American Goldfinches

They must have heard the conversation with my husband at breakfast this morning because these two American goldfinches showed up with two others afterwards.  Their song is beautiful. They were chattering away when my husband and daughter left for work and school today. I was able to walk up to the feeder quite close and take this photo too. They must be getting used to my presence now. Hope everyone is having a great day.

Reserved Parking

Reserved parking isn't just for the handicapped or pregnant as this little house sparrow was parked in row ten. For a few minutes he sat watching the comings and goings of Wal- Mart customers. Isn't it adorable?

Winter's Edge

A red tailed hawk sits at winter's edge just off the highway's shoulder. It's watching each car as it passes. Somewhere between brevity and caution it allows us a glimpse of it's beauty. It's a fleeting moment between human and hawk. When it's time for him to go I pan my camera in sync with his flight. It's freedom balanced on air as his shadow stalks the snowy field below.

Geese In Flight

Today I'm sharing the geese in flight above the corn field. They decided to circle several times before landing somewhere amidst the crowd below. If you look closely you'll see the snow is falling. Hope everyone is well.

Foraging Geese

Yesterday I put together a panorama of geese in a field but it didn't show the detail online as well as I would have liked. So today I'm sharing a single closeup shot of the foraging geese in this winter covered corn field. When my husband looked at the panorama on my computer he thought there may have been over three hundred geese out there.

Field of Geese

This morning I had the good fortune of spotting hundreds of geese in this open field. They were foraging beneath freshly fallen snow for food. I can't remember a time when I've seen so many geese in one place other than possibly the lake. Even then I don't believe there were hundreds. I'm hoping everyone can click the panorama to enlarge the view. It's certainly a sight to take in.

Treatments

Friday I spoke with my oncologist and was told my cancer report came back really good for the type of cancer that I had. There was no spreading and chemo isn't required. Though chemo isn't required my oncologist suggested running a new test on the cancer they've removed to see if my cancer is an aggressive type. If it proves to be aggressive then they'll see how much, if any, chemo will affect my cancer. If it shows chemo will help (and our insurance will cover some of the cost) then I'll try chemo. If it proves to not be aggressive and shows chemo won't help one way or the other then I won't be taking chemo. I'm guessing with my good reports thus far the cancer won't be aggressive.We'll know in three weeks what the test results showed.

My oncologist also said that I could take two feraheme treatments for my anemia. I'm so excited about this as I've been so tired for such a long time it will be refreshing to start feeling energized. The first treatment will begin this Friday and the second will be Friday, February 4.

I also wanted to say I've been invited to help with our local Relay For Life this year. I'm so excited. I hope to participate in the event as well as work behind the scenes. It will be so nice to meet others who've survived cancer as well as those who want to help the cause. Our first meeting to set things up will be February 8.  

Thanks again to everyone for your kind words, support, cards and prayers. They've all been greatly appreciated. I'm slowly making my way around to everyone's blog for commenting and hope to be back into full routine soon. Until then, hope all is well.

Wood Bridge

I've been wanting to share this scene with you for some time now. It always seems to draw my eye when we pass by. So, the last time we went shopping I had my camera on the ready. I shot this while my husband was driving about 60 mph. Please forgive any blurring. I don't know if this is just a fancy drainage system or part of a park or something but I like it a lot. Hope everyone is having a great day.

Barn Charm

Last week while waiting for my husband to get off work I walked around taking pictures. This barn and the one below were behind my husband's workplace. Doesn't the rust & dilapidated boards create such atmosphere? The farm had a house and a large pond too. Wouldn't it be great to fix a place like this one up to its former glory?

Northern Mockingbird

Wednesday my daughter drove me to the Ohio River Valley Art Guild so I could spend some time with friends and wonderful artists. It was a great day. Afterwards we went to meet my husband at his work place to make supper plans. While we waited I was able to walk around outside and snap some pictures of this cooperative northern mockingbird.

Mourning Doves

Earlier this morning these two mourning doves were perched on different posts. They've been visiting my bird feeder for some time now. One will almost always fly over and eat from the feeder while the other is content picking fallen seeds from the ground.

Hope everyone had a wonderful New Year. Happy 2011~

Renewed Life

I've been home recovering for a week now and it's getting better with each passing day. I've some bruising and soreness yet to overcome but feel pretty good considering. I found out Wednesday that my cancer is stage 2.  It entered the colon's muscle wall but not the lymph nodes, :) Can you believe they sent off 40 lymph nodes to be tested? I couldn't believe it. I go Thursday for my checkup. During this time I'll be referred to an oncologist to see if chemo will be needed. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and left their well wishes during my hiatus. It's my hope to return to blogging tomorrow and visit each of your wonderful blogs.