Connections

Feeling the wind , listening to the sound of my own footsteps, I stopped and was overcome by the realization that this wind, this air is connected to people all over the world. Then, I imagined the earth beneath my feet going down, down far below the earth's crust to the very center and ultimately out to the opposite side of the earth. The butterfly effect came to mind. Every action we take has a consequence, but most of the time we are unaware of the results. I vow to think positive, joyful thoughts lest my negativity should impact the future of the universe in undesirable ways.


Lead with love,
Serena

Walkies

On our morning walk, Gracie killed a water snake. It was the kind with the orange underside. A lot of people around here kill them, thinking they are "copper-bellied moccasins". Sorry, there's no such creature. We do have Cottonmouth moccasins and they are poisonous, but they do not have an orange belly. Poor snakes. Gracie was so proud of herself. She carried it all the way home, dangling from her mouth, sometimes tripping over it (about 2 1/2 feet long). When I first saw it, I was looking to make sure it wasn't poisonous and Gracie decided to share the goodness by slinging snake goo in my face. Yummy! No bacteria there, right? I really do regret the death of this snake, but I have no way to stop my dogs from following their instincts. Gracie is a natural hunter and snakes seem to be her preferred prey.


On a happier note: I saw a deer. Gracie was exploring in the bushes and when I turned to call her, a deer was standing in the road watching me. This is a field road--no traffic at all. We stared at each other for a moment or so and then the deer ran across the field and stopped to watch me again. I called Gracie and the deer kept looking. When Gracie burst out of the hedgerow, the deer bounded away. Gracie and Stormy never saw her. The only danger would be if Gracie were to run after the deer. The deer would be fine, but G. would probably die of heat exhaustion from running so hard. She absolutely would not be able to catch the deer.

We also heard, but did not see a Pileated woodpecker.

An eventful walk, fun for all (except for the snake), but Gracie was mildly disappointed when she was not allowed to bring her trophy into the house. Perhaps, Stormy was disappointed that he didn't find a turtle to carry.

Eddie just brought a  young white oak snake inside. Absolutely beautiful. Don't worry, it's going back out where it will grow up to feast on birds, mice, and other critters. Sorry, songbirds, snakes gotta eat, too.

Another day in the life,
Serena

Savannah Vacation

First, let me say that I was so impressed by the friendly atmosphere that pervades this town. Everyone seems to be smiling and ready to interact with others. Also, it is an extremely dog-friendly place. I could be entertained just watching the dogs on the sidewalks and in the parks. Unfortunately, I kept forgetting to bring my camera along, so I don't have any pics of downtown or Forsythe Park or Wormsloe Plantation. If you're in the mood for a woodland trek, uninterrupted except for the occasional deer or other wildlife, go to Wormsloe.



That's me and my son, Tye at Fort Pulaski. Tye was my host for this trip and he was a wonderful tour guide. We rode bikes around Fort Pulaski and it was great. My borrowed bike was too tall and I had some trouble with the dismount, but other than that small and sometimes embarrassing inconvenience, it was a fun time. I really wasn't embarrassed; I'm not sure if he was or not. If so, he was a good sport about it. We saw deer repeatedly while riding.

Yes, that is a moat. I'm amazed that there are no guardrails on the ground or even on top of the fort. They do have signs saying that it is not allowed to stand on the edge, but there's nothing to stop some adventurous soul. Note all the pockmarks along the wall.


There is also a small museum which is worth the time, but I took no photos. Actually, Tye was doing most of the camera work here.


Here we are at Oatland Island Wildlife Center and that is an opossum I'm holding. Her name is Daisy. She's old and crosseyed (due to fat pouches on her face) and she stays at their Welcome Center along with a pair of Screech Owls and a bunny. Most of the animals are in natural habitat settings--wolves, foxes, cougar, etc. Most of them have been named. I recently read that animals and plants respond more favorably and are healthier when someone takes the time to give them a name. Kudos to Oatland Wildlife Center!


This Sandhill Crane was hilarious. I don't know her/his name, but he kept running up to the walkway as if looking for a snack. When nobody offered anything, he'd get disgusted and wander off. Then, when a new person arrived, he'd run back over to try to solicit a treat. Or, maybe he just wanted some conversation. Perhaps, he wanted to complain about his roommate. I don't know. Could I anthropomorphize a little more? Sure, but I'll refrain.

It was a great trip. I've warned Tye not to invite me back again unless he means it, because I will come.

Happy days,
Serena