...without apology!

Well, don't say I didn't warn you...I am on a hummie-roll now. I can't resist them, especially this time of year when their time remaining here is so limited. So, without apology, get ready for hummers! I will try to come up with some interesting shots so that you don't become totally bored...but I can't promise more than that! :)

Today's little juvenile male is intent on nectaring from a zinnia on my deck. I took 20 or so shots as he flitted and darted from blossom to blossom. I liked this one (and yes, it is cropped) because you can see the first bits of red feathers on his neck - the beginnings of what will next summer be a gorgeous iridescent red gorget - and you can also see the blur of his wings as he hovers in place to drink. Look LARGE to see his little red feather on the cheek.

I made a shot slide show on Flickr of my favorite shots today - mostly hummers along with a downy woodpecker, a very scruffy cardinal, and Mimsy.

A year ago today I photographed my first ducks. I am not even sure what they were, maybe Mallards? If is fun to look back and see how my photography has changed and evolved in the last year.

Thank you so much for your well-wishes on my Lyme diagnosis. As some have said, Lyme can be a pretty bad disease; however, my symptoms are few and mild so I feel quite optimistic that this will only be a minor stumble, not a major setback. I am pleased that the doctor prescribed a type of antibiotic that does NOT interact with the sun - I would have been a most unhappy little camper if I had to stay inside for 3 weeks!! Oh, who am I kidding - I would have been madder than A HORNET! And speaking of hornets reminds me of yellow jackets ... on whom I have declared war this year. They are menacing the hummers at the feeders, so today I went out and vacuumed a bunch of them up with my little hand-held vac. Yes, I am THAT person - the one kids run from in fear.

Sharing a little blip joy today ... please stop by and wish one of my favorite people, Linda SimpleMoments a happy blipday today - she's just blipped her 730th consecutive blip! Woohoo! And in international news, join me in welcoming our own Dave aka Vodkaman back after an unexpected absence. Great to have you and your fabulous bugs back, man! I'll let Dave tell you why he has been MIA...

Happy Thursday, Blippers!