Variety

I don't have a single story today.  There wasn't a particular outing that had enough punch to stand on it's own really.  The thought occurs to me now though, that the last few days have all had their special moments.  Collectively they point out the blessings that are so easily over looked.

Friday I got out reasonably early and found two Bald Eagles perched in trees near Harpers Creek. I posted this to FaceBook the other day:

 This one was the nearest, and as I looked around there was another on a more distant tree.  I watched them for several minutes before they both took flight to more private estates.



Then Friday night was spent with Deb (my lovely bride) and the Choir at Zion UMC in Lexington Park.  The Cantata they're working is really taking shape now, including some wonderful solos as well.

 Friday was a good day.

That's a Bald Eagle way up (out) there

Saturday I woke early and went to see if I could find the Bald Eagles again.  As it turned out, that wasn't to be, but I was able to watch the moon drop below the western sky in a blaze of pale orange.  Here's a pic of how it first appeared as I wandered down the dirt road towards the bank of the Patuxent River.

Light Check!

Saturday evening we took the time to put up our Christmas tree. Truth be told,  Christopher and Lauren did most of the work,  though we all put on the ornaments.  Our tree is a collection of items that nearly all have some special connection.  Old glass ornaments, some ornaments made by Chris when younger, some made by Deb's Grandmother, others that have been gifts over the years all add a charm uniquely echoing our lives.

 And I almost forgot my little trip Saturday afternoon.  I needed to make a run to the dump, but took a bit of an extended route to come back home.  I discovered a very small hawk on a power line.  After searching for pictures on the net and comparing them to the one below, I'm fairly convinced that this is a Sharp-shinned Hawk.  Please correct me if I'm incorrect!

This is what the scene looked like without cropping in on him

 Saturday was a good day.

So, I ended up over-sleeping Sunday morning and missed church at Zion (sorry Rev.)  I did go late to help with some more Cantata solos. I got there before the service let out, so I wandered around the back of the church and headed into the adjoining woodland that abuts a wide partially improved zone meant to become yet more housing.  I wasn't very far into the  trees when I heard a loud screech high in the branches.  It was definitely a Red Tailed hawk.  I stopped, but couldn't find him.  I waited quietly without moving, then took another two steps.  More screeching, and then flight into the field.  He came to rest near the top of a huge tree some 300 yards distant.  No pictures on this one - but I have a new site to explore some day soon and  I was still thrilled to hear and see him.

The solos went well, and didn't take much time.  Before we knew it, it was time to run off to our other church - The Refinery.  It was a good service, with great discussion and on-the-fly pull in of a video from and old Saturday Night Live sketch about the Devil.  Great fun.  We closed the evening with a group of ten heading to Ruby Tuesdays for a late dinner.

Sunday was a good day.

So the weekend comes to a close, and looking back it's easy to see what's right with the world:  nature abounding from the moon in the heavens to the birds of the sky; friends and family spending time together.  There was such a complete mix of laughing and frivolousness, serious discussion and just plain caring and sharing.  Maybe we're getting closer to the Christmas spirit after all.

I hope you've been as blessed as well.

Brian