YES!

The Hummingbirds continue in a HUGE way!  I'm so enjoying being out in my yard, and even standing at the kitchen sink cleaning up....who wouldn't if this was your view?  Now I've had up to 4 on the feeder at one time, including a male.  I can only venture a guess that it was a family. 

This is Rachael the Osprey who nests at my dream camp Hog Island, Maine.  Her two chicks fledged in the last 24 hours and she was calling them.  They should return soon and will hang around the nest for a couple more weeks before they begin their Southward migration journey.

A couple of days ago, I got an email from the women who runs the NYS Master Naturalist classes. They are offering another naturalist weekend up at the Arnot Forest.  We can get more credits towards our Master Naturalist and spend time with other like minded people who are also taking the class to become a certified naturalist and others going on to become a Master Naturalist. The email started me thinking about why I still haven't completed my Master Naturalist. Although I have been dealing with a lot of serious personal issues over the last year, if I'm honest, I could have completed the requirements. I think the reason is, because I couldn't quite figure out what I would use the title for.  I woke up in the other night and knew why I need to complete the requirements.  It leads me perfectly in to what I want to be doing for volunteer work for the rest of my life. This past Wildlife rehab season I decided because of everything that was going on in my life to only take turtles~period. I gathered up a list of all the local rehabbers and what animals they would take. I referred all callers who needed a rehabber to someone else.  After doing that for the past few months and fielding a ton of phone calls since my article appeared in the paper, I have found that I totally enjoy helping the public co-exist with their local wildlife.  I find it hugely rewarding to teach others about nature and their local animals.  I have finally found my niche.  This makes my heart sing. I can do a presentation at my local library, write my articles and continue to do volunteer work with the local parks.  It's all very doable!  I am again excited!

Tomorrow and for the next 30 days....date with myself.....Sit Spot Challenge! 

Going fast

Once again I feel as though I missed another Spring and Summer.  So distracted with my hubbies health, that I barely notice what is going on around me. Today there are dozens of Grackles at my feeder, the Southward migration has begun again, like clock work.

  The past few days the weather has been glorious.  The record temperatures have finally dropped and we can actually enjoy being outside.  My hummingbird feeders have never in the past had so much activity.  So much activity that I actually went out yesterday and bought another feeder. I filling the feeders about once a day. We have the hummingbird wars going on in our front and rear yards.

I'm looking forward to my Sit Spot Challenge, it starts on August 1, 2013. What a wonderful daily mediation it's going to be. Nature is the balm that heals my weary soul.  Here are some pictures from this week in my yard.  We have an amazing number of butterflies and birds.  There is always something to watch.

Soul Meets Body

I went to the Park this morning for a *Woods Work-out* I wore my barefoots, did some trunk walking, fast hills,  a bit of running,  push-ups, arm-raises and hiking.  I felt like a million bucks.   I got into the car this song came on the radio.  How very perfect for that moment.  I realized that while I'm out in the woods.....that's exactly what happens to me, My Soul Meets Body! 

"Soul Meets Body" By Death Cab For Cutie

I want to live where soul meets body
And let the sun wrap its arms around me
And bathe my skin in water cool and cleansing
And feel, feel what its like to be new

Cause in my head there’s a greyhound station
Where I send my thoughts to far off destinations
So they may have a chance of finding a place
where they’re far more suited than here

And I cannot guess what we'll discover
When we turn the dirt with our palms cupped like shovels
But I know our filthy hands can wash one another’s
And not one speck will remain

And I do believe it’s true
That there are roads left in both of our shoes
But if the silence takes you
Then I hope it takes me too
So brown eyes I hold you near
Cause you’re the only song I want to hear
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere

Where soul meets body
Where soul meets body
Where soul meets body

And I do believe it’s true
That there are roads left in both of our shoes
But if the silence takes you
Then I hope it takes me too
So brown eyes I hold you near
Cause you’re the only song I want to hear
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere

It's extremely hot and humid here in the east coast.  Today it's expected to be 97 with a heat index of 105, unheard of for this part of the country.  

More on my dog.  The other night I slept on my LR floor near my son who had surgery earlier in the day.  I put Monty's bed next to me, and both of us fell asleep.  A little while later I was dreaming that someone had driven up to the front of the house and was getting out of their car, I woke thinking...I better stop Monty from barking so he doesn't wake my son.  Well....Monty was already getting up to bark at the window.  No one was there, it was a dream.  Is it possible that dogs are so in-tune to us they know what's going on in our heads?    It was a bizarre moment that I can't stop thinking about.  Very strange how my friends behavior is doing a 190 degree change as I'm changing how I look and think about him.  He's actually smiling.  Something else I thought about this morning, how would I feel if the person I loved most, thought about their last love and planned their next love for after I'm gone? I can't imagine that Monty doesn't pick up on that.  I'm totally ashamed of myself, and promise him that will never happen again. 

He's my friend, my partner, my defender, my dog. I am his life, his love, his leader. He will be mine, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. I owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.

This is my dog

Unfortunately for him, the person he loves most in this entire world, has wasted two precious years of his life pining for her last dog.  How pathetic is that?  This beautiful dog is awesome, this dog deserves to have his owner love him with out any reservations, love him like he will live forever and never break her heart like all those who have gone before him.  The time to be with him 100% is now, not tomorrow, not when I get over the loss of Petey, Uno, Mason.....or even all the way back to Khan and Bigelow, the time for him is NOW. TODAY.   The years are whizzing by, and I'm missing another opportunity to be a part of a great human/dog team. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, if you just love the dog you are with. Not think about the prior dog who isn't coming back.   I've been very blessed to have a lot of good dogs in my life, and Monty is one of them, if not the best trained of them all. He is that good and if I gave him my all.....he will be great, one of those once in a lifetime dogs.  Time for me to recognize that and give him the love and devotion he deserves. Currently I'm reading a book called: Your Dog Is Your Mirror by Kevin Behan. Sure is making me look at my dog differently.  I also loved this persons Blog Post; http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-photos-advice-to-humans  it really opened my eyes to my responsibility towards my best friend.

A Hike

Today as I entered the woods I felt my entire being relax.  It felt so good.  There is no doubt in my mind that if people took to the forest and spent time there, many of our human ills will cease to exist.

Another 30 day challenge

I'm a few days into my Whole 30 challenge, and I'm doing great. Eating only meat, seafood, eggs, vegetables, small amounts of fruit and that's it.  No dairy for the month.  As always just trying to feel better. I noticed while I was away, all my aches and pains were gone, because I only ate healthy foods and no grains.  I came home and with in a week after all the stress I was eating all the foods that cause me such horrible issues.  I'm also trying to stay off the wine too, not sure if I will be 100% successful with that. ;-0.

Anyway, aside from that challenge, I just signed up for another 30 day challenge. This challenge is really awesome and enjoyable.  I'm doing the Kamana Sit Spot Challenge, starting August 1st.  I'm committing to sitting in one spot in nature for 20 minute each day, for 30 days.  A pure nature meditation.  Information can be found on their FB page. https://www.facebook.com/KamanaProgram I'm not sure yet where I will sit, maybe just by my pond in the backyard, which I don't do often enough. This way I will have the time no matter what life throws at me.

I spent the last two days caring for my son who had a Rhinoplasty for a deviated septum.  Horrible surgery and recovery. I love having the chance to nurture my adult child again. I miss being a mom to my young children.

Same message as always......

Starting tomorrow! GO!

Committing to this plan for 30 days.  It's just a Paleo plan, that does not allow chocolate or dairy. 

Again!

Next week I begin again,  enough of the self pity party, time to turn off and turn on my life again!  There is so much out there to do! 

Poor Babies!

See the faces of what feeding bears can cause.  Their mom was euthanized because she broke into a house.  Thankfully they are in the care of the best rehabber in all of NYS. 

Wake up and live

No truer message....the time is now!  What are you waiting for? 

Very happy my hubby crossed a very large adult male turtle onto our land yesterday.  That is a great animal message for him!  He has crossed more turtles this year then anyone I know. 

My hubby

For the last 32 years I've been blessed to spend my life with the most amazing human being.  He is the kindest most generous person I know. He embodies what it really means to be a *real man*.  He is the best husband, father, brother, son, cousin, son in law, brother in law. and friend that anyone could have.  He always thinks the best of everyone, and is willing to help anyone in any situation. I love him from the very core of my being.  We have had a life so full of fun and adventure that I've always felt like I've won the lottery.  For our first 30 years together we used to pinch ourselves with disbelief that our lives were so awesome.  Our relationship after the first three years of marriage has been effortless. We have always felt so blessed and grateful for everything. We knew at some point there would be  trials, and then there were.  They start a year ago with his cancer diagnosis, and the closing of our company.  The closing of the company was scarey but has ended up been a blessing.  Hubby's blood pressure is the lowest it's ever been and his state of happiness is contagious.  He is in amazing shape.  Unfortunately he is having his 2nd battle with Cancer .  I'm struggling to stay in the moment and enjoy our lives, each and every precious day we are given together.   I'm worried sick over him and what the future holds for his health.  He on the other hand continues to live each day and is happy and looking forward.  He is someone that I wish that I could emulate.  He doesn't dwell in the past and doesn't worry about the future.  He lives for today.   Lesson learned from my awesome side kick, now to put it in practice.  Each and every single day we have together is a gift, and one that I refuse to ever take for granted ever again. 

After writing this I feel better, I'm not sure why? But I feel as though a weight has been lifted from my shoulders, first time in over a month.  I've spent the afternoon thinking about all of the stories of our life, and being so thankful for all the fun and happiness I've had.  I was thinking about how 13 years ago when he decided to get back on the motocross bike how many people gave me such grief over it.  That only got worse as he was hurt in several crashes.  I was told to be a real women and make him stop! Even at my dads funeral, my Uncle as he eulogized my dad,  scolded him, saying how much my dad hated his riding.   I've never wavered, have always supported him, he loves his motocross.  Even though we have never had a ton of money.....we have lived our lives together to the fullest.  Instead of spending money on things or our home....we decided it was much more fun to go on trips.  Those memories for us and our boys is irreplaceable.  Right now I have a very full heart, so so grateful for the life I've been living.  So grateful to have this wonderful man by my side.