Sunday, February 21, 2016

Life is Good!

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
Tucson, AZ
February 18, 2016



Life is good! If you don't believe me, just ask any one of our three pups. Food, water, toys, a blankie and some cuddling goes along way with them! 


Early mornings
and late afternoons have been so nice for sitting on the patio.  Puppies love their ex-pen and freedom to play. 



As for us, life just couldn't be better. Joe had his year and half check-up.  The PET shows NO cancer and we are good to go for another six months...yippee! 


Just like our other stays here in Tucson, I have enjoyed the birds at our feeders. 

The hummingbirds continue to zoom in and out, fuss and consume lots of food. 

 The verdins also continue to entertain.  These cute little birds make me chuckle...the real "angry birds". 


A new partaker to the orange feeder this year is a Gila Woodpecker. He is a regular visitor every morning around 8:30 and again about 4:30.   

He is a medium to large size woodpecker (about 9.4 inches) and a bit tall for the feeder.  It is amazing how he compensates for his size by ducking his head down as he tucks  his tail feathers under the feeder to use them as a counter balance and clamp.  A real balancing act...

I have photographed these beautiful birds in and on saguaro cacti, but never in my backyard.  I read on www.allaboutbirds.org that the Gila is the only woodpecker in it's range with the black and white back...one of the gorgeous patterns of nature. 



































It's a good thing the feeders hang on an orange tree. There are a few oranges left at the top of the tree which I expect to be bare by the time we leave.



I have noticed new leaves and blooms about to open on the same tree.  







Up next, a walk through a saguaro forest with friends...


Until then, happy days and happy trails!

20 comments:

  1. Good news about Joe! I've never seen an orange feeder like that.

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    1. I will do some research to find out where I got the feeder Judy...will let you know!

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  2. So glad to hear about Joe. Those are the kind if reports we want.

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  3. I never thought about putting out the oranges. What a great idea!

    PS glad the cancer has decided to hightail it out of Joe!

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    1. I only learned about the oranges when we were last winter Jeri...they love it!

      A big me too!

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  4. Great pictures of you winged visitors. Like the idea of your bird feeder with the sliced oranges - hope you can recall where you found it, Amazon needs to know - I just searched and they don't have anything like it! Looking forward to your next update.

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    1. Thanks Jeff... the bird feeder came from Lowes.

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  5. So glad the good news keeps coming ! Loving your views of the desert.

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    1. The desert's spring colors are fixing to burst out all over...stay tuned!

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  6. You have quite the personal entertainment crew at your site:) Glad we could help you celebrate Joe's GREAT NEWS:)

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    1. Me too Pam! We sure are enjoying our time in the desert with you both!

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  7. Ahhhh, the freedom and joy of a NO cancer scan!

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    1. Amen Lisa! We will take all the time we can get!

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  8. Wonderful news - thanks for sharing the joy! Darling little visitors and quite the clever woodpecker.

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  9. Good to hear Joe remains cancer free. Cute pics of the crew. They look content.

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  10. Wonderful and great news! Praise the Lord. Tell Joe, we are so happy for him too.
    great pics, of my feathered friends, although not a single hummingbird came for a visit at my feeder.

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    1. I will pass the message along MonaLisa. Shame on those little hummingbirds!

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