Weekend Highs and Lows

This past weekend I went down to Chestertown Maryland to relax on my parent's houseboat. It was a mixed weekend.

On Saturday I went into town and walked the quaint brickside walks and then popped into the Compleat Bookseller on 301 High Street. I really like the independent booksellers. I said I wanted "that book on potato peel pie" and the woman ran to the shelf and pulled down a copy for me.

While in town I noticed the fountain in Fountain Park was back!

Fountain Park Chestertown, Maryland
Cast pre-1853
Installed in Fountain Park 1899
Refurbished 1963 and 2009

One of the earliest depictions of the cast-iron fountain found in Chestertown's Fountain Park appeared in the 1853 edition of Godey’s Lady’s Book.


The Fountain was a project of the Ladies Improvement Society. It was dedicated at its current location in 1899. Hebe, goddess of youth and beauty and cup bearer to the gods, stands atop the ornate cast-iron fountain.


Below Hebe are three swans with upturn heads with stretched necks - with water founting from their beaks.


I enjoyed the sound of falling water and the cooling spray of mist when the breeze picked up the splashing water.


Thirsty Lions lapping the water with their pink tongues.

For more pictures and details of the renovation efforts for the fountain (click here).


Back at the wharf, I stood and watched four young children, two boys and two girls, the oldest might have been five years old; splash and play at the edge of the river. They were off a "transient" boat, overnighting after a cruise to the wharf from Annapolis. They were zealously watched and protected by a Black Labrador. Her name was an odd one, I was happy to meet Miss Apple.


After my walk on Saturday, I sat at the stern (rear or back end to you landlubbers) of the boat and read the book selected for Dorkys' book club. Three hours later, I stood up and went inside as darkness was falling.


There is something about the placid calm and stillness along the river at dusk. The old wooden boats bob up and down so gently as the breeze starts to die and the lights starts to come on in the buildings in the distance.

Inside I read my book, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, into the evening and was surprised when I hit the back cover. It has been a long time since I've read a book cover to cover essentially non-stop. A marvelous book - easier to follow if one knows a little WWII history (London, Guernsey, France, and a couple grim places in Germany), a little more about classical literature, and a small amount of geography, now I'm all eager to participate in Dorkys' upcoming book club session.


The next day I started to walk up the driveway where I spotted huge mushrooms. here and there, across both sides of the road for two miles were scattered groups of mega-fungi.

I thought to myself, if it keeps raining like it has all summer, this place will turn into a rain forest.


The tree farm is diversifying. They have added 5 or 6 very long rows of grape vines. Someday, in a couple years, I'll do a Cloverly Farms wine review for you all.

Unfortunately, shortly after I took this picture, the new medication I started at the end of last week did me in. I plodded back to the boat and spend the rest of Sunday morning feeling seasick and semi-delirious, not that anyone would ever notice anything different in that regard.

I can laugh now at being "seasick" on a boat that barely ever rocks more than perhaps a quarter inch...and I promise I'll catch up with your entries and emails just as soon as I can.

Don't Become a Park Bench

I don't have much time today, so this entry is going to be somewhat chaotic.

It might even be like Yaya's Friday Fragments/Focus Friday entry where she crams "in way too many random thoughts."

I can think of no higher tribute to woman that is funny, delightful, smart, sassy, and "on a mission." Afterall, "Imitation is the sincerest of flattery." - Charles Caleb Colton (1780 - 1832). I continue to hope her mission is a success and keep her in my thoughts.

I want to thank Sherri for featuring me yesterday and to thank everyone that took the time to read her piece and for all the heartwarming comments of encouragement and affirmation. For those of you that are my friends, I am well and truly blessed know you and you flatter me to no end with what you've said there. Thank you for being such treasured travel companions.


I did my 10,000th walking mile since July 1, 2005 at this spot yesterday. The trail runs along the bank of the West Branch of the Skippack Creek in Harlesyville, PA. I didn't think to take a picture of my foot at this spot.


It's a pleasant place to stroll. The only downside is that you can't look into people's windows and look at what kind of TV they have and what they are watching.

Note to self: Make sure to wear clean underpants while watching TV at home and stop laughing before you hurt yourself.

The park bench in the picture above is in a beautiful setting...

...and has a nice foundation...


But...


...please, don't become a park bench... If you won't get tested for yourself, do it for your family and friends.


The reason I was in Harleysville was to see my niece play soccer. Her team won 3-1. She asked her grandmother to come and watch and when my Mom couldn't make it, Mom asked me to go in her place. My niece was really surprised and I think she was happy.

:)


Since I love to read and will read anything up to and including the backside of cereal boxes, I joined Dorkys Ramos' cyber-book club. So after the soccer game I went to the Plymouth Meeting Mall...


...and saw some Yaya pots and pans. Of course no visit to the Plymouth Meeting Mall for a confirmed tree-hugger is complete without a visit to see the Oak tree rings...


This slice of oak came from a tree cut down in 1966 when they built the mall. It is estimated that the tree "hatched from its acorn" in 1770. The various call outs point to the ring corresponding to the listed historical event. I just find this exhibit really fascinating even though I mourn for the tree. I am reflected on the right side for that "current pic of myself at this very moment as I write this post" segment that Yaya does... well... it's almost at this very moment... :)

Too bad I forgot to buy the book I went for. Oh well, I'll go back tonight.


Just a random shot and thought - Ever go to a store and watch someone park in a handicapped spot and run in to get something? I looked at these cones and thought, "They must be faking it! They look brand new!"

Not very charitable of me. I'm sorry cones.

Finally, and I hear the whoooooshes! and wheeeeewes! I had a misadventure last week while walking. I saw a strange sight...


...and when I took my camera out of my pocket to take this picture of an OCHA (orange cone head alien) either climbing a tree or pretending it was Tarzan, I stepped on the very edge of the trail, twisted my ankle and fell. I ended up scraping my elbow and badly yanking the bum shoulder and taking yet another trip to to see a medical professional. Ugh. Just ugh!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

I'm Ready!!

Today I'm being featured over at Sherri's Matter of Fact!

To be honest, I'm both a lot thrilled and a little nervous.

I "found" Sherri's place via Jeannie's Happy World when Jeannie posted about Tyson Serles, the soldier you see on the top of the side bar and I have been enjoying Sherri's "variety show". Her blog is a like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.

I'd like to think mine is too.

As an over-educated multi-lettered professional, I know I drive my parents and some of my friends to distraction with my enjoyment of Spongebob Squarepants but I hope you will bear with me. There is some great wisdom to be gleamed from the hilarity.


Spongebob: Today’s the big day, Gary!

Gary: Meow!

Spongebob: Look at me! I’m naked! Gotta be in top physical condition for today, Gary.

Gary: Meow!

Spongebob: I’m ready! (runs out of house and on to the Krusty Krab) I’m ready. I’m ready. I’m ready. I'm ready.

Patrick: Go Spongebob!

Spongebob: There it is. The finest eating establishment ever established for eating. The Krusty Krab: Home of the Krabby Patty. With a ‘Help Wanted’ sign in the window! For years I’ve been dreaming of this moment! I’m gonna go in there, march straight to the manager, look ‘em straight in the eye, lay it on the line and...I can’t do this! (runs back but runs into Patrick) Patrick!


Patrick: Where do you think you’re going?

Spongebob: I was just...

Patrick: No you’re not. You’re going to the Krusty Krab and get that job!

Spongebob: I can’t, don’t you see? I’m not good enough!

Patrick: Who’s first words were, 'May I take your order?'

Spongebob: Mine were.

Patrick: Who made a spatula out of toothpicks in wood shop?

Spongebob: I did.


Patrick: Who’s a...(thinks hard)...uhh...who’s...who’s a big yellow cube with holes?

Spongebob: I am!

Patrick: Who’s ready?

Spongebob: I’m ready!

Patrick: Who’s ready?

Spongebob: I’m ready!

Patrick: Who’s ready?

Spongebob: I’m ready!!


Anyone can give encouragement. Are you ready?
All images and Spongebob Squarepant's script are property of their respective owners.

Mill Grove - Audubon Loop

It has been awhile since I've posted my walking log.

Totals beginning July 1, 2005 as of Tuesday evening, August 25, 2009:

Steps: 23,328,414
Miles: 9989.27

I'm eager to see 10,000 miles walked come soon. If all goes well, I will achieve that milestone sometime during the day Thursday.

The weather this evening was warm in the sun, but for the first time in awhile the humidity has eased and walking was quite pleasant. I decided to tackle the more challenging Audubon Loop trail which is about 5 miles in length and considerably more hilly than I've been doing.


The Audubon Loop trail goes along the outer perimeter of Mill Grove, the former home of John J. Audubon, the famed bird naturalist and crosses the Perkiomen Creek twice on each end of a pond created by the dam built by Samuel Wetherill to run the Mill that was in the grove. The water is now used to generate electric power.

This is the same Samuel Wetherill that owned the Pawlings Farm with the big stone barn I wrote about not too long ago.


After walking on the other side of the Perkiomen Creek, I crossed back to the Mill Grove side and soon see the towering red brick steeple of Saint Gabriel's Hall. Saint Gabriel's is basically a reform school for wayward boys. The boys (turning into young men) are often seen on the grounds doing physical activities - such as soccer, running, and jumping jacks and other calisthenics.


Some of them also participate in the Mitchell Program. An intensive 120-day residential treatment program for delinquent male youth, focusing on farm based education, followed by 6 months of community-based aftercare. As such there is an unusual farm with unusual animals. In the picture you see unique round red brick barn with a donkey eating the grass in front of it. Amongst other animals, the farm has cows, donkeys, and about a half dozen llamas.


I had to smile when a family on bikes stopped at the fence at the side of the loop trail and one of the younger girls said, "Mom! What are those!"

A harried mother, somewhat winded from the bike riding, said, "Those are llamas."

The young girl then squealed and shout, "Mom! We learned about Dolly Llama in school!! Which one is he! He's famous!"

The mother shrugged her shoulders at me when I smiled and turned to hear her answer. She just said, "The famous Dolly Llama lives someplace else and is often traveling, just like Daddy."

Bemused, I continued my way back to my car and headed home thinking about what little I recalled of the Dalai Lama, a teacher of Buddhism.

"Love and kindness are the very basis of society. If we lose these feelings,
society will face tremendous difficulties; the survival of humanity will be
endangered."

"Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion."

"Just as we should cultivate more gentle and peaceful relations with our fellow human beings, we should also extend that same kind of attitude towards the natural environment. Morally speaking, we should be concerned for our whole environment."

To me, that fits pretty well with what the reform school attempts to do with it's llamas each day.

Testing One, Two, Three, FOUR!

Kiss, the self-proclaimed "hottest band in the land" is doing sound checks to prepare for LadyStyx and Ranger's third wedding anniverary celebration which is tomorrow!

They got their anniversary themed, leather and glass stuff and they promise to do some spectacular fire-breathing and some really novel pyrotechnics if I can get the permit from the local zoning board - the zoning dude seems to be having none of it though.

The highlight of the evening will be when the Demon, Starchild, Spaceman, and Catman play backup to Dennis DeYoung when he sings "Lady." You simply wouldn't want to miss that would you?!


Good old pointy-hair boss is serving as security for when the fans get really rowdy. Miss Illinois is getting it on with Catman and having some Champagne!


Oh gosh! KatyLou is so excited!
Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go back to the laboratory, where I'm cooking up some Handmade Giveaway surprises!

Summer Reruns

Hi there!

I was thinking in the shower this morning about what to make for the homemade giveaway for:

YankeeGirl
Rebecca
LadyStyx (your caveats are acceptable) and
Tori Z (your caveats are also acceptable!)

...when I was visited by the Creative Moose and figured out what I wanted to do.

I think I only have a certain amount of creative energy within me and when it runs out - its like a rechargeable battery - I have to wait until I get recharged before I'm ready to go again.

So while I'm busy in the lah-BORE-ah-tor-y, feverishly trying to bring my creations to life without the help of Marty Feldman*, I hope you might enjoy some reruns.

*Who wants any of that Abby... Abby Normal?! stuff anyway? Besides he's dead.



This is my 762-th blog entry - For reruns, I thought I'd pick some that I think are perhaps a little better than the rest. Some of these are recent - but some of them go back to my 'early' blogging days. In each case, I was in a mental state where I could do nothing else until I finished writing them.

I've rated them (S) - Serious; (SH) - Serious, but not so much; (H) - Hopefully humorous.

In which I own up to some shortcomings - (S)
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - My Hands

In which a collection of old wooden boat pictures and a late night chat with some one that wasn't feeling their sunniest evokes some pondering - (S)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 - When Friends Struggle

My first head over heels crush and how it didn't work out. Don't worry, I'm over it (finally, sort of...) - (SH)
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 - Life's Embarrassing Moments (LBE)

In which I try to take a blind person with me on a virtual walk - (S)
Monday, August 25, 2008 - Birds of a Feather (LBE)

In which I took a walk, hugged a tree, and ran home to write about it - (SH)
Sunday, November 16, 2008 - Confessions of a Tree Hugger

And possibly my absolute favorite - the entry that started the orange traffic cone madness - I remember running home after a walk to download the pictures and hammering away at the keyboard until my fingers went numb - (H)
Tuesday, January 8, 2008 - The Scary Real World

There are some other entries to which I would admit a certain fondness. I added a new category for those called 'Personal Favorite'. However I hope none of you ever get bored enough to actually go there though - I might have to send the men in the white coats over to collect you.

I'll be back in a bit. Enjoy these last days of summer.

The Left Hand of Darkness

Graphic source
As a single guy that seems awash in a woman dominated corner of the blogosphere, I’m sometimes baffled by what I read and often at a loss for what to say when it comes time to comment.

Today’s reading was no different – but somehow Tori Z’s entry on Helen Keller triggered a seedling of a thought in my head. I commented saying – I am hard of hearing – you are blind - Together, like left and right hands, we can understand Helen Keller’s deaf-blind existence, to a degree.

As I walked to lunch today, the title of a book I read a long time ago popped into my head, "The Left Hand of Darkness."

The Left Hand of Darkness is a "science fiction" novel by Ursula K. Le Guin, first published in 1969.

The story is the account of the efforts of a man named Genly Ai, a representative from a galactic federation of worlds, who seeks to bring the world of Gethen into his federation.

The inhabitants of Gethen are sequentially hermaphroditic humans (having both male and female reproductive organs).

For twenty-four days of each twenty-six day lunar cycle they are sexually latent androgynes (someone that has the characteristics or nature of both male and female).

For the remaining two days they are male or female, as determined by pheromonal negotiation with an interested sex partner. Le Guin uses the word ‘kemmer’ to indicate a sort of ‘in heat’ state.

Thus each individual involved in the partnership can either sire and bear children depending on whether they become the male or the female in the current "sexual" cycle.

The book, by and large, is a thought-experiment - of how our thinking is set by our environment and biological conditions.

For instance: Genly Ai, the diplomatic envoy is viewed as a pervert on the planet of Gethen - as he is always male and always in ‘kemmer.’ There is no talk of a weaker sex - or testosterone-driven aggression. Role-models are not divided into his and hers – nor are baby room’s painted blue or pink.

Imagine if you will, waking up once a month, every month, for just a couple days, a man or a woman depending on what your pheromones negotiated with the pheromones of someone that just happened to be nearby.

This story can really make the reader contemplate the pervasiveness and duality of sexual differences and all of the human stereotypes that have stemmed from them and how they impact, color and influence every human endeavor.

The story is much deeper and broader - it becomes an epic tale of survival as Genly becomes deathly ill and one of the Gethenians must transport him by sled over 800 miles of a glacier-like planet surface.

It is definitely not something to read on the beach soaking in Pf 25.

An Award

I have been really horrible about posting awards given to me - its certainly not that I don't appreciate them - I most surely do. It's just most times I don't feel like I've done anything to merit them and I get a little uncomfortable accepting them.

This award from Yankee Girl (Adventures of a Yankee Girl) was no different in that I don't think I merit it. However, I thought it would be nice to pass it along to some people that have written an entry lately that was inspired.

Yankee Girl - Thank you. I appreciate this. I hope you keep writing - your blog "has come a long way" since I first found it - each day you get more and more polished with your writing - and with each entry I feel like I know you better and better.


Recently, Sherri from a Matter of Fact wrote an entry that listed the five blog entries that she had received the most comments on - and that got me to thinking about which entries I had gotten the most comments on.

This in turn led me to the conclusion that I wasn't especially thrilled by the ones I had written that had the most comments.

Long story short(er), I asked Sherri which of her entries she thought were her top 5 favorites - my thought train then rumbled on (past the station) and got me to thinking which entries of yours were my favorites.

So the timing of Yankee Girl's award is fortuitous. :)

I hereby award "You Are A Gem" to the following people that were obviously inspired when they wrote the entry for which I've linked...I hope you will find them well worth the read.

Sherri - one of her most commented on entry was in my opinion, deservedly so, both inspired and inspiring - A Little Child Shall Lead Them

Rita - Usually, she delights me with pictures of the morning or evening sky, her chubby cat, or the fruits of her talented hands - Her Mommy and That Baby Girl made my jaw drop.

Dorkys - I had a hard time narrowing down which one I liked best. I'm going to go with Secret Agent Man since I think it illustrates serendipity meets inspired. A close second was an entry about her non-encounter with a guy on the subway.

Meme Love - I simply can't choose between Flames May Have Ensued, Yikes! or haunting but quirky, Après la Pluie.

Tori Z - What can you say about a young blind woman that not only blogs, but refuses to let that slow her down? Her bird pictures are inspiring - but her Kero's Corner series is inspired.

Deanna - I've known Deanna for some time. Her ability to express her love is an inspiration to me - I choke badly when it comes the four-letter "L" word - He had curly hair and a crooked smile and I loved him very much made me, a guy, cry.

Celtic Spirit - Hidden away on her blog page is a link to some poems that she wrote - I've long believed that angst inspired some of the worlds greatest prose, songs, and art. 2007 was a very full year for Celtic Spirit.

...and there are so many more such as Martha's Adventures with Koda. I hope you all will take a moment and think about what blog entries you thought were truly inspired and hopefully you will share them with the rest of us.

Brain Fart or Old-Timers?

I forgot to post this entry awhile ago.

:(

It's either a brain fart or the onset of old-timers... Take your pick.

You see...I saw this handmade giveaway offer on Dorkys' (Dry as Toast blog) back in June and its mid-August now!

I thank LadyStyx for shaking the cobwebs out my head instead of kicking me in the seat of the pants like I deserve.

The rules (lifted nearly straight from Dorkys):

The first five people to comment on this post will get something made by me. My choice. For you.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make.
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It'll be done within a year.
4- You have no clue what it's going to be.

It might be a story. It may be a signed photograph. I may make ceramic orange cones or paint a flower pot orange and put eyes on it or something. It might even be your very own hand-crafted Multo-cone.

Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!

5- I reserve the right to do something extremely creative.

But there's a catch! You must at least consider re-posting this on your own blog and offer the same deal to 5 of your own lucky blog readers.

So, the first 5 people to leave a comment telling me they are in, win a homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it.

Any takers?

Now I hesitated to "sign up" for this - I mean...me? with 4 thumbs on each hand? But I'm glad I did...


Dorkys sent me a handmade card that says,

"..a friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words..."

I must say, reading these words (author unknown) made me all warm and fuzzy.

She also sent a postcard of a hand-painted cherry tree, with a note on the back. I've framed the postcard and its sitting on my desk today. I would have been more than delighted and content with "just" the postcard and hand-written note...but...

...there was more. Also included was a memory stick. Not so homemade huh?

Well! The video she recorded most definitely was. A virtual walk in the park with her and Toby! How cool is that!


She zoomed in on all the cones she spotted and gave a running commentary! How can I not get swoony about that?!


Hi Toby!!

How about a lick and a sniff Toby? You just got to love high-def!

Close ups of Orange Striped Barrels!
...and flowers... and someone's discarded clothes - remember the OCHA impersonator? ...and birds... oh, and even a Charlie climbing a tree!!


...and more cones! The video concludes with a megafantasmic (dare we say 'fabulous'?) Dorkys' smile - up close!

Thank you Dorkys! These giveaway items were awesome! Please accept this award as a small token of my appreciation.

Meet My New Neighbor

I was chatting with someone about a month ago when the talk turned to dogs and the people that lived in my neighborhood. I was embarrassed to confess that I knew the names of far more dogs than I did people.

So what happens? The people next door moved away and the new folks moved in about a week later - and I went over to "meet and greet" them - to welcome them to the neighborhood. I took over some doggy treats since I noticed they had a dog.


I got home and it struck me - the only name I remember is "Bonney" - the seven month old puppy dog. I really like him, he's all wiggley and squirmy and just plain fun.

He jumped on the pool cover and noticed the small puddle of water bounced up and down in the middle - so soon he was bouncing up and down on the the pool cover like it was a trampoline - barking at and trying to "bite" the water when it was flung up from the cover.

I'm sure his owners have names too. Beats me what they are.

Weekend Wordle!

It's that time of week again!

It's time for Shan's Weekend Wordles.

Here's what you do:

1) Go to Wordle.net to create your Wordle.

2) Post it on your blog with a link to Shan's Week~End Wordles or Last Shreds Of Sanity.

3) Once that's done, go back to Last Shreds Of Sanity and sign the Mr Linky that she'll have up - this will help direct those who play along to your blog.

From Miss Illinois in the Spotlight

The Great Snipe Hunt

Not too long ago, I was walking on the trails at Heebner Green Space Park when an old memory came unbidden into my mind.

Many years ago, I was tenderfooted Boy Scout, and the troop I belonged to made a point to go camping once a month during the school year and while we were unable to camp at Valley Forge National Historic Park in later years, there were many other great places locally to pitch a tent, burn a s'more, get rained on and dig a latrine ditch.

I fondly recall one of the overnighters, as we called them, was to Mr. Goode's Amish farm in Lancaster County were we spent the night camped amongst the many farm animals. I can still hear the goats bleating, which they did all night long.

Other times, we camped in the Poconos or perhaps closer to home. The general idea was to have a good time but also to learn useful adult skills, such as menu planning, logistics, team-work, cooking, and cleaning up.

Other Scout skills like knot-tying, use of an axe, first aid (but hopefully not because of someone learning how to use the axe!), wilderness survival, map reading and proper compass use were also taught and sometimes, even learned.

It was also a "rite of passage" for a young boy becoming a man.

The memory that came to me while I walked through the woods at Heebner Park was of one of those rites of passages and it happened when I was attending one of my very first of many overnight camping trips.


"Snipe Hunting"
A camp out staple, the hunt started with one of the older boys saying something like, "Hey kid! You wanna go snipe hunting?" after the dinner time dishes had been washed and put away.

And, not wanting to look like an ignorant sissy, I replied, "Sure!"


The older boy would go on and on, bragging about his Snipe hunting (and bagging) prowess.

"You know, when there is a strong wind blowing, I could probably bag as many Snipe with a burlap sack as I could with a shotgun!"


"Take a burlap bag and go down to the marsh when it gets dark," the instructions began.

"Get in a place with some cover, hunker down and get that bag open. Be sure to really hold it wide open!"


Then start calling out 'Snipe, Snipe, Snipe!' as long as you can. We'll go down on the other side of the marsh and see if we can drive them to you. Got it?"


So off I went with a couple other young boys, a big burlap bag in hand to a marshy place we all thought looked "really good for Snipes".

Of course, none of us knew what a Snipe was or what one looked like. At any rate, we opened our bags wide and started our hopeful calling, "Snipe! Snipe! Here Snipes!"

After a while, the darkness fell, our voices grew hoarse, our arms ached and the mud sucked at our watersoaked boots. Slowly we began to think we had been forgotten - or perhaps all the "good" Snipes had been hunted and bagged by the older guys. One of the other young guys volunteered to go back to camp to find out what was going on.


Me and the remaining other guy, our arms completely weary from holding our big burlap bags open, and completely mud-streaked, were waiting for our young buddy to return, still gamely calling "Snipe, Snipe" when suddenly, a screaming shout from behind us made us leap into the air in fright, "There they go! Catch 'em! Catch 'em!"

The other guy yelled, "Hey! I think I got one!"

And I, well, I just stood back up after having fell over into the deep mud in shock. The laughter of the older guys when they shone their flashlights onto our weary, confused, strained faces echoes in my head even now, decades later.

As for the bagged Snipe? Well, it turned out to be a pair of white gym socks rolled into a tight ball.



Snipe are actually for real. I took me years and years to believe it though.

They are migratory birds. They breed from the shores of the Arctic Ocean to the Canadian plains down into the northern prairie states. Each fall Snipe migrate south, going as far as Brazil, before returning northward to nest.

Snipe are about the size of a Mourning Dove. Their distinguishing feature is a long, slender beak that it plunges into wet soil to probe for earthworms.

I never did bag one though.