October 8-15: Tallahassee, Florida

I spent most of the second week in Tallahassee after sending Craig home to Dallas. We had a great night visiting with krewe friends Barry and Ginger Hoffman who joined us for gumbo dinner. Another required activity in Tallahassee is a trip down to Calico Jacks's for some fine raw oysters straight out of Apalachicola Bay, accompanied by a cold brew.














My mom's garden offers a buffet of food and activities for avian friends. Hers is a very popular stop, and within a few minutes, one can see the full spectrum: finches, chickadees, titmice, wrens, woodpeckers, nuthatches, towhees, cardinals, hummingbirds, bluejays, mockingbirds, sparrows and bluebirds. Of special note is the rare Johnson's warbler, identified by Daddy's keen eye and bird know-how. Blackbirds and squirrels do not dare enter the haven. A special treat is the bluebird happy hour. The entire troupe, 4 pairs this year, show up promptly and daily around 4:30pm for baths. The girl in the garden presides over activities.

I flew back to Dallas on October 15 after a relaxing and wonderful time at home. Thanks Mom and Daddy. Love you!!!