I was happy to see that Red and Mrs. did not abandon me while we were out of town. Maybe it’s because I put a seed block out called a “Cardinal Block” to keep everyone well fed including quail, finches and sparrows.
A few photos of Red and Mrs, plus a few buddies, that I took this week:
Red looks back to make sure I knew he was here. I heard him chirping in the distance and he came when I called him!
I think he associates my “Hey Red” chirpy voice with meal time!
Red was hanging out in a tree. The little tuft of feathers below him is the crest of Mrs.
Mrs. wants to know where Red is going.
Red wants to know why I allowed the White-Winged Dove on his rock.
Mrs. is staking out her spot on the rock.
Red and Mrs. together. Probably chatting about what to do about their photographer.
I think they want a little privacy from me constantly taking their photos.
Mrs. and Red have shown up together a few times. I wonder if that means they don’t have fledglings in the nest? Or, have they flown the nest?
Monday I had a big, long day and I woke up in the middle of the night with a dull ache in my ankle.
I started Monday with a 30-minute walk. Then I got ready to have breakfast with a neighbor. She offered to drive me to my hair appointment and we decided to get breakfast along the way first. My hair appointment is 50 minutes away — which is too long for me to have my pedal on the metal!
We left my house at 9:30 a.m. and I didn’t get back until 3 p.m. After elevating and icing, I cooked dinner. Normally this wouldn’t be too big of a day. But right now, post surgery, it was! I had my ankle brace on most of the day and I think that’s what made me sore.
I woke up yesterday beyond tired. I skipped my walk because I had morning PT. I explained to the physical therapist that I was tired and overdid it Monday. He thought I meant Saturday, not Monday. He told me to know my limits and continue to do more, but don’t push it.
Then he proceeded to rip into my ankle with his fingers. He added one legged leg presses and few other exciting things.
Needless to say I’m toast! In case you missed it, I wrote about overdoing it last week when my surgeon cleared me to walk, drive and get in the pool HERE.
Red before he took off from our tree. The Red flying photo isn’t perfect, but I like the movement.
When have you had a day where you felt you overdid it?
I loved how this quail kept watch over his family. His wife and a baby are below him. There were three other babies who were very bold and not close to his watch but mingling with doves.
One of the bold babies.
Red and Mrs. have been visiting each day, but not at the same time. I’m waiting to see some fledglings.
Mrs. enjoying some birdseed. Thanks to photographer Bushboy, I did return to a mix of birdseed rather than using straight sunflower seeds. He warned that sunflower seeds are not as healthy for my bird buddies. But it seems Red and Mrs. pick out the sunflower seeds from the mix.
Red with a sunflower seed.
Not a bird buddy, but a Desert Spiny Lizard found a bit of shade next to a planter.
Red continues to be the star of the show. What I noticed this week is that Mrs. and Red visit for birdseed at different times — no longer together. They take turns. Does that mean that one of them is in the nest? Does that mean there are babies or eggs?
Mrs. showing off her back and tail.
My new birdbath is seeing some appreciation.
It must be lizard season. I’m seeing them daily running across the yard.
We now have more quail families than I can count. From newbies to teens.
Quail always have a male on guard stationed above the others. This one is on a bench on a raised platform where he can watch over the clan.
Mrs. enjoying a snack.
Red flitting around the back yard from a cactus statue to the real thing.
Happy 249 birthday to our nation! What plans do you have to celebrate?
I caught my favorite model taking off in flight. That was exciting for me. Much more so than PT.
I’m going to a Physical Therapy place twice a week. In the beginning, I was fine with it. But by the time I’d get home, which is 20 minutes away, I started to hurt. I didn’t ice the first couple visits because the appointments were during my husband’s work hours and I didn’t want to take up more of his time (which he said didn’t matter.) Oh well.
Now my appointments are in the afternoon, and I’m asking for ice. It’s helping. But what I really miss is the Game Ready machine my physical therapist had back in the Palm Springs area. The Game Ready is a game changer!
My husband asked if they had one and they said they aren’t very common here as they are in California. What’s a Game Ready you ask? It’s an ice machine that pumps cold into a sleeve you wear and it also adds compression. It is amazing. I used one after I fell skiing and had my ACL replaced.
Mrs. in our backyard enjoying bird seed.
I had a bad experience Monday when my assigned PT guy wasn’t there. The PT works my ankles with massage and stretches. I got a sub who did just as fine. When the PT is done, I get passed off to an assistant to guide me through exercises. The day which wasn’t so great, I got passed off two times to assistants and landed with one who was working with five patients at once. Needless to say, I did a lot of sitting, trying to get attention, and not getting any corrections or anyone watching me.
Back at “home” in Palm Springs, my PT office was owned by two former collegiate athletes — swimmers and women — who watched me every moment. That’s my comparison.
And they invested the money to have a row of Game Ready ice machines. Oh yeah.
Red striking a pose.
I was frustrated when I got home. I called two friends and asked about their PT, thinking I might need a change. I called the kids, as well. Anyway, before calling my surgeon to complain, I decided to keep my Wednesday afternoon appointment and go with an open mind. (She had said to let her know if there were any issues with PT). Maybe my Monday appointment was a one off and Wednesday would be fine.
We have two new families of baby quail visiting our yard. They have six babies each!
Fortunately, it was a good appointment. I got attention, corrections and wasn’t left alone. I believe it’s essential to face something with a good attitude and open mind. I could have gone to PT with a negative point of view and my outcome would most likely have been bad.
What are your thoughts about point of view, attitude and keeping an open mind?
This chipmunk stood on his hind legs for a long, long time. I thought it was interesting as here I am sitting, laying down, trying to pass time with a broken ankle. By the time you read this, I could be done with my surgery today and headed home! The doctor said it’s a four to six-week recovery. We shall see! I’ll take all your positive thoughts and prayers for the next bit of time.
Unfortunately, I had to cancel our trip for next weekend to the Bay Area to see my kids, and attend a wedding of one of my close friend’s daughters. My daughter is a bridesmaid. I hated calling and telling of my unfortunate walk where I fell and broke my fibula. But it had to be done. On the bright side, I was able to get a refund for the entire price of our airline tickets and hotel. Thank goodness for a bit of good news. I booked the trip in January and was so looking forward to it.
I can’t believe I got this shot. It’s of Mrs. mid flight to meet up with her sweetheart.
Here’s Mrs. with another friend.
As I sit and sit and sit, I watched another bright red cardinal enter the backyard. Mrs. and Red were hanging out together. Red took off like a bullet chasing the other guy. Mrs. stayed close by where I got took photos of her.
Who is that other guy? And is there jealousy between the cardinals? Do they have territories and not welcome competition? It appears so. Red came back a few hours later.
I’m so thrilled I’m in for surgery two days after my diagnosis. The doctor was extremely worried about how unstable my ankle is. Also, that the bone could totally break and the tendons go. I’m trying my best to stay still and off my feet.
I have always enjoyed my quail and I’m looking forward to seeing babies. Certainly some of our quail are having babies? In the past, I’ve found nests in planters. As soon as I see quail families, I’ll post photos.
My favorite bird of all. Red is so striking.
Mrs. Is pretty cute, too! Isn’t it something how the males in nature have all the bright colors?
Red shares the spotlight with a quail. There’s always one quail who keeps watch for predators. He’ll be up higher and alone and start squawking if he senses danger.
Then there’s this guy. There are three chipmunks who hang out together. One looks like a parent with two babies.
What are your favorite characters in your backyard?
Here’s a PS I wasn’t expecting. I saw a foot and ankle surgeon about a painful left foot I’ve been dealing with for years. Finally, I decided to inquire about surgery. In the meantime, during our stay in the cabin on the lake last weekend, I fell and twisted my right ankle last Friday. I asked the surgeon (since she’s a foot and ankle specialist) if she could check it out for me while I was there for my left foot. Big surprise. I fractured my fibula and have been walking on it for five days! Yesterday was especially painful and swollen. No wonder. They are trying to get me into surgery ASAP. If you miss hearing from me for a few days, that’s why. I may have to wait for insurance approval and scheduling, but the sooner the better.
