Gulf Fritillary

When we opened the garage door

much to my surprise

a Gulf Fritillary was feeding in the marigolds.

A rare stray into my area. I have never seen one before in my gardens. Only in Texas have I seen them. A very good omen! There is room in the back seat if she would like a ride.
We are leaving in the morning.

The female Yellow-shafted Flicker
showed her tail feathers!

There were four Flickers this afternoon.
The dogwood is almost empty of berries.

I will have to get right back home
I never know who will come into the gardens.

Sunday Safari

A flock of Cedar Waxwings

entertained us between rain showers.

The berries on the Dogwood attracted them

to our back yard.

A rare sighting,
 just a glimpse out the bedroom window,

of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

gave us 6 happiness points.

The pair of Yellow Shafted Flickers are 

regular visitors.

The male is less skittish

than the female.

The Dogwood berries

are a tasty treat.

 There was ice in the brass leaves this morning.

I fill them with bird seed each day.

We received a little more 

than 2 inches of much needed rain.

Some of the mums are still in bloom.

The overnight frost was scattered.

 The House Finches 

and the Gold Finches

have returned to the feeders.

A hard freeze could come

any night now.

I am preparing for winter

by finding ways to use fabric scraps.

I will do piece work 

when I sit with the birds this winter.

We went Cow-girling last night.

I tried on a pair of Cowgirl boots

and a Cowgirl hat.

I am shopping.

My little girl pink boots are just for 

decoration.

I have been a moccasin girl

for many years.

Finding my inner Cowgirl 

is taking me in many different directions.

I will keep looking for my style.

I am reading and learning about the 

Wild West.

We are listening to Cowboy songs.

We are having fun

walking and talking

and dreaming.

We are packing our saddle bags.

We are going to the Cowgirl Museum

in Fort Worth, Texas.

I am listening to the echo

of the little Cowgirl

that could.

Happy Sunday Safari.

Sunday Safari

We are on sun time.

I do best on sun time.

I watched the Yellow-shafted Flicker.

He also is on sun time.

The Red-breasted Nuthatch is comfortable.

I have set up a special feeder for him.

Light frost nipped the cosmos

but left the marigolds untouched.

The female Northern Cardinal
knows where I put extra seeds just for her.

These are gorgeous early
November days.

We are walking twice a day.

I am committed to my walking program.

In past Novembers I have celebrated
the Native American Indians.

This year I am celebrating
the Cowgirl.

When I was a little girl

Annie Oakley,
 Little Sure Shot,

was my role model.

Still today I respect her.

When I see pictures of her
I am reminded of my girlhood dreams.

The ladies of the old west

had spunk

and great style!

I come from prairie farmers
rather than ranchers yet
I know there is a Cowgirl inside me.

I remember Dale Evens
from when I was a little girl.

I loved her outfits.

The Cowgirl story is a "can do" story.

I am releasing my
inner Cowgirl.

I am planning November
adventures.

I will always honor The Trail of Tears
the Indians walked,
 but this year I am looking for new trails
to explore.

This year I am gathering my
rope and my hat.

This year I am looking at the colors of night

and collecting charms.

I might even sing a song by a camp fire
 or learn to do the two-step.

Happy Sunday Safari.
Happy November.
Happy Trails to You.