~ The Eagle Flies on Friday ~ Friday Flyers ~

Watching and listening to Bald Eagles is thrilling. Their high piping calls let you know they are near, though what it all means remains a mystery!

Determined to get some clear pictures of the eagles that perch on a snag just south of cabin 1, Creighton attached our camera to a tripod, focused it on the site and captured these beautiful shots.

Friday Flyers ~ with a bow to T-Bone Walker’s “Stormy Monday.”

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~ Doe Bay ~ Cee’s Black and White Photo Challenge ~

My Thursday thoughts are complex and unsettled.  One of the places on earth that helps me regain balance is in Washington State’s (USA) San Juan Islands.  This view, from Doe Bay, on Orcas Island shows why.

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Even in black and white, the peace is palpable.

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~ Wordless Wednesday ~

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~ River Otters in the Wild ~ Tuesday Two by Two ~

I don’t see the river otters as often when we visit Orcas Island in autumn, as I did when we stayed during the summer.

Always fun to watch, these two seemed very comfortable as they fished and snacked in front of cabin 1, Beach Haven.

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~ Monochrome Monday + WPC – Victory ~

When Jello was hit on a highway two months ago, I held her gaping wound to my chest and told her “we’re going to make it.” As I have said before, she lived due to the help of many people — angels — who provided assistance during and after the crisis.

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The stitches have done their job. Now, every day she gets a brisk walk followed by deep muscle massage from me. Her recovery is a victory for Jello, and all her angels.

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Victory.”

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~ Cee’s Oddball Photo Challenge ~ Dancing Upside Down ~

This was one of those times I was really glad to have a smartphone!

IMG_4173 After lunch with my sisters in Portland, I saw this and just had to snap a shot.

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~ To our French Family ~ In Solidarity ~

Le drapeau de France chez moi.

Le drapeau de France chez moi.

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~ Retirement~ Weekly Photo Challenge – Victory ~

Most of my victories these days are little ones — progress made toward a valued goal.  Completing a thirty year career as a high school counselor (after ten years in business and graduate school) is the last “moment of glory” that stands out.  Creighton and I invited family, friends, colleagues and neighbors to a garden party at our home to celebrate.

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As you can see from the photo (taken by my niece, Molly) I was feeling great wearing my queen-for-a-day tiara, and flanked by my sisters and Dad.

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Victory.”

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~~~ Wordless Wednesday ~~~

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~ Jello and Kass ~ Tuesday Two by Two + Hugh’s Photo Challenge: Week 5 – Pair ~

My sister Diana, and brother-in-law Les, have had their Braque du Bourbonnais, Kass since she was a puppy. At 12 years old she is a high-strung sweetheart, and excellent retriever.

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When my Beagle Jello, and I visit (as we are doing now) the dogs do this “your pillow is better than my pillow” exchange in the daytime. Here, Jello is snuggled into Kass’ blanket, while Kass is enjoying Jello’s soft yellow nose pillow. They are quite a pair!

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