still living

Hi! I know I don't often post, but sometimes life catches up with a person and it's all they can do is breathe. I'm sure most of us can relate to that, and frankly, that's where I've been the past few weeks.

A quick update: I signed up with an agency to do some reality shows, plus I'm in the process of starting my own greeting card company using images that I've photographed. My mother has been ill and that has consumed much of my time, plus there's my wonderful dog that needs attention, and thoughout all of that, I forgot to take care of one person who needed taken care of: me.

Hopefully, I'm back on track now and while I let too much time go between posts, I'll try to do better in the future. I'll keep pecking away, much like the Northern Flicker woodpecker until everything that needs to get done is finished.

Is it safe yet

Bandit, like me, noticed the red-tail hawk flying above and scurried for cover. The hawk was flying low looking for a meal and while most squirrels scampered up trees, Bandit chose to hide behind one. I noticed a few things he has in common with humans: as he waited for the danger to pass, he wrung his paws, much like we wring our hands. He went completely still, going into fight/flight response, and while hidden, he kept peeking around to make sure the danger stayed away from him.His breathing became very shallow, and although his tail didn't twitch any more than his whiskers, I did see his small body tremble with fear.Even after the hawk left, Bandit stayed behind the tree for several minutes after, as if to make sure it was really safe for him to venture into the open.I only took a few photos because I didn't want to frighten him anymore - though I would've taken the shot had the hawk swooped down. However, I must admit, I'm really starting to love this audacious bandit.The sun was peeking out from behind some clouds which accounts for the lighting. My focus was on him, so the tree he hid behind became soft and blended into the background. I wonder now if I should've focused on the scene in front of me, making the tree sharp. Something, I suppose, I'll think about next time.Happily, Bandit still is around to beg, steal, and pitch fits.

come fight me like a squirrel

This squirrel was ready to take me on. He scampered down the tree, and while he didn't seem to be afraid of me, I think my camera bothered him.My timing wasn't the best because I picked the middle of the day. The clouds finally left, the rain stopped, and I considered myself fortunate not to have some heavy shadows. I used the smaller lens because it can zoom in farther (though I've given hints what I want for my birthday - and thanks, Bob, for pointing it out to me!) and capture what would be out of range for my other lenses.I enjoy walking around the neighborhood and being the wildlife peeping tom, looking for whose got out birdfeeders and squirrel food. Then later (especially when I think nobody is home), I stake out the place hoping for a bit of action.On this particular day I got more action than I bargained for. Not only did I get screamed at by this opinionated squirrel, but while I sat in the homeowners yard - on a tarp I set out with my drink and munchies, they just happened to come home.I tried to sputter an expaination, gather my things, and beat a hasty retreat, but fortunately, they are wildlife lovers themselves. What could've been a horrible experience turned into something good because I was able to identify two birds that have been feeding at their feeders, plus they'd seen the Northern Flicker several times, and while they knew he was a woodpecker, they knew little about them - including their name.As a result, I now have permission to make myself comfortable in their yard whether they are there or not. The one promise I made: if I get a really decent photo, they get a free large print.When I think about it, I've been really fortunate because there about five different houses where I make myself at home in their yards. One is very much aware of me - make that two, now. The other three never seem to be there; however, since the feeders are usually full, I assume I just haven't seen the owners.I wonder, though, if it would be easier to take a collaspible chair with me - not that it would make an explaination any easier if the owner came home before I can leave. My best hope is that they would be honored and since they obviously feed the critters, they might not take offense, especially if I offer them a photo.The only one that remained perturbed was this squirrel that challenged me to a duel. Sadly, I don't know how to fight like a squirrel, but I've got a distinct feeling he wouldn't mind showing me how - not that I doubt for a single moment he'd cheat!