Vermont and Back

This was the epitome of a quick trip. We pack a lot into them, and this was no exception. One of the fun things about this trip was that Chris and Kenni were able to come up from Virginia and spend the week with us at the Parrish house. Their little one Zuri is growing up fast of course, and it was fun to see her as well.



The dog Kelso was also with them, and got into the family thing with gusto.


I have posted about Alma Gilbert from time to time over the years. She is the expert on Maxfield Parrish art who owns his home in Cornish New Hampshire across the river where he lived. (Even though he owned our house, he never lived in it). She has made the lower floor of her/his home into a museum with hundreds of millions of art displayed there. We took Chris and Kenni to see it, took Chinese for dinner, and got this picture with Alma.



Of course, much of what we do when we are there is eat together. Paula essentially watches kids, cooks, cleans and then starts over. On this day however, Kenni and Chelle were the cooks.


We were celebrating Anders, Maddie, Eddie and Chris and Kenni and Brig's birthdays!



The new bikes (well new to these guys) were the definite hit of the day. Eddie was particularly excited about being one of the "big" people.


Ok, now for this post's mystery critter! Hope someone is paying attention. The last couple of critter games seems to have gone unnoticed. Money is still there if someone wants to try for them. Meanwhile here is today's. This animal was seen in a swampy area behind Wal Mart in Lebanon. It was swimming, and crawled up on the bank just out of the water. Pretty big! $10 is on the line!


I also got the chance to do some birding. On one of my outings, Anders was along and described it by saying that we were "on an adventure"! So here are a few birds.

A couple of common Warblers.

The Common Yellowthroat


And the equally common Yellow Warbler



Also seen behind the Wal Mart was the Green Heron.






The Eastern Kingbird was seen several places around Windsor.


As was the Eastern Wood-Pewee, a very beautiful little flycatcher. This one was out in the rain.


Up above the prison on the west side of Windsor is a very beautiful area with amazing vista's, and a lot of interesting bird habitat. Among the birds we saw there were the Bobolink. Both the male and female were flitting around catching dinner.



Back in the swamp behind Walmart was the Ringed Kingfisher. (By the way, I found the swamp when I went to get the tires replaced on the FJ, and didn't want to sit around!)


And in the same swampy area was the Common Grackle. It's blue head and glossy black body are really beautiful.


Back on the mountain behind the prison we also saw a lot of deer, including this beautiful doe.


Fun to see the wildlife anywhere you go!

Peace Out.