Raccoons & Opossums Really Like Me!

I came into work Tuesday morning to find my birdfeeder demolished, sadly tossed aside on the asphalt parking lot. My immediate response was who would want to destroy a birdfeeder and why. I was hurt and disillusioned at the type of human who would do such a thing. It didn't occur to me that something non human was at the heart of the matter. A friend stopped by to see me as I was lamenting over my broken feeder. I couldn't take my eyes off of the tangled, mangled feeder that I had placed on my desk. My friend matter-of-factly stated that it was probably a raccoon who was responsible. The proverbial lightbulb literally flashed over my head.

I was delighted to know that a passerby had not detroyed my property, but now I was perplexed as to how to resolve the issue of a four-legged creature stealing my birdseed and demolishing my feeder. Another lightbulb flashed, and I decided to do some research about the culprit.

I found a great article on raccoon and opossum control at http://tinyurl.com/l8sl4f. I liked the solutions presented because nothing would be harmful to the animal. The best solution, however, was one I came up with myself. It is a simple solution and won't cost a dime! Have you guessed it yet? I will simply bring the birdfeeder inside every night and put it back out in the morning. Problem solved!


As for feeding the raccoons and opossums who love my bird seed...those pesky critters are all on their own!

Having fun in Oklahoma City with some of the street statues.

Taking a Bird Break

At 3:45 p.m. today, I am deciding to take a short break, a "bird break" that is. You see, I recently rearranged my desk so that I could actually look out my window. I thought since there's nothing back here to look at, that I would make a little oasis outside my window. I purchased a small bird feeder and installed it right at my eye level.

It didn't take long before birds were flocking to the feeder. After several weeks now, I am feeding my feathered friends regularly. Some days I have to reload the bird feeder up to three times before I go home!

I've seen Sparrows, Cardinals, Doves, Finches (one of them is as red as a Cardinal) and an occasional pair of ugly Black Crows. I watched the other day as a small squirrel scampered over and started helping himself to the seeds knocked to the ground.

I have my own tiny nature center going on right outside my window. They are bringing me great joy and breaking up my day. I love taking my "bird breaks" throughout the day reminding me that the wild things are still near even in the city. And maybe, just maybe, there's a small bit of the wild still in me.

Becoming Childlike

If I am to become childlike, I have decided to study what that means. By photographing children doing what they do best...PLAYING, I am learning daily to just have fun.

Morning's Glory

I awoke early this morning, about 5:45 a.m. Ordinarily I would relish sleeping in on a day off from work; however, God was calling me this morning to spend some time with Him. I'm so glad I did! Sweet communion with the Lover of my Soul.

I moved out onto my patio, arranged my journal on my lap, my Bible and devotional, "God Calling" on the table. It was a quiet, cool morning at the beginning of July. Usually it is already too hot, but today was different.

I love this time of the day. It's gentle and quiet like my soul before the noises and confusion of the day. How wonderful You are O, Lord of my life. I am so abundantly thankful to have the gift of this morning.

You, Oh God, provide for the multitude of birds that live in the trees in and around my yard. Then, there's the big old bunny rabbit who lives under the storage building beside the house. He pops out usually in the evenings. I wonder if the tomato plants will survive the birds and the bunnies. We'll see.

Oh, Lord, Your mercy is so great. I marvel at the works of Your Hands. You fashioned each leaf of every tree and plant. You designed each with Your beautiful paint brush--selecting a multitude of brilliant, but sometimes subtle and subdued colors. Everything has a place and a purpose. Just as You have fashioned me--with brilliant, but sometimes subtle and subdued colors and nuances. Thank You, Father, for creating me. I know I am magnificently and wonderfully made. I pray, Oh God, that I bring You joy. I am overwhelmingly sorry that I have ever disappointed You. I know I fail miserably every day. But, God, You know my heart and my intentions. You are quick to forgive and quick to correct. Thank you, God.

Oh, God, it happened too fast this morning--the birds are all awake, the men are working nearby, the traffic noises are louder, sirens blasting through my quiet morning--it happened too fast, this waking of the world. The birds in the tree seem to be arguing and jockeying for position...or, maybe, Momma's just being Momma and saying to everyone, "It's time to get up!"

Ahh, Morning's Glory!

OKC Thunder invite Special Olympics Oklahoma Athletes to Basketball Clinic

Yesterday was a big day. Special Olympics Oklahoma was invited to a basketball clinic that the OKC Thunder hosted in their new INTEGRIS Health Practice Facility. Coach Brooks, OKC Thunder and Rumble were all there to work with the Special Olympics athletes. It was AWESOME! I believe we were the first group who has been invited in to see the new facility.

Coach Brooks divided the 32 athletes into 3 groups. Then he and his players worked with the athletes and everyone had a great time.

Visit http://www.nba.com/thunder/ to view the story and photo gallery.

This is the NBA! How many people get to be coached by an NBA Coach and professional athletes. Like I said, yesterday was a BIG DAY!

Donna