Happy Belated B'Day John Kirk!

Yesterday, was my Godchild's birthday and I totally did not remember until I went to bed last night. Here he is with his Dad, Charlie, Sr., youngest brother Michael, with his deer, oldest brother Charlie, Jr., and John Kirk in orange vest.  John Kirk is a Professor at Wichita State in Kansas. He and his wife, Melissa are expecting their first child in a few weeks.  I have known this family since I met Charlie, Sr.'s wife, Jeanette, back in early '70's while working for the Corps of Engineers.  She is my best-est girlfriend in the whole wide world and these boys have all slept in the same baby bed that my four daughters had slept in. I don't know the story behind his brother's nice buck harvest but hope to tell you about it one day.  I did asked John Kirk to tell me, but he said he did not want to take the pleasure away from his brother.  Happy Birthday Godchild and I love you very much!

Above The Earth

This is a collection of aerial photography produced by Yann Arthus-Bertrand.  It is a result of a 5-year airborne odyssey across six continents.  It's a spectacular presentation of large scale photographs of astonishing natural landscapes.  Every stunning aerial photo tells a story about our changing planet.  I will be posting each week a few of his photos for your enjoyment.  (Click on pictures for a closer view)

Cattle, Argentina

Coal mine in South Africa

Military cemetery in Verdun, France

Sha Kibbutz, Israel

Suburbs of Copenhagen, Denmark

Joe's Trail Cam Pix

Joe became one of my followers over the weekend and I went over to check him out. The name of his blog is Massanutten Game Trails and he hails from Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley.  Joe is a hunter and got his first trail camera a couple of years ago and had so much fun using them that he has invested in three Moultrie's trail cameras to check out deer, bear, cubs, coyote, fox, wood ducks and even fish with his cams.  His camera even shows the temperature at the time it takes the picture.  His trail cam partner, Dawson, is always ready to go with him.  Joe had been following another blog and decided one day last month to start his very own blog to share some of his pictures and experiences.  His trail cams are mounted on a farmer's land where he is able to hunt and in turn helps the farmer with his chores.  It's a win, win situation.  I have not approached Joe about joining our Outdoor Bloggers Summit yet, but anticipate that he will support us and enjoy the friendship of other hunters in our great wild outdoors.  

Double Antlers?

These pictures were sent to me yesterday by my friend Steve on Facebook.  This deer was seen in Colorado Springs and this BIG BOY wanders the downtown streets.  He probably won't get shot, but will be hit by a car, he said.  There are two separate base antlers on each side, plus big drop on the right side.  WHOA, what a deer!

Thunderhoof?

What a crown of antlers!  Unbelievable!

Where Were You...

When The World Stopped Turning

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
~Alan Jackson

Rehabbed Eagle Injured Again

Last week there was an article in The Vicksburg Post about the bald eagle that I had posted on back in April being injured again.  It was nursed back to health and released earlier this summer under the care of wildlife rehabber Becki Bolm.  The female, believed to be about 3 years old, was found in the road at Tara Wildlife Preserve, unable to fly, on July 23.  Just 33 days earlier, Bolm had let the eagle go after a previous 10-month rehab from injury and malnutrition.  An exam revealed the eagle had a large bruise and sore at the bend in her left wing.  Staff at Tara had been watching out for the eagle since her release on June 20 and in mid-July began to notice her on the ground and flying low to the ground.  She soon was found on the road and recaptured.  She was sent to Jackson for evaluation and after x-rays were not sure how the eagle was injured, but know she was not shot.  She is being housed in a "huge 6-foot cage that has been built for her" and will be taken to LSU in about two weeks to see if she is healthy enough to be released.  If not, she can train her to a glove for feeding and care.

In the meantime, the eagle is eating baby chicks, rats and mice, some frozen and provided by Bolm, and some hunted from the mice and rat houses Bolm maintains to keep the bird's hunting skills sharp.  "She'll need to kill about 25 rats before I can let her go," she said.

The species was removed from the federal endangered and threatened species list in 2007, but remains protected under the Migratory Bird Treat Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.  It is illegal for anyone to possess the birds, their feathers, nests or eggs without a permit.  Native Americans, however, are able to keep bald eagle feathers, which are used in sacred ceremonies and customs.

Flowers, Butterflies and Bees, Oh My!

My friend, Mike Johnson, aka, mrjbigfoot, of CamoSpace, sent me another beautiful video he made during the long Labor Day weekend of flowers, butterflies and bees from Ohio.  I hope you enjoy as much as I enjoy showing it to you!

Towboat "Jimmy Sauls"

Living in a river city all my life I've enjoyed in recent years coming to the overlooks and watching the river traffic. The mighty Mississippi River in itself is spectacular to see but with the added pleasure of watching the boats and towboats really makes it nice.  I do miss the paddle wheel steamboats, American, Delta and Mississippi Queens.  They were awesome to watch going up and down the river.  This past Monday, Labor Day, we were out and about and drove by the overlook near the bridges and as I glanced north one was coming down the river.  It was towboat Jimmy Sauls making it's way south heading towards Natchez, MS.  Here are a few shots that I took on a nice and pleasant Labor Day.

Towboat ~ Jimmy Sauls

Note in the picture that it looks like a small boat headed towards the towboat but in actuality it's a dragonfly that flew in front on my camera while taking the picture.

Sparrow Watching

Took this picture the other day of a sparrow at the Louisiana Circle before it flew away.  I'm using it as my wallpaper on my computer and may submit it to our hometown paper for publication.  I thought it turned out really nice and the green from the kudzu in the background outlines the bird nicely.   (Click to enlarge)

A Happy Allie Cat

Allie Cat

Our new cat, Allie Cat, is adjusting well to her new environment.  Here she is piled up on the sofa pillows enjoying the good life.  She was given to us by our next door neighbor when she moved away.  Allie is 3 years old and has pretty crystal blue eyes.  She gets along real well with our peek-a-poo, Katie.  I think Allie Cat is one happy kitty cat!

Maloney Circle

It was a beautiful Sunday here in Vicksburg and we decided to take a short drive (north and south loop) through our National Military Park.  As we were exiting the park we drove pass Maloney Circle and I decided to check it out.  I have lived here all my life and have drove pass this place a million times but never stopped to see what was beyond the old historical bridge.  As I walked over the bridge, I took a picture of the Kansas City Rail Road tracks beneath the bridge.  Here are some pictures I took of my short walk across the bridge to Maloney Circle.
    

Union plaque at the entrance of Maloney Circle.

Backside of Maloney Circle.

Architectural design of the bridge.

Labor Day Camping

Yesterday, we drove to the Louisiana Circle to see if any barges were going up or down the river.  As we turned in we saw one going up in the bend of the river.  While glancing across the river on the Louisiana side we saw a bunch of tents and people on the sandbar camping out.  Sure looks like a fun way to spend a Labor Day weekend!  Here are some pictures I took of the surrounding area...even got the birds in on it!

Birds taking a safe place at the Louisiana Circle with the Riverfront Park below near the MS River.

Another barge coming up the MS River.

It's towboat, Francis Benedict pushing the barges.

I would certainly call this a birds eye view! 

Sharing Dave's Cam Pix

This is some yummy stuff!

What was that?

Here's looking at you babe!

You are not welcome...get out of here, NOW!

Dave set up one hunting blinds this morning and checked on one camera. He said that these are just a few of 28 pictures and video clips shot over the past couple of weeks.

D. Robert (Dave) Quick
I want to Finish Well
I want to end this race
Still leaning on His Amazing Grace

Member: Community Christian Church
Member: Pilots 4 Christ
Member: Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America
MY WEBSITE:
HANDLOADING FOR HUNTING
MY DISCUSSION FORUM:
HFH DISCUSSION FORUMS

The Salsa Dancing Dog

Since we have been talking about dancing lately,  I just happened to come across this video yesterday and wanted to share with you.  This is a very smart and talented dog!  Enjoy the dance!

Boot Scootin!!

Here are a few pictures that Rosa took with my camera of us line dancing!  Our dance instructor, Sharon, is on the back row with red bandanna and boots.  I'm on the middle row near some of the patients at the Heritage House Nursing and Retirement Home.

Here I am taking a break with some of the ladies.

Our group photo.

Mildred talking to our hometown TV23 about our dancing group at the Senior Center.

William, of TV23, filming our performance.

Afterwards, some of us went to Goldie's Trail Barbecue to reminisce about our first dancing experience at the nursing home.  We really had a great time and it was a good feeling to make other people happy.  We were told to come back soon!

Kick It

This article was in our paper last night of our dance that we performed at the nursing home Monday afternoon.

It reads...Sharon Petro, right center, with bandanna, leads a line dance for residents of Heritage House Retirement Center Monday.  Petro and 14 other dancers from the Vicksburg Senior Center have been practicing weekly for six months at the center on South Street, and this was their first performance.
~The Vicksburg Post

Toes are pointed in tandem!

I will be posting more pictures tomorrow of our dancing performance!