make verbal packs.  The verbal packs are the ones I would like to address today.

Don't let their innocent looking faces fool you.  Their eyes don't miss a thing.

Earlier in the day I saw them huddled, they were plotting, just like a football team.  They were huddled, then they all looked at me, and they huddled again.

I knew I was in for no good!

So, I took myself outdoors.  I carried my camera and a diet coke, and was not going to be a party to their shinanagins. 

But, no matter where I walked, I could feel their beady little eyes looking at me. Especially the tall quiet one.  He is the worst.

This fella doesn't make much noise.  But he watches me.  I can't take a step without him being in front of my feet.  If I go down the stairs, he lays on the top step and waits for me.  He stretchs out the full length of the step, and  just lays there.  When I come up the steps, he doesn't feel threatened by me at all.  He isn't afraid.  He just holds his ground.  He won't move.  I have to say, "MOVE", as gently as I can, but he still doesn't care.  He holds his ground.  Then I gently nudge him in the side with my toes and try to move him.  I evenetually loose the battle and step over him.

I have to go outside so he can't get me.  But he still watches me.  Stares at me. Watches me through the storm door. Makes me shake when I try to take his picture.

See what I mean.  He must be part gorilla or something.  He is as tough as they come at our house.

Then the last one that joined us, the one I have been tending for 2 1/2 months, well, let me tell you about her.

Her name is Sadie.  "Sadie, Sadie, Pretty Lady". 

Sadie was born with a few problems, but we don't talk about them in front of her.  She thinks she is perfect.  And she nearly is, except for her left eye.  It didn't develop correctly so we grow her "bangs" over her eye to hide it from anyone who might make fun of her.

She is a little lady and likes to lay next to me and be petted, for hours. 
She prances when she walks.
She prances when she goes outside to go potty.
She goes potty by standing on three legs.  She will not stand on four legs.  One is always up.

Sadie's a queen, and reminds us to not forget that she is here, at our house.
She uses her voice and pouts.  She does.  She pouts.  "hummph"...."hummph".  Quietly pouting.
She wants to be held, or petted, or fed, or thirsty, or just wants to be looked at. She "pouts".
"Hummph", in a singing dog voice, is hard to ignore.

Then she plays with the other dogs and she BARKS.  I mean, BARKS. Barks, barks, barks.
She is the smallest in the bunch but she has the loudest bark.  Almost.
She can be outside and running with "the pack" and barks and barks...especially at the biggest dog.
I think she has a crush on the biggest dog.  She chases him and barks at him.
He loves it.  He makes her took at him and bark.  Then he runs. And she barks some more.

Then there is this one.

You know Ivy.  She belongs to me.

She is Ivy Ballerina, truly, that is her legal name.  It fits her perfectly.
She is dainty.  Tall, skinny, and walks on her toes.

But, there is something odd about her.  My youngest daughter calls her "Creepy".  I wish she didn't.
But, it is a little bit true.  Because she is a Ballerina and she can skip past you and you don't see her.
She also has this ....this.....stare.  She stares at you.  It is impossible not to wonder what she sees.
Her eyes penetrate me.  I look at her and try not to blink.  But I loose.  She never blinks.

Ivy is very cuddley.  Almost to the clingy side.  She wants held.  She has to touch me.
She sits at my feet and must touch my leg.  That is, if she doesn't jump into my lap first.
I don't mind it because she doesn't wiggle around.  She sits on me.  She doesn't lay, she sits.

She is the mouser.  She has caught several in her short life.
We live near a field, so I smell her breathe all the time, just to check and see if she has eaten one.
I found a baby mouse skull in my house once.  I know she brought it in for me.  A prize!

Then there is Zoey.

No matter where I go, she has to keep an eye on me.  She protects me.  Always.
She barks at the slightest sound.  She is protecting me, and my family, and the neighbors.
She is so smart.
She tips her head back and forth when I talk to her.  She understands every word.
And she is the Alpha dog in this pack.  Always the Alpha.

She is a tease too.  She takes my slippers or socks outside and won't give them to me.
So, I get a treat for her, and tell her "drop it", and she does.  She loves treats.  Then I love her.
She sleeps by laying on her back with her feet in the air.
And she hates Ivy.  She picks on Ivy.  She herds Ivy.  She bites Ivy on her ears.  She hates Ivy.

But when they are all together they have a great time.  They run around the house.
They run outside and inside and outside.  They all bark.  They all run.

They are best friends.  They make for a fun day, if I just sit back and watch them.
Each one is so different, and yet, so much the same.
I know they are the same, because I shovel their poop in our back yard everyday.  EVERYDAY.

o,

So, like I said in the beginning.  I take my camera outside, and turn around and I see this.

The red reflection on Sadie is my Geraniums which are potted on the front step.

But just look at the face of the "White Alpha Female".

She's laughing at me.

She knows about the huddle they held when I wasn't looking.  "hummph".

Memorial Day 2011

Today is a special day.  We are going to decorate a few graves and remember, fondly, those we love.

The weather is windy and cool and possible rain showers.

We are waiting for our youngest daughter to arrive home, around 11:30 pm.  Our middle daughter will land in LA sometime sooner than that and then they go to San Diego.  Their adventure to Australia is now a sweet memory for them.  I am thankful they are coming home.

There are many families throughout this country who have heavy hearts because their loved ones are not coming home today.  They are still serving in far away lands and fighting for the rights of others.

We are so blessed to have the freedoms we have in America.

I have had many relatives fight for our freedoms.  My dad fought in the Korean War.  I have uncles who fought in WWII.  I have friends who served in Viet Nam.

I am forever grateful for their sacrifice and service.

I say thank you to all of those who gave their lives, who didn't come home, and thank you to those who did come home.  God bless you for your sacrifice.  God bless your families.

Dad, thank you for your example to our family.  For your service on behalf of this blessed country.
Thank you Dad, for being one of "the brave".    I love you!

Community Garden Boxes

In a land up North, there lives 3 men, who are commonly called "The Three Musketeers" by their loving wives.

These 3 men have been molded and cared for by their lovely wives for many years.  The wives have taught the men to be brave and go outside when it is very cold and windy.  The lovely wives help their husbands to dress warm, wear gloves, and prepare them to go outside and face the elements of the weather in the early spring.


One day, the youngest member of the threesome had an idea.  The idea grew and grew inside of his head, until he had to share it with his two old friends. 

 The youngest wife saw the 3 men gather together and she observed them talking, while she was hidden inside her warm safe home.  She stood by the window and watched as they thought, and talked, and plotted how to make this idea become a reality.  The 3 men were very serious.  They had a huge task ahead of them.  They discussed the idea over and over, from every angle, until they knew that they were strong and smart and could do it!

The 3 men walked together to the oldest man's house to retrieve a moving dolly.  They knew they were going to need this important tool to help them bring this idea to fruition.  These 3 men are strong and smart, and are very helpful to one another.

The youngest wife stayed warm and hidden inside her home.

 As the cold spring morning passed away, the 3 men were busy building their project.
They measured some wood, and they sawed the wood.  They studied their plan very carefully.  They were most precise in their project.

After the many long and heavy boards were cut and ready, they stood the wood on their ends and they screwed the wood together.  They practiced safety in all they did.  They are very careful men.  Gloves protected their fingers and hands.  The gloves also kept their hands warm.

The wife watched as they screwed screws into the wood.  The men were building something important and it must be strong so they used big strong screws in the wood.

The 3 men were careful to rest if they got tired.  They knew that they must not be tired or fatigued when using power tools, or one of them could get hurt.  They are such good friends and look out for each others welfare that they rested when they saw one of them were getting tired.

While they rested their bodies, they checked the powerful tools they were using.  They made sure the parts were clean and free from debris.  They checked that the tools were in the finest working order.

As the day passed the 3 men accomplished their task.  They worked together and carried their project to the location where it would be used.

The 3 men had built three boxes out of sturdy good wood.  The corners were flush and strong so the boxes could hold the heavy dirt which was going to be placed inside the sturdy boxes.

The three boxes were carried to the community garden and were carefully placed in the exact spot where they would be for the next hundred years.  The boxes were leveled and spaced just perfectly.

The 3 men decided it would be best if the boxes were painted so they would look very nice.  The oldest man said his wife could paint the boxes.  He assured the other two men that she would love to do it, and she would be very careful to do a good job.  He said his wife would feel left out if she didn't get a chance to work on the big boxes.  So, the two younger men agreed to let the wife of the older man paint the wooden garden boxes.  They want the wife to feel important and needed.  They were only thinking of her.

As the afternoon sun was setting in the west, the 3 men surveyed their hard work.  They were very happy with the results and they were very pleased with themselves.  They had built 3 strong boxes which would soon be used for the square foot gardening the community was planning.

The men knew the rest of the garden could be planted in rows and the seeds and plants which would be planted on the rows would be just fine, as the garden boxes were going to help the water stay in the garden.  They also knew the trees which would grow up to be tall and strong were far enough away from the garden boxes as not to shade the vegetables and fruit which would be growing in the strong boxes.

At the end of the day the 3 men were very tired.  They had thought and worked very hard that day.

In a few days 2 truck loads of dirt were scheduled to be dumped near the boxes.  They would rest until the dirt was delivered and then they would work very hard with shovels and wheel barrels to put the dirt into the boxes. 

The 3 men called their work good and they each retired to their homes and reported to their lovely wives how wonderful the boxes are.  The 3 lovely wives praised their husbands and fed them a special dinner to show how proud they were of their husbands.

It was a good day to build boxes for the community garden.

The end.