Shedding season in Berner country!

White-breasted nuthatches, winged and otherwise

Randy, who probably doesn't have enough to do, was installing a dead branch right next to the pie plate of water he keeps outside for the birds. It turns out that the white-breasted nuthatches like to hang upside down from a branch when they take drinks of water, which they do when there are no ravens about.

Junior and I were staring at him so after a while he turned around and said: "There are some really big wingless white-breasted nuthatches around here too. You should keep an eye out for them. If you find one I'll give you a liver cracker.

We looked everywhere but didn't see one. Randy just smiled and gave us a cracker anyway.

Humans are incomprehensible.

Sheila does some needlework

Randy had an upset stomach, so Sheila gave him some ginger tea and stuck a couple of needles in point number six of his pericardium meridian. She also knits sweaters and socks.

The summer season

Long time no see

Santa Fe or bust

Sheila had a "long, hot but fun" day at the Sheep and Wool Festival yesterday. She'll be relieved to know it is snowing in the City Different, and that there is a freeze watch tonight!

She is on her way to the nearest international airport. If you must get on a plane, BWI isn't a bad place to do it: Starbucks, free Wi-Fi and big upholstered chairs equipped with USB ports and cup holders. Knerdy knitter knirvana...