Congers in Paradise: Christmas On SPI

Friday, December 25, 2009

Christmas On SPI

Wishing a Merry Christmas to everyone!

We are enjoying the Burnett Family Reunion at a condo on South Padre Island at the southern tip of Texas. Weather has been variable, but mostly very nice. Much laughter, great food, a short visit to Mexico and a lot of fellowship.

Carl has been photographing wildlife in the area. He identified each as shown in order below, and welcome any corrections from you expert birders out there.
1. Alligator
2. Black-necked Stilt
3. Brown Pelican
4. Clapper Rail
5. Common Moorhen
6. Great Blue Heron
7. Great Egret
8. Lesser Yellowlegs
9. Long-billed Curlew
10. Marbled Godwit
11. Northern Pintail
12. Pie-billed Grebe
13. Reddish Heron (Love the crazy dance to catch prey.)
14. Roseate Spoonbill
15. Sanderling
16. Tri-colored Heron
17. Western Willet
18. White Ibis
19. White Pelican
20. Wilson's Plover

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Things I've Enjoyed Reading Recently

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"Fortune is a Woman" by Elizabeth Adler -- This is a wonderful story of three disparate souls who formed an alliance after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake which brought them vast wealth and a friendship which lasted into the next generation. Two women who came from horrid situations and a Chinese immigrant survive greed and evil and have a story to tell that will stay in your imagination for a long time.
"Hating Women" by Shumley Boteach -- The author develops a compelling argument that even a cursory look at our popular culture reveals an alarming trend of misogyny. He further argues that it is not just men to blame; women themselves are playing to hands of the money-grubbing, morally bankrupt, sex-obsessed culture that is exploiting them as the ultimate cheap commodity. He balances this sordid view with suggestions of how women can turn the tide.
"The Left Hand of God" by Rabbi Michael Lerner -- The author posits that our country is currently operating under the "right hand of God" -- that of dominion and fear -- and that we could heal the world if we began operating under the "left hand of God" -- that of love, peace, and compassion. It is a provacative and hopeful read.
"The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson -- This is a true story of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. It is true crime and history which reads like a novel. I was fascinated with the story of the Fair from inception to conclusion; and horrified at the crimes being committed at the same time. I was also amazed at the people who attended, the products introduced there and the far-reaching implications of the Fair. This is a great read.
"Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruene -- This is a poignant tale of life with a train circus during the Depression years told by 93-year-old Jacob who was a vet with the circus. You will be entertained, appalled, educated, and treated to a feel-good ending. I definitely recommend this read.
"Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett -- this was a re-read for me; I read it when it first came out in 1989 and proclaimed then that it was the best book I'd ever read. I just learned that Follett was coming out with a sequel so I decided to read this one again so I would be up to speed with the characters when I read the sequel. I still think it's the best book I've every read.
"Do You Want To Know a Secret?" by Mary Jane Clark -- I picked this up accidently (thinking I was picking up a Mary Higgins Clark) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a page-turner and I absolutely was shocked at the ending!

Congers in Paradise

Friday, December 25, 2009

Christmas On SPI

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