Owls

We have been excited about the owls and the new camera in the nest box. Excited when we found there were 2 eggs. Even more excited when we found there were 3. ( I would have posted a pic but, that would require me to find it on the other camera disc :) we kept a close watch on the nest, as close as can be with all that has been happening. We have been kept awake with all the noise Hootie and Blowfish have been making. Also, we stressed over the fact that Hootie seemed to spend very LITTLE time in the box. 

Yesterday I noticed the eggs were moved around and something didn't look right. Later in the afternoon I noticed shells in the box....and one of the other eggs looked damaged...:( My hope was that she sensed something wrong and destroyed the eggs herself. They will do that and then clean the shells from the nest. Last night we are still hearing them and they are still hanging near the nest box.

Sadly this morning I checked the box again and as you can see there is only one egg left. It is hard to tell for sure but it looks damaged also!!! :( We are really sad about this turn of events.

Pretty sure that some type of predator made it's way into the box. I wish we had connected the DVD player so we would know what happened. We are hoping that they will lay a second batch. Again, I read they will do that if it is early enough. Normally once a nest has been invaded they will leave and may not come back.  Fingers crossed at this point. It will be really tough to not have owlets to share this year, especially since Lukas was soooooo excited to follow them!!

Harry Stark 6/4/1928 - 3/8/2012

 Not sure if I am really ready to write this...not sure that I have my thoughts together!! But, I can't move on to other posts until I get through this!

My dad Harry, died and I wasn't here! I am telling myself it is OK, and really it is.

Dave and I were in Nevada visiting and helping his parents while his dad had surgery. I got a call during the night that dad was in the hospital. At first it was thought he had pneumonia, as the day progressed it was determined he had, had a heart attack. Then things were steady for a bit and thankfully all the kids and grand kids were able to visit, and it was a GREAT visit!!! That night there was even talk about him being moved from ICU. Whew!!!! Because I wasn't able to get a flight out till the next day. A few more overnight phone calls and by very early in the morning it was clear he would never be moved. We packed quickly but, while we were saying our goodbyes the phone rang. I looked at Dave's mom and said "I hate these calls" I think I knew!

Dad had died and it was as peaceful as it could be with family around. I am THANKFUL!!!!

We had a small service for him at the VFW and I would like to share a few pictures!

Dad has just a few John Deere tractors!!! :)

My dad wore this jacket for close to 40 years....we have pictures of him throughout the years with him wearing it.....and my mom did a great job patching it to keep it alive!!

Dad served proudly in the Army and the Air Force and they honored him with a 21 gun salute, taps, and a flag presentation!

 The Post commander, Mike Gower saluted the flag!

 Presenting the flag to my mom. What an honor. This young man is a wounded warrior, injured in Iraq. He is incredible and a real inspiration! Kind, and PROUD!!

One of the most touching parts of the day was when Lukas walked up to Mike after the ceremony and reached out to shake his hand. His small hand in his gloved hand and said "Thank you for your service" My special little guy makes me proud!

 All of my dad's grand kids got up to share stories of him. How special it was. I was 7 when he met and married my mom, and I could write pages of stories about growing up with him! He sure was a character. He had a glimmer, and spark in his eyes like no one I have ever known. I always knew that no matter what....I was loved. Thank you dad for being a part of who I am today!!

"Who can say if I've been changed for the better, but because I knew you I have been changed for GOOD!"