Flown the coop

These are a couple of my sad attempts to capture the Sandhill cranes that have been hanging around these days. I'm fascinated by their prehistoric cries, red throats and gangly strut.

But what I'm really here to tell you is that I've flown the coop. I'm headed south to surprise my mom for her birthday and, with some of the rest of the family, whisk her off for several fun-filled days in Charleston, SC. I'll be back the week of October 24 filled, I'm quite certain, with tales of eating and adventure!