We took time out of an otherwise hectic schedule to visit the National Butterfly Center Sunday afternoon.  It was the first time Kay had been there this season, and the first time we had ridden our bikes any distance since arriving a couple of months ago.  Walking the trail to the garden revealed several Orange-crowned Warblers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Green Jays, Kiskadees, and Altimira Orioles.  While it was windy, we saw a few butterflies, including Zebra Heliconians, Queens, and Monarchs, as well as the usual Skippers.  And, an owl was gawking out of the newly-erected Screech Owl box.

I explored the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center on Thursday morning with a group of birders from the BPVRV Resort.  There were fewer birds observed than on any previous visit.

Kay has been feverishly shopping for Christmas gifts for family; I feel bad that I haven’t helped, but …  As it’s now Friday, “we’ve” finished almost all preparations; we lack washing clothes and packing the car.  And, we identified a few things we don’t want/need here in the Rio Grande Valley for the rest of the winter, so those things will be making the journey to Arkansas for storage.

The HSV house is progressing nicely.  Updates can be found on the blog we specifically created for that purpose:  Our HSV House

Kay and I wish for each of you a stress-free, blessed Christmas.  Until then…