Downey Woodpecker

Bryan and I were just leaving to do a little Christmas shopping this afternoon, when to our surprise, we saw a downy woodpecker in the crab apple tree in our front yard.

The bird we saw was just like this one on the photo above. He didn't seem to mind us at all. He hopped around from branch to branch, made a few pecks with his bill, and would hop to another branch. We were as close as bout 8 fee to him, but he paid us no mind.

Even when we opened the garage door, and pulled out the car, he still stayed in the tree, just going about his business. We stayed and watch him in amazement for a few minutes. I wish we could have gotten our own photo of him.

It was quite an amazing sight to see. A beautiful bird, and to be able to see him that up-close and personal -- in the "Wild".

Fare Thee Well, My Father

My father has been struggling with Alzheimer's Disease for the past several years. My mother has been the primary caregiver.

Unfortunately, the time has come when we have found it necessary to place my father in a care center.

The father that I have known and loved all my life has been slowly slipping away over time. Now, he no longer knows my name. He knows I am someone familiar. But he doesn't know I am his son. To him, I am a good and trusted friend, named Leon. We're not quite sure who Leon is (or was). However, if I am considered someone he he trusts and respects, then I'll take that.

I have started a new blog to chronicle my father's struggles with Alzheimer's Disease, and how it impacts our family.

The blog is called , "Fare Thee Well, My Father". You are welcome to take a look over there.