No White Christmas, the weathermen say

With the roller coaster temperature changes, and snow storms to the north of us, weathermen still claiming no chance of a white Christmas.  Bummer. Cause once we get into January or February with longer days,  I am over wanting snow!

Critters inside & out

**Click on any photo to enlarge it**

Chipmunk and squirrels drink from pan in front or doors.  

Stewart still watching the chipmunk and ignoring a squirrel who needs more sunflower seeds! I give out small amount a few times a day.  So cute to watch.

Small Christmas vignette. Tree needs branch straightening and red beads added.

 As I still let the new kitchen island air out a few days (new paint and fake wood outgassing, it was in a back room)  Stewart hopped in to try it out. I was telling him to get down thus his expression of "Aw, mom gee whiz. I like it in here!"

10 second vid of Stewart pawing at squirrel on a twitpic link. On Fbook C has a much longer video !
http://twitpic.com/baw028

Happy Thanksgiving

Grateful that I live in today's modern times!

I appreciate clean water in my home, electricity and other modern amenities.

My friends and remaining family.  Grateful for broadband internet to keep me connected to all of you that I know in real life and from Social Media.

Thankful for modern digital cameras so I can capture creatures, great and small to share!

Happy Thanksgiving.

Love and appreciation "Soph"

Singing For Their Supper: Twistin' Sourwood

Stepping into Pearl's Diner the first time, was like stepping back in time.  Down home food at a fair price and some modern food choices, pie and music. Friendly diners that smiled at you as you walked by and friendly wait staff. The country band was a mixture of folks with an age range from 20 something to 80 something. They are not paid by Pearl's to perform here. They play for the love of music and fellowship of the music, tips and their dinner!

Some regulars sit in and sing with the band and you may even hear some gospel. (How long has it been since you've been to church, anyway?) Except for a handful of modern "country" tunes,  the songs are from 30 or more years ago which suits me just fine.  Back when country had a purer sound before becoming homogenized and pasteurized for the masses.

**Click on any photo and it will enlarge it for better viewing**

Close up of the dobro

Gospel tune by some regulars who sat in to sing and finish the evening.

Ed Roberts, guitarist, keeps the show going and Amber Hensley sings the tunes. Carl Sallee plays dobro (and is one of the best dobro players you will ever hear!) Ethan Berne plays bass and Dan Conley on the banjo. They also play some bluegrass tunes and I heard a fabulous rendition of "John Hardy" tonight along with some other banjo tunes.  If you are ever in Fairfield, stop in to Pearl's where the wait staff is friendly, the food is good (breakfast served 24/7) and they never let your coffee cup get empty.

My friend got a great hamburger, I think it was called a Pearl Boy. I had scrambled eggs, hash browns and toast for $2.99.

Twistin' Sourwood returns on December 1st. Stop in and check them out and remember to tip the band before you leave. . . as well as your waitress! 
~~Sophia

P.S. 1 minute clip on tiny video cam.

Deer Looking at Camera

How YOU Doing?  . . 

Chipmunk Trio

Taken about 5 months ago. A rare sighting, three chipmunks!

Sunset Morman Road

Tillmann Concert

It was a fabulous evening of music with the Hamilton Fairfield Symphony Orchestra. In the photographs you  see maestro Paul Stanbery, Music Director. I was sitting behind a black sound pole but I just worked around it.

Mentioned were three young people  (Sorry I didn't get the names!) who are benefiting from sponsorships from the symphony.

Michael Preacely baritone,  is from Chicago and has appeared in many operas.  He made a grand entrance from the back of the room singing "Largo al Factotum" an aria from The Barber of Seville. Great voice!

Jade Kurlas, cellist, is a senior at the School for Creative and Performing Arts. She's also the winner of the David and Marge Belew Young Artist Competition winner.  She did a great job.

For more information, check out the symphony site http://hfso.org/

**Click on any photo to see it enlarged**

Squirrel Standing

Are you going to feed us now?

I feed and water the birds and critters everyday, year round!

2 Photos Praying Mantis

Praying mantis outside our door. Two views. I rarely see these things but they always creep me out a little bit !

POTD

If nothing else, I need to post a Picture of the Day.  Here is Stewart wanting to be taller than we mere humans!

Bonus pic, Oscar doing his Superman pose.

Julian's Deli After Dark Music

After 17 years I finally got to see my old 20 Mile House musician friend again!  It was a cold evening but Julian's looked festive with  fall decor abounding. Most of the crowd was around the fire pit enjoying drinks and conversation, along with the music. Steve and daughter Suzanna provided the tunes from the middle of the patio.

Alice singing harmony with daughter.

Since I was sitting close to the musicians and the patio heater was on the violinist, I was too cold to get a beer or even a soft drink and I'd eaten dinner at home. The owner and waiters were nice and nobody bugged me about ordering something, which was kind and generous.  But, fear not.  Later, I was in the mood for a chocolate chip cookie and by golly, they sell those. Made by local Loveland bakery "The Dessert Fairy." I know many cookie lovers, thus would be remiss in not mentioning this info.

Julian's has a nice covered patio area and they are working on adding more ceiling coverage to make it more cold weather friendly.  Under this area is a big TV for watching football games or other sports. 

If I lived closer, I would hang out at Julian's more often. Nice vibe, nice folks and under the trees in the city. Oh and right on the Bike Trail.

**Click on any photo to see it enlarged. Some w/o flash may look grainy as I put the ISO on 1600. I try to avoid flash when possible, but it's tough when no dedicated light is on a band ,which can happen with outdoor gigs.**