Nanday Parakeets, oh my!

I truly could not choose which photo, so I made a collage of my favorites. The "love birds" are cute, but I think the photos with their wings stretched opened are beautiful. I was delighted to see as many as five of them at the feeders this morning. After eating they flew into the branches of a very large Live Oak tree. Not long after that, about 10 birds flew out of the tree all at once, squawking away! What a treat to see them flying overhead.

We were at Mom's house today for a few hours... needed to meet the AC technician so he could do maintenance. Being in Mom's house, knowing she would not be back there again, was strange. I was collecting some bed sheets my sister had set aside for mom's hospital bed. When walking through the rooms, I began seeing furniture I remembered growing up with, but hadn't really looked at for some time. I can't quite describe how it made me feel, but it's an odd feeling, kind of sad. I'm sure part of this process of loosing mom, literally and figuratively. At this point she knows who we are but Alzheimer's is a progressive disease.... those of you who have been through this or know someone who has, can relate. I try to balance sad and stressful times with beauty... Noticing birds, clouds, flowers, or making things and connecting with people, family, friends. Also, I heard this recently in a mediation: The past and future are in the mind only. I am now. In this moment, feet planted, breath flowing...   Yes! :⁰)