The Perfect Backyard BBQ

For Mama Kat's Workshop this week, I chose the following:

 4.) List the top 7 things you need for the perfect barbecue


Here they are - in order of importance!

1. Grill 

Geill - check!

2. Wine

Wine - do we have enough?

3. Meat

Steak - good meat!  Reminder to self - must eat this quickly before it suffers freezer burn!

4. Wine

Are you sure there is enough wine?

5. Friends

Monkey boy is already in the party mood!

6. Music

Karaoke, anyone?

7. Wine

Mustn't forget the opener!

And there you have it - my recipe for the perfect backyard BBQ!  Come on over - the grill is hot!

Linking to Mama Kat's.

Those Birds!

Looking deep in my archives for bird photos - while waiting impatiently patiently for my new 150-500mm lens to arrive - because I don't have anything new and exciting to show - yet!  So...a year or so ago, we were in St. Augustine, FL, at the Alligator Farm.  As ugly as they are, I have always been fascinated by alligators and crocodiles.  What I didn't expect to see was the birds!  

Yellow Crowned Night Heron - napping!

Roseate Spoonbill

Ready to fly?

Linking to World Bird Wednesday

Red Shirt and Fire Stuff

On Thursday last week, we took the youngest grandson downtown - a ride on the Light Rail, a walkabout on the waterfront, a ferry ride and lunch, then a visit to the Police and Fire Museum (which we never knew existed!).  All in all a busy day - but a fun one for all of us.

Looks really excited, right?

Another photo, seriously, Grandma?

Look at these toys!

Now that, I can smile about!

Linking to Ruby Tuesday 2.

Quotography

Linking to Quotography.

Sunday Blooms

Here's what's in bloom this week in my garden - seemed to be a pink week!

Dahlia

Stargazer Lily

Calla Lily

Linking to Floral Friday Fotos and SOOC.

Weekend Reflection

On Sunday afternoon, we took a trip to the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in the southern end of Virginia Beach.  The Refuge covers over 9,250 acres, on a thin strip of coastline, much like other barrier islands found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It includes beach, dunes, woodland, farm fields, and marsh. Most of the refuge marshlands are on islands contained within the waters of Back Bay.

Approximately 10,000 snow geese and a large variety of ducks visit the refuge during the peak of fall migration, usually in December. The refuge is also home to a wide assortment of other wildlife, including threatened and endangered species such as loggerhead sea turtles, piping plovers, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles.

It is a beautifully peaceful place to visit, and the breezes off the water made for a lovely afternoon walk on the boardwalk through the marshes.  There were several of these little enclosed pools that were protected from the breeze, and offered an opportunity for some reflections!

Linking to Weekend Reflections.

Watching the Moon

On Sunday evening, we had a full moon.  I was just getting ready to walk into the house when I realized it was full, so I hurried to get the camera set up on the tripod, get the remote shutter release, and take everything outside.  When I got the camera out on the deck, I realized the moon had disappeared behind the clouds! There was still a sliver of light above the clouds, so I started snapping.  Patience was rewarded!

8:12pm

8:17pm

8:19pm

8:20pm

8:21pm

8:22pm

8:22pm

8:25pm

Linking to Skywatch Friday