Looking up...

Another busy day for me although I did make time to go for a short hike this afternoon. It was so nice to be outside enjoying this glorious weather! On my walk, I came across another chipmunk who gave me a quick look before disappearing into the woods.. And, I also got a good look at a mating pair of Autumn Meadowhawk dragons - in fact, I thought this would be my blip today because it is always so cool to catch them in tandem like this. But, as sometimes happens, my heart pulled me in a different direction ... and so you get my friendly deck-chippie, Speed Racer.

Seen here, Speed was a nano-second from leaping into the hanging feeder to cadge peanuts. I wanted so badly to get him in mid-jump, but even at 6 FPS, I couldn't get him in mid air. So, you get this shot - of him just about to launch. They are amazing jumpers - I guess most rodents are pretty good at jumping, come to think of it. Anyway, since chipmunks don't range as far south as St. Pete, FL, I am trying to get my fill of Speed and his buddies in the next few weeks.

I am making progress on my to-do list... I've gotten firm bids for the vacant-home insurance on the NJ house as well as quotes for auto and renters insurance in FL AND I nailed down an auto-transport company! Monday I'll finalize the insurance on both ends and that will be a big item checked off.

I am planning to take most of this weekend off - tomorrow morning I'm going on my last Audubon walk (sad face) where I'll be saying goodbye to some wonderful people. But, then tomorrow afternoon Kura will be here for the weekend - our last weekend at "the Estate" which will be a little bittersweet for both of us. Mostly sweet, though since we'll still see each other several times a year either in NYC or in FL. Still, we'll probably both shed a tear.

As my departure gets closer, I am having little moments where I realize that this chapter in my life is coming to a close. When I hiked the trail today, I did so knowing that it will be the last time. But, I also did so knowing that there are NEW trails to be hiked in my future, new adventures to be had.

Thanks for stopping by. And for those of you who commented on yesterday's blip - thank you. September 11 will probably always be an emotional day for me, for many of us.

Happy Friday, people.

Debbi