Saturday, January 21, 2012

Survived Another Week

Well, here I am entering week 3 with my mom. The air conditioner is blasting and I'm wearing capris, a sleeveless top, and open-toed shoes. That's January in Baton Rouge, cher!

There has been little rest for me as I delight in waiting on my mother. When she says JUMP I leap through the air and add two somersaults as a bonus. For the first time in my life I am making the beds each morning and I don't hate it. Also surprising is that I'm cooking almost every day. We somehow worked in visits to the beauty parlor, church, and doctor. Mama's birthday last week was celebrated by watching The Help and dining at our favorite restaurant. Overall a pretty productive week.

The TV situation has somewhat improved. Last night we actually graduated from reruns of Little House on the Prairie to Animal Planet! Woo hoo!! Animal hoarding was the featured show and my mother was fascinated by the psychology of someone who thought it perfectly normal to own 59 dogs and sleep in a kennel with them. As Jim Morrison sang so eloquently: people are strange. Turns out we both love learning about them.

A decent offer was made on our house, then 3 days ago the guy got cold feet and backed out. Boo. My bff from high school is now a realtor in Baton Rouge, so we've had fun reconnecting after 30 years. The first few minutes were awkward but since then it's as though we've never been apart. Strange how that works. I am confident and excited that she is going to find us the perfect home.

In other news I started the Couch to 5k program and I'm loving it! Ran/walked 6 miles this week and I feel great! I highly recommend the iphone app.

Still finding pockets of time for my favorite hobby. Here are some photos I've taken over the last week:








This concludes my weekly broadcast! Later gators.

32 comments:

Hilary said...

Oh Gail, your photos are just gorgeous. I can't say I've ever seen so many cormorants in one grouping. The sparrow so sweet and that last shot is gasp-worthy. Just wonderful. I'm glad you're settling in. :)

the wild magnolia said...

you are so doggone good! photos are stunning, all of them, the last one is my very most favorite.

caring for you Mom, not many people today, would do this. it is a very fine thing to do.

good job.

TexWisGirl said...

gorgeous photos!!! and so glad you're getting into a balance of sorts. hate to hear about the withdrawn contract, though! the right one will come...

Anonymous said...

I do believe you're blossoming in your homeland, sweet girl! Glad you had such a wonderful week - the photos are gorgeous! Isn't it great how time doesn't matter with bffs?

Evelyn S. said...

So glad you've worked in some "favorites" after all! Fabulous bird photos, as always!! Hopefully, you will have your own new home before too long.

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

It does sound like a good week! Things are settling a little more. Love your photos, they are simple yet beautiful. The head of flowers, beautifully composed.

Autumn said...

Stunning photos! Your bird photography is awe-inspiring.

Kathy said...

These photos are awesome. The closeup of the bird and the little flowers are my favorites.

Rosemary Aubut said...

Gail, glad you are enjoying your Mom! Your photos are gorgeous! Loved them all.

Shug said...

Sounds like you all are beginning to settle in nicely. So happy for you. It truly is a life changing situation...(taking care of elderly parents) but, I truly admire you and your husband for making all the changes that you have had to make in order to care for your mom. Your photos just keep getting better and better! These are wonderful and your subject matter is great...
Hope your day is beautiful!
hugs,
shug

LadyFi said...

So glad to hear that you're enjoying your mum... And wow - these photos are fabulous. Love the herons/egrets hanging from the bare tree branches!

Unknown said...

So glad to hear that you had a happy week my friend. And your photos are beautiful.

I do hope you have another great week!!!

Hugs, Linda

Starla said...

Sounds like you are settling in! Love the photos. I think the first one and the flower are my favorite. So far, I think my pictures have consisted of basketball games. Some ok shots, some not so ok. Need to play around with the camera more and get off the auto settings....

hootnonny said...

Sounds like you and Mama have hit a happy medium! Glad you get out and shoot all those bayou beauties. Love the flowers most, because that's how I roll.

Michelle said...

Sorry to hear about the offer, hope another will come quick. Beautiful bird photos, Gail.

Charlotte Wilson said...

Girl,
You need to publish a book on birds. These are just breath taking.
I can just read your mind about reruns of Little House on the Prairie. Mind Numbing! LOL
Glad that you are enjoying being with Mom and cooking.
So sorry about the sale of your house falling through.

♥charlotte

FilipBlog said...

You must be staying in a fantastic nature reserve because all these birds are amazing.

Greetings,
Filip

Nancy said...

Your bird photos are stunning, Gail. Simply amazing, really.

Glad you and mom are sorting things out and enjoying some time together -- I'm sure you will hear something positive on the sale of your house soon. Have a great week. :)

Anonymous said...

My brother did the couch to 5k & he loved it, too.

That red faced dude is so ugly, but WoW what a shot... so crisp & clear! I don't know how you find the time to shoot, but keep it up!!! =)

Anonymous said...

That is some red faced bird!! All are quite spectacular, though! Here's wishing you a quick sale at your asking price! :-)

Pat said...

Glad you're still able to find time for photography! I love these shots!

Justine said...

these are absolutely amazing, how lucky you are to have such a selection, nothing like that here, the odd pigeon! they are fantastic shots and so glad you are able to keep up the photography

A Creative Grace said...

Gail, that's too funny but I also really hope your old friend will work some house finding magic for you :) The first two images are my faves, all amazing though as usual!

Rosie Grey said...

Gail, your photos are amazing as ever! So stunning and beautiful! Congratulations on your 6 miles - that's fantastic! I'm glad your TV situation has improved a bit! And thanks for making me jealous, sitting here in the rain with a cold wind blowing... ;-)
Have a wonderful week!

Tricia said...

Oh Gail, your photos are always sooo gorgeous!! I want whatever lens it is that you're using. Sounds like things are going well for you. I'm envious that you're wearing capris and open-toed shoes :)

Lisa Gordon said...

It sounds like things are going quite well for you Gail, and I am so happy for you. These photographs are wonderful, and kudos to you for the "Couch to 5K." I would be lost without my running. It is such a good "head clearer."

beth said...

your bird shots are AMAZING.....seriously they really are so great.
even where we are now, there are no birds like that around...boo :(
xoox

Georgianna said...

Stunning, Gail! Truly fabulous bird images – those egrets are fascinating. I'm so glad you are able to explore your new surroundings and ca[tire them so beautifully.

Wishing you the best on your home sale/purchase.

xo – g

septembermom said...

I'm glad that things are getting better for you Gail. You are a wonderful soul in many ways.

And you are a top notch photographer. Love your bird photography always.

Reena said...

Gail, these are just beautiful! Love that last one. Glad to hear things are going well!

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

Your posts always make me smile. Glad things are working out with your mom. The pics, of course, are perfect. Still envying the 400mm ... as you say, "Boooo!" Have a good week.

Nadine, Chewy and Lilibell said...

Haha, I love watching the hoarding shows too and am completely fascinated by them. I watch Animal Hoarding, Hoarding and Hoarding: Buried Alive. Never miss a show!