Sand Crane Secrets

I saw an unusual sight on my morning jaunt -- a lone sand crane walking across a yard. Unusual, you see, because sand cranes are rarely seen alone. And I had passed several, heads tucked beneath wings, just a few moments before only a block or two over. Had this one not been invited to the sleepfest? Was she the same one I had watched the day before flying away from the group as a larger, menacing crane chased after her?

The answers are sand crane secrets.

Here's another puzzler. Earlier this week, two sand cranes flew into our backyard. They paced on their long spindly legs from one corner to another, looking for a way to escape. "You flew in," I told them from the safety of the screened porch. "Fly back out." They looked at me, but didn't heed my advice. I went back in the house to tend to morning chores. A few minutes later, I heard the loud raucous honks. Close ones from the cranes in our yard and farther away ones answering. When I looked back outside, the cranes were gone. I imagine the farther away cranes had said the same thing I did. "You flew in. Fly back out."

My mistake was saying the words in English instead of sand crane.

Christmas and Cookout

This photo was taken the first week in January. That's our undecorated Christmas tree and our just-used grill.

One of the blessings of living in the Sunland!

A Jeremy Moment

The Scene: eating supper with Bethany, Justin, and Jeremy.

Bethany: I don't know why everyone thinks Jeremy looks like Justin. He has my ears, my eyes, my hair color.

Jeremy: Mommy, do you want your ears back?