Rescue a blackbird?

I got a phone call one afternoon from one of my firefighters, "Call Frankie at the emergency room. She said something about rescuing a bird". I waited til I heard our ambulance notify dispatch that they were out at the hospital, gave them a few minutes and then called.

The nature of this rescue had me intrigued so when she said a "blackbird" the picture in my mind was quite different from what I found upon arrival. Blackbird? Its a crow! Why am I about to climb a tree to rescue a crow?

It seems that this bird had been stuck on this limb for hours now, right outside the second story window of a residence. The children there as well as the grandparents were now quite concerned for the welfare of this creature. More curious to me was how does a crow get stuck on a limb?

The climb up this tree was very interesting. My ladder, which always seems to be too short, was now secured but the crow was far above me. After several attempts I was able to get the rope up and over the correct limb. Feeling a bit like a spider climbing it's thread I finally reached the crow. His pals were gathered in the surrounding trees making quite a racket as I got closer. At last the answer to my question, his leg was broken and had caught in the dense mesh of limbs. In a moment he was free and glided off to the yard next door.

The grateful caller asked what he could do for the bird. "Nothing", I replied. "Nature will take care of its own. It wont be the first one legged bird I've seen". Ladder and rope back on my truck, I drove home shaking my head. Rescue a crow? Well there's a first time for everything.

Rescue Dog

A puzzling picture.

This picture puzzles me to this day. After looking at the elements within the art program, only two, the end result is...... Well, why don't you tell me?

Don't be afraid to critique my art. How can I improve my work without feedback? I have have several friends that see my art on a weekly basis but only via e-mail. I hope to reach a larger group through this blog.

Enjoy.

Rescue Dog

My artwork.

Today I thought I might share one of my favorites from my library of digital art. In 1999 I was introduced to a digital art program called Bryce. It as version 3, I now own 4 & 5 and they have already introduced 6..........

WHOA!! To the good folk at Corel who make this program, WHOA!! Is it just me or is this techno age of ours moving at warp speed? Before I can even possibly exhaust the abilities of one program, there is a new one out on the market. Bigger, better, faster... but I digress.

The picture for today is titled, "Deep space explorers". Making artwork like this is a blast! I never thought I would find myself liking computers to begin with, let alone have so much fun creating some really awesome eye candy. I have found a vast community worldwide who delve into this fantastic realm of creation. To my fellow artists, thank you for the inspiration and my hope is that I may return that favor.

Enjoy.

Rescue Dog

Merry Christmas.

Christmas morning and all is well. Blue jays, songbirds and chipmunks gather around the elm tree for breakfast as I sip on a cup of coffee. A new pair of slippers keep my feet warm despite the cool breeze that blows this morning. Last night the moon shown bright through the bare limbs of the elm, its many twists and turns making a wonderful silhouette. It gave me cause to wonder at the beauty of God's creation even in the dead of winter.



A few small presents sit around our equally small tree as we await the arrival of family members. Later we gathered at my mother in law's home for dinner. My mom baked huge amounts of cookies as usual and an awesome cake for desert. My wife's oldest brother and sister made most of the meal. Everyone ate their fill followed by the obligatory nap.

It is late as I finish this note of the day as my wife has been playing a new game our son installed for us today. About time that she hog the computer for a while, I spend quite a bit of time here myself. The thought of a nice wood fire in my shop is calling to me. My hand is healed well enough to try my wood lathe again. The small wooden boxes I turn from a variety of woods has been delayed too long this year. Off to the shop I go.

Rescue Dog

A Christmas Eve note

Once again it is Christmas Eve. Just now I have finished decorating the tree. My wife and I sit back to relax, me to write and her to watch TV. Our Christmas is a humble one this year again. We don't get too exited about gift giving as money is tight. Just as well though because that is not the reason for the season.

This evening we will attend a special service at our church. The people there are my most treasured gift of all. Hearts and minds as one to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. With the passing of years this yearly celebration has a new meaning for me and my family.

Our family gathering is much smaller this year with the passing of my dad and my stepson's dad also. We have become a much closer family as a result and I am pleased to see the wonderful changes in my stepson. The things our dads taught us remain intact as we press on toward the future with the Lord as our guide.

It has rained for the last two days and today the sun has come out to play. A large elm tree graces our back yard and serves as a feeding ground for our feathered and furry friends. Songbirds and chipmunks arrive each morning to enjoy the feast and provide us with entertainment in return. Our cat Gismo sits and watches, sometime only a few feet away. In his younger days this would have been his feeding ground but he is much to slow for that now.

Merry Christmas everyone. May your blessings be many and troubles be few.

Rescue Dog.