Follow that bird

Dave and I were standing in our yard recently when what seemed like a T-Rex with wings flew overhead. This bird was huge and Dave and I instinctively ducked as its wingspan cast a shadow over our entire backyard. Since then I've wanted to learn more about wildlife in our area.

So this past week Nomini and I set out on a journey to discover what types of birds inhabit the lakes and creeks that flow through our neighborhood. I put on Nomini's leash and the two of us took off. Much to my surprise we immediately came upon three huge turtles and a ton of egrets and pelicans basking in the Sun. I was so excited and then I realized I had forgotten my camera. We ran back to the house, got the camera, and ran back to the site to find the turtles had slipped into the lake and the birds had flown off.

So Nomini and I sat and waited. Nomini was a bit impatient but suddenly some wildlife returned. I tried to capture some of the birds on my camera, but the photos didn't turn out as great as I wanted. It was a peaceful and beautiful afternoon, though, and I can't wait to do it again.

From the bird book I bought, I think this is a Snowy Egret.

A pelican and a Double-crested Cromorant just hanging out:

A Double-crested Cromorant drying its wings. These birds lack the oil gland that keeps its feathers from becoming waterlogged. So the bird has to dry off with its wings outstretched, facing the Sun:

Obama!

I'm not sure who I'm going to vote for yet in the upcoming SC primary. So yesterday I went to a rally at the College of Charleston for Barack Obama. It was packed with students, faculty, people from the community like me, Secret Service (all over the place), and local and national media. I stood next to a group of med students from the Medical University of South Carolina who were very interested in hearing what Senator Obama had to say.

What was so exciting is that Senator John Kerry showed up to announce his endorsement of Senator Obama. None of us expected him to be there and to make this major announcement (we had all been waiting in line for hours before the rally so we didn't catch the news about Kerry's endorsement). Because of this endorsement, the event was made even more significant--everyone in the crowd was buzzing about what this meant for John Edwards. More than anything it was exciting to see all of the students so involved in this election. Many of the students volunteered and were very optimistic about the future (which made me smile because at times I caught myself reacting cynically to some of the promises made by both politicians).

I'm still not sure who I'm going to vote for, but yesterday's rally made me feel glad to be a citizen of the United States of America who has a choice in the matter.

Senators Obama and Kerry on stage:

Both men greeting supporters:

En français

This morning Dave and I went downtown to the Gaulart and Maliclet Cafe (G&M Cafe) also known as Fast & French: www.fastandfrench.org/G&M/G&M_index.html. When we visted Charleston back in February a friend at work who is from Charleston recommended we stop by G&M. I was anxious to return so I was excited to go back there this morning. The breakfast was terrifique. (That's about the extent of my french vocabulary even though I took it in high school! Hee hee.)

Downtown Charleston reminds us a lot of Europe, which makes sense because the English settled in Charleston in the 1600s. Huguenots from western and northern France also settled in Charleston in the 1680s. Each time Dave and I are downtown we notice the french influence, especially.

That's why G&M cafe fits in so well downtown. The coffee (made in a french press) is delicious. It was a nice way to start off our Saturday morning. Bonne Année 2008!!

Time passages

I spent most of 2007 trying to slow time. I was unsuccessful.

Each day as we approached our move to South Carolina, I felt panic as time slipped away. Why did it have to go so fast? Couldn't I have just one more day in the townhouse we loved? Or another fun evening with friends we cherish?

I wanted more time at my job. I wanted more time in the DC area. I wanted more time to watch the Redskins play. I wanted more time with my family. I just wanted more time and I wanted things to stay the same.

Now that we're in Charleston, I know time will still fly. But in 2008 I will be trying to slow time for a different reason--I have so much I want to do. Each year as the calendar flips to January 1st, it's exciting to look ahead to the future. I can't wait to see what is in store for me and Dave, our friends, and our family. Here's to a happy and healthy 2008!!!!