Last week was a terrible one here in this country. And it really does feel as if we're in a holding pattern -- at least until after January 20, when, I hope, the USA will begin the return to some semblance of normality. We have a long way to go.
It's actually hard to think about anything else, but life goes on and above is a pattern of a different sort. This sapsucker (?) has been at work drilling it right here in our own backyard.
Tree watch, January 2021
And here is the black walnut tree in our son-in-law's and daughter's yard on the 9th of January. Under a cold but blue sky. I'm grateful this past week for mostly dry days in this part of Oregon. It really does help to go outside and play.
LINKING to the following sharing opportunities. Thank you to the hosts.
MOSAIC MONDAY; NATURE NOTES; THROUGH MY LENS; OUR WORLD ON TUESDAY; THANKFUL THURSDAY; SKYWATCH FRIDAY; and SATURDAY CRITTERS
Beautiful shots. When I catch up on your blog I realize that I should get back in the habit of visiting more. I certainly shared that feeling of needing get to inauguration day. Instead of being glued to the television I should have been looking at the nature photography that always helps me feel a little bit more hopeful.
Posted by: Carver | March 06, 2021 at 11:10 AM
Beautiful capture of Birdie. It would be my pleasure if you share your post to my Link up party based on Gardening , Nature here at http://jaipurgardening.blogspot.com/2021/01/garden-affair-gazania-beauty.html
Posted by: Arun Goyal | January 26, 2021 at 10:45 PM
Yes it was and I still feel it...Things will get better tomorrow here..I have hope..stay well dear Sally..
Posted by: Michelle Banks | January 19, 2021 at 12:51 PM
"Holding pattern" is the perfect phrase for these times. We all live with this underlying stress that never goes away. I'm nervous about so many things.
Posted by: Nan | January 17, 2021 at 09:57 AM
What a great tree!
Posted by: Linda Walcroft | January 16, 2021 at 11:03 PM
what a precise drilling ;-)
Posted by: klara | January 16, 2021 at 02:15 PM
What a great looking bird.
Posted by: Adam Jones | January 16, 2021 at 11:11 AM
Hello, Sallie
I love your pretty Sapsucker! The tree is beautiful! I am hoping for some peace and unity with Biden, he wants to work for all the people in our country. If only they would give him a chance. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend! PS, thank you for the comment and visit.
Posted by: EileeninMd | January 16, 2021 at 01:45 AM
If only it would be that easy to get back to normal! The disaster in Washington ... as you say, we are living a nightmare. At least there's hope when we have a responsible, decent, honest, administration, not a bunch of criminals.
best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Posted by: mae | January 15, 2021 at 11:27 PM
The best medicine is getting outside.
Posted by: Gaelyn | January 15, 2021 at 10:06 PM
It's nice to get outside for awhile and walk among nature. Beautiful photos Sallie. I hope next week doesn't turn in to another sick and sad event. Have a good week and stay safe.
Posted by: somewhereinireland | January 15, 2021 at 11:04 AM
Beautiful photos!
Posted by: Vicki | January 15, 2021 at 10:12 AM
Interesting to see all the little holes in the tree made by the sapsucker. Yes, the craziness continues into 2021! I think we're all looking for a little peace and calm. Getting outdoors really helps.
Posted by: Peter B. | January 14, 2021 at 02:05 PM
Good blue.
Posted by: Jim, Sydney, Australia | January 14, 2021 at 12:35 PM
So good to be able to get outside in the sun when it's winter, it's the dreary rainy days you can't do anything.
Posted by: Amy Franks | January 14, 2021 at 11:17 AM
You always post such interesting bird photos! What a great one of the sapsucker. I am used to seeing red-naped sapsuckers here in the east. I had to look this one up - a red-breasted sapsucker. I have never seen one before, but the pattern of holes is distinctive to sapsuckers. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Laurie | January 14, 2021 at 06:49 AM
I really appreciate your photos!
Posted by: Michele Morin | January 14, 2021 at 06:49 AM
Beautiful nature and 'feathered friends' photos ~ being in nature does help me during these crazy times we are living ~ Be well ~ be safe ~
Moment by moment.....
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Posted by: A ShutterBug Explores | January 14, 2021 at 06:39 AM
Yes, when times are tough getting out in nature is a big help - great that you can still do this where you are, such a beautiful tree. The world is holding its breath with you for Jan 20 too.
Wren x
Posted by: Little Wandering Wren | January 12, 2021 at 11:02 PM
I think that "normal" is only a setting on the dryer and that there is no normal left in life. It has been a crazy ride since March 2020 and there will be a new normal. Things can't return the way they were.
Love the sapsucker photos.
Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade
Posted by: Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade | January 12, 2021 at 07:57 AM
Sorry for my late comment this week... must be treated at the ophthalmologist.
Yes, it's again and again horrific. I agree. But never the less, we hope that it's become better. Further with Corona and of course the new president, he is most welcome. That is needful for a good chance. We praying!
Happy NEW YEAR 2021 to you and your family.
Posted by: Heidrun | January 12, 2021 at 03:05 AM
Happy New Year Sallie
Hope things on your political field grows brighter
I am #14 on the linky this week
Much✨love
Posted by: Gillena Cox | January 12, 2021 at 01:36 AM
I like the idea of photographing a specific tree as it changes through the seasons. That walnut is magnificent and must sustain a lot of wild life too. Thinking of you across the miles. All the best to you and your family.
Posted by: Linda P | January 12, 2021 at 01:21 AM
Nice shots! I'm not even sure you are in a holding pattern - seems to me that things got a lot worse.
Here's hoping for healing and peace.
Posted by: Lady Fi | January 11, 2021 at 11:39 PM
You are so right in that the country has got off to a terrible start in this new year with so much unrest and of course the continuing pandemic. There is a long way to go for healing and hopefully the nest few months will bring some peace in more ways than one.
Posted by: Beatrice | January 11, 2021 at 04:00 PM
I love that gorgeous walnut tree!
Posted by: Calendula | January 11, 2021 at 03:42 PM
I hope things get better. Seeing it from the outside. it looks quite horrifying sometimes.
Posted by: Jim, Sydney, Australia | January 11, 2021 at 02:42 PM
It’s been shocking and gripping … the inevitable and chaotic final act I suppose of a leader who thank goodness will soon be leaving. What has happened to my good neighbors in the South tells me that democracy is more fragile than many of us could have imaged.
Posted by: Penelope Notes | January 11, 2021 at 01:13 PM
It looks like it is going to be a long, hard road to heal the rift that has been created over the last four years. I hope with all my heart that it is possible.
Posted by: Fun60 | January 11, 2021 at 01:04 PM
Yes we need some down time, we have been under the abusive leadership for long enough. Love your sapsucker,
Posted by: Sondra | January 11, 2021 at 12:36 PM
I went outside early this morning to pick up the piles of leaves I raked last week. I forgot I had raked them. Easy to do right now. I’m impressed with the straight line of holes the sapsucker pecked out. Good cheer, Sallie!
Posted by: Su-sieee! Mac | January 11, 2021 at 12:16 PM
Hi Sallie :) I do hope your country can heal. I try to avoid headlines but one can't avoid them all. Sad stuff. Your walnut tree photo is just amazing and I LOVE that tree!
Posted by: Rain Frances | January 11, 2021 at 11:58 AM
It was a bad day a few days ago and the tension, anxiety, and anger is hard to deal with.
Like you say though, being able to go outside helps tremendously
Posted by: Alan Bates | January 11, 2021 at 11:03 AM
I was shocked and frightened by last week's events. What is happening to our country when lies and conspiracy theories are promoted as truth? Nature heals a battered soul. What a big beautiful tree and colorful bird!
Posted by: Pat | January 11, 2021 at 08:34 AM
I couldn't stay inside all the time. I need to get out and breathe the air and look at trees and birds! LOVE that big old Walnut tree! Have a good week! Hugs!
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | January 11, 2021 at 05:45 AM
Yes, dame here, maybe lockdown into February eve. They even mentioned he word "Easter"!!!
Beautiful pics at least!
Posted by: Iris Flavia | January 11, 2021 at 04:49 AM
Dear Sallie, I was so astounded and sad to see what we saw last week : a seditious president and so many crazy people entering the Capitol which such furiousness and self-confidence. I don't understand why the police was not more numerous. I hope something'll be found to make
him ineligible. The next administration 'll have a very difficult job to do during the next years..
I wonder and be afraid by the kind of world we 'll leave to our grand-children.
Posted by: Annie | January 11, 2021 at 02:39 AM
Hello,
It was a good day to see Georgia voted for two new Senators. The bad part was to see the first family standing in front of the TV watching the capitol under attack and hear them yelling fight, fight. It made me sick, not sure how we can unite. It is something It will be a day never forget. The Sapsucker has a pretty red color. The walnut tree is beautiful. Take care, enjoy your day! Have a happy new week!
Posted by: EileeninMD | January 11, 2021 at 02:37 AM
Sallie - I would not want to be a member of Congress right now. Who is safe? Could someone attack them in their own homes?
I wrote the congressmen for Montana, requesting ACTION. Prosecution of those who illegally stormed the Capitol. An information campaign to counteract the lies. Removing the President under the 25th Amendment. I have hope and faith through God, AND we have to stand up for what we believe in.
Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday.
Posted by: Angie | January 10, 2021 at 09:59 PM
It has been a horrific week and I still just can't believe this has happened in our country. I am so fearful of what could still happen in the coming days.
Beautiful photos Sallie. Stay warm and stay safe!
Posted by: Martha | January 10, 2021 at 05:42 PM