Since I last posted, there hasn’t been much that’s been exciting around here. I roved on Sunday morning, and worked the VC in the afternoon. We had a whopping six visitors for the day, sold nothing in the nature store, and closed up in record time. I was able to get a few pictures during my roving time, so that’s what you’ll see tonight.
It was cold enough in the morning that this pied-billed grebe didn’t have to worry about any alligators snacking on it in Alligator Pond.
Yesterday morning, I attended a two hour refuge staff meeting that included welcoming a new staff member, Cindy, who will have her office in the VC. Guess I’ll be seeing her often and getting to know her. She likes birds, so I think we’ll get along just fine.
Found my three sandhill crane friends again in the field around the secret pond. My guess is this is a family of cheese heads (from Wisconsin). Looks like the adults are on the outside of the pic with the youngster in the middle. The top of its head doesn’t seem as red as the adults.
A couple of other bloggers have talked about the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) that has been going on across the Americas since 1900. With a surgery date of Jan. 8, I will be able to participate in the refuge CBC on Dec. 29. During yesterday’s meeting, I talked with staff member Art, and will be traveling with him in a boat that day to count the birds out in the swamp. I’m excited about that! Any time I can get out on the waters of the Okefenokee swamp I’m a happy camper. 
The cranes were a little skittish on Sunday, and soon silently took flight. Cranes are usually pretty vocal, but they were quiet as mice this time. I try to stay far enough away that I don’t disturb them.
A good share of today was taken up with a trip to Kingsland, GA, to take care of errands. I’ll probably talk about some of my purchases tomorrow night. Spending a little time at the Publix grocery store was amongst my stops. I succumbed to their individual packaging and bought a slice of cheese cake. I so appreciate being able to buy just one slice as apposed to a whole cake. That one slice will last me three days. Once again I ended up with more in my cart than was on my shopping list. Some day I’ll learn not to go grocery shopping when I’m hungry. 
Adios, my friends. See you next time!
I actually got a promised call from Mayo in Waycross this afternoon. My pre-op appointment to be checked out to be okay for surgery and meet with the anesthesiologist has been scheduled for Dec. 31. If all goes well, I’ll have something to celebrate on New Year’s Eve!
THE END!!
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
