~ The Great Outdoors ~

Early this morning I was standing at my kitchen counter making a cup of coffee.  Looking out my window it appeared I was in a bird sanctuary.  It was amazing to see the flight of so many different kinds of birds.  It was early and I was not dressed, but I wanted to try and get a shot of a few of them.  I grabbed my camera and went to my bathroom window.  I popped the window open, lifted the storm window, and then the screen.  There I stood with cold air rushing in, camera in hand.  I could smell the newly lit fire in the basement, see the smoke as it drifted out over the lawn.  In the distance I heard the tap tap tap of something I wasn't sure of.  When I looked off in the distance near the base of a tree there was woodpecker.  Playing his music as the other birds danced through the sky.  Some landing for an occasional rest.  Others singing along to his drum.  Then of course the red of the cardinal caught my eye.  So bright and vibrant.  I had to share.

 

I did a bit of running today.  I had to get a few more items for Christmas and I wanted to run to the grocery store.  I didn't need much, but they had been calling for a massive winter storm and I didn't want to get caught flat footed.  Ok, I didn't want to be caught without some goodies to nibble on incase I was stuck in the house.  :)   The weatherman hit it right on target.  The snow started falling about 7:15 or so.  It's the finest snow, and appears almost like that fake stuff you would see in a movie.   Fake it is not!  It's not accumulating like they had predicted and now they are saying it will turn to freezing rain in the early morning then turn back to snow.  We'll see what I wake up to.

 

Some may remember, back in June, I did an entry about 'local boy makes good'.  Patrick Kane was drafted number 1 in the NHL draft by the Chicago Blackhawks.  Patrick grew up in South Buffalo, and is the current hockey darling of the city.   At barely 19, he is playing in the NHL.  A dream come true!  My Dad knows his Grandfather, so his career is of great interest to us.  Back in Sept or so when the schedule came out we learned Chicago would be coming to play the Sabres.  My Dad wanted to go, but when I looked back then there were only single tickets and in the 300 level.  With the issues my Dad has that was not going to work.  There was no way he could get to the top of the arena.  Well, the other day my brother bought tickets.  In the 100 level, 22 rows from the ice.  No stairs, and no climbing.  Perfect seats.  Of course he took my Dad.  I've been so excited for him since I learned he was going. 

 

The game started out with a tribute to Patrick, the fans applauding like mad for him.  There was a ceremonial puck drop that brought his Dad, and his Grandfather to center ice.  What a tear jerker.  So emotional.  I was so happy my Dad was there to see it.  Then the best of all best.   Just a bit over 2 minutes into the game Patrick scores a goal.  The crowd cheered even though it meant our boys were down 1-0.  I wonder if his family even made it to their seats to see it.   Good news is, that is all they wrote for Chicago.  The boys went on to win 3-1.  The best of all worlds. 

 

AOL has been extremely funky these days.  Takes several attempts to open some journals, and sometimes I have to try multiple times before I can even leave a comment.  If the AOL God's want to grant me the privilege.  WTF!?!  Ohhh... another update.....  Guess we should be glad we have alerts.  :::knocking on wood:::  Nothing like being behind on alerts, trying to Carol thru JLand and not having the freaking place work.  UGH!!!  I did do my best, and know I've been around...  comments didn't always stick, and sometimes you got a few.  Sorry. 

 

Ok, I'm off to bed... stay warm and safe.

 

Hugs

~d

Tags: birds, great outdoors, snow, NHL, Patrick Kane, Sabres