WORK WORK WORK….

It has been just shy of 1 month since we started working and so far we have had 90 degree weather, rain and even some snow. The snow was a bit of a surprise, but it was pretty! I actually love it when is snows. Have you ever noticed how quiet it is when it is snowing or when you wake up to snow on the ground?  Pretty and peaceful…….

The part of Oregon we are working now is the same area we worked in 2011 so it is familiar territory with familiar faces.  The only difference so far has been the weather and that was to be expected since the last time we were here was in the middle of summer.

On our way through Crane, OR we noticed that we were seeing hawks everywhere. More than we have ever seen in one area before. We learned that the reason was because in that area there are a lot of alfalfa fields which bring in the “sage rats”. That is another name for squirrels. People come from all over to use these little squirrels as target practice. L From what we heard if people didn’t shoot them they would decimate an alfalfa field in a short time. So people come in and shoot them then leave them for the birds to eat. That was why there is such a large population of hawks in that area.

We have been able to do a little sightseeing!  While we were in Burns, OR we drove up to Delintment Lake and did a little hike, I do mean little! Hehehe But we did see an unusual duck. We noticed it had a blue bill. That is what caught our attention. We did get some pictures but they are not real clear because we had to zoon in pretty far.  It was a Ruddy Duck and if you Google it, you will see some great pictures. We also saw, an eagle, osprey, blue jay and several other types of ducks. It was a great day trip!

Of course just driving from area to area the views are beautiful, especially along the Columbia River Gorge and through the vast acres of evergreen trees.  We have seen just about everything so far, rivers, forests, farm lands and desert. We have not yet seen the ocean but are headed that way! J We have seen deer, antelope, eagles, horses and lots of cows. Have any of you ever seen a cow that looks like an Oreo cookie? The Belted Galloway's are from Scotland and were  first seen in Canada in the early 1950’s and they are pretty unique! Big or small they all have a white belt around their middle. I can’t remember ever seeing them before.

From where we are staying now, near Medford, Mt. McLoughlin is visible from almost everywhere in town. The locals like to look at the snow melt at different times of the season and look for shapes. Right now there is an angel. I personally think it looks more like Tinkerbelle. What do you think?  Can you see it? Its a little blurry but I think you will still be able to see it..

Well, there is a lot of summer left for all of us and I hope we all have a GREAT time!!  I for one am ready for the long days, warm nights and plenty of sunshine!!  I hope you all have the same. 

 

ONE KIND WORD CAN CHANGE SOMEONE’S ENTIRE DAY

Mount McLoughlin

Galloway's or Belties as they are called by some!