Crane Watch 2008

Yes, it’s the time of year again, where I spend any free time outside watching for the devil birds to come and eat my fish. Many of the birds are migrating and they know my pond is loaded with fish. This year is making me extra stressed because I finally bought some expensive Koi. I know it sounds funny, but I love my fish! I can’t stand to think of them being attacked by these birds. Saturday within just a half hour, there was a woodpecker (who loves waking me up in the middle of the night as well), egrets and 4 foot sandhill crane. The woodpecker and the egrets didn’t return but that damn crane just kept on circling our area. I was out there for two hours making sure it didn’t return, but anytime I turned my back he landed. ARGHHH! I haven't seen the big crane that's landed the last two years. That bird is 5 foot tall with a two foot beak and a 10 foot wing span...yeah, and I admit, it scares me. Well, thank goodness for this time of year, scarecrows are out in the store. I might just have to get a few to encircle the pond.

I’m welcome to any suggestions on how to keep these birds out of the pond. I will not hurt them, because 1st I’m not like that and 2nd two of the species are on the endangered list. But if anyone wants to bird watch for a few hours and make sure they don’t get the fish, you’re more than welcomed to come over.

Fire on the Water

Today started out as any other day; I woke and got ready for a day of work. There was a nasty smell in the air, but I was thinking it was just the lovely lake effect aroma that we get from the Great Salt Lake. As I was headed out the door, I heard my Mom exclaim “The pond is on fire”! I looked out the window and say and there’s a small fire on the side of the pond that hold our filter and pump. Having to run outside while the sprinklers were still on and get the hose to douse the flame, I looked like I just got out of the shower.

I’m thinking that there were a couple of tragedies. One of our Japanese pond sails loved that area of the pond as well as some water snakes (Eve isn’t to upset about the snakes). With the small fire went some lily pads and all the electrical equipment. I also believe that it was the sprinklers that kept the fire from spreading out farther.

Nothing like waking up to the nasty smell of burnt plastic, rubber and cannel water.

Quirky Quote: A spark neglected makes a mighty fire. ~Robert Herrick

Animal Observations

After a long weekend of work, I decided to take a couple hours to myself and head off to one of my favorite places, The Living Planet Aquarium. I love being around the water and its creatures, even if they are behind glass. There were new displays and new relaxing music. So relaxing I spent a half hour alone watching the jellyfish alone. At first I felt kind of foolish going there alone, but it all change once I noticed there wasn’t many people around and I got to pet the stingrays without being pushed around by others. Sure they feel like squishy mushrooms, but it was good relaxation therapy. The animals seemed very relaxed and I was able to get some great pictures. I finally realized how much tension I’ve put on myself lately when I about feel asleep during the feature movie there. I guess I should find a bit more “me time” in my weekly schedule.

Yesterday was the Kentucky Derby, an event that I look forward to every year. I think the reason why I love the horse races so much is that it’s the first pro-sport event I remember. My parents took me to see the horse races when I was four. My dad turned to me and told me to pick out my favorite, so I picked out the one I thought had the prettiest outfit (give me a break…I was four). Well, he put $2 down on him and the horse actually won. What a fun memory! Unfortunately, yesterday’s event took a turn for the worst. As I was watching the pre-show commentary of the Kentucky Derby, I overheard that there was only one Philly in the race, Eight Belles, so it was natural of me to route for the young gal. Well, the race finished and she came in 2nd! She then collapsed on the next turn after the finish. Vets examined her and found two compound fractures in both front legs and major heart strain. Eight Belles was then euthanized on the track, after 10 minutes after the race started. I couldn’t help but cry, but you know how I am…a major sucker for animals.

If you have a pet, go give them a hug and realize how precious they can be, for they might not be here tomorrow.

Random Recommendation: Donate to Humane Society and save a life of a furry friend.

Random Fact: I currently have 300 goldfish.