October

October, a month of change. Summer finally yields to fall. The leaves begin to change their drab colors of green, to vibrant red, yellows, copper. Birds are on the move as they seek warmer climates. Fort Smith seems to be the vacation destination for Starlings. For the most part Starlings are classified as a nuisance. It is interesting to watch them as a flock form a ball. In that ball they dance is perfect sync, from tree to tree. I will never tire watching even the most commonest birds.

A long overdue to trip to visit Betty's son and family in Texas. We did it the old fashion way, via bus. It is hard to imagine that at time many Americans traveled from town to town on the bus. I remember my bus trip on the back roads of Wisconsin in the 70's.The trip was good. The week was very relaxing. We were able to put on hold our struggles for a week. It also put our struggles into perspective. As I observed my adopted grandson deal with life everyday. He never lets his disability affect his upbeat mood. The love that his parents and sister give him was awesome to observe. Each day his day is a challegne, he meets that above and beyond. His parents show such devotion to this little man. Caretakers that are part of his daily life show such compassion.

Texas, is dotted with oil pumps pumping the lifeline of this nation. They are present in their parks, in yards. You witness how oil has made a community rich. Pines reach into the sky like gaints. The soil a sandy mix of sand and red clay. While this was my  first offical visit to Texas, the holy grail of birding. I was able to add three birds to my life lists from mainly in their backyard. A defnite return is needed to explore deeper.