Thoughts of a rainy, grey morning

My thoughts lately have been more preoccupied with sad news. Within the past couple weeks, a fraternity brother has passed away, another friend-coworker-fellow retiree died, and yet another friend who had successfully battled cancer for the last several years now has a more grave prognosis facing him. I suppose its only natural that these kinds of events become more common as one gets older, but they are distressing nonetheless, as they concern people who I care for, and are my peers in age. At 60 or so, it seems too young to die.

The father of a good friend died a couple months ago, and a favorite aunt recently passed away. While these events were sad also, they were not unexpected as the people in question were in their late 80's and 90's. It was comforting to know they enjoyed their lives, and got joy from their families and loved ones.

I intend to appreciate what each day brings, and share my joy with the ones I love....

Mid February thoughts

It has been cool to cold here in eastern Tennessee. We had snow flurries yesterday which stuck to the grass and trees, but melted on the road surfaces. Thank goodness for small favors. While we were in Florida a few weeks ago, there was one morning here with black ice everyewhere, and as a result, quite a few accidents on the roadway, including a multi-car that made the news.



The birds have been working the feeders hard the past few days, and we enjoy watching them. Red cardinals and their brown mates, finches, flickers, chickadees, and some grackles all working around the back yard. I took a shot of a half dozen of the birds that are more scavengers, perched at the top of our neighbor's dead tree.

I didn't have any editorial comments about them, but I'm sure you might think of a good caption for the shot.

I worked most of last week in Houston, building a proposal for the firm I help on a regular basis. The proposal should get submitted tomorrow or so, and if it gets to contract, will result in me spending a fair amount of time in the Atlanta area. I'm hoping it works out, as the work should be pretty exciting, as well as personally satisfying.

I hope it warms up again soon, I am looking forward to playing golf again in reasonable temperatures.