quilt show winner

Mom and I stopped at the American Orchid Society's visitor center to see a juried Quilt Challenge and Sale that was titled, "Orchids, Jewels in the Jungle". This wall hanging was very appropriate, and the most striking piece, but all were beautiful. One could appreciate the hard work and artistic talent obvious in all the entries.

We were glad that we checked out the quilts (Mom has made many quilts herself). We had been out to lunch and were on our way to the wetlands boardwalk, to see how the baby Red-winged Blackbirds that I blipped last Sunday were doing. Unfortunately, when we got to the nest, it was empty (but not damaged). We could only guess what had happened (perhaps a snake?)- we did see an adult female in the area, and felt bad for the parents after all their hard work.
It was a gorgeous afternoon, and we did enjoy the other wildlife (and took many photos). But even though we had only seen those babies on one short visit, and usually don't have a problem with the "laws of Nature", I couldn't help taking it a little personal that the babies were gone, and feeling a little loss. I hope it wasn't just that I had looked forward to posting their growth a few times. I think it was partly that it was something special we had shared. well, at least we still have those baby swans where Mom lives- I hope to blip them again soon, before they get huge!