It seems like it’s been forever since I wrote a post! It’s actually only been about a week, but it’s been a long week. The area where I live is about 100 miles south of where Hurricane Helene came ashore. My house and property did very well, but we were out of power for three days and had no internet or even reliable cell service for longer than that. Unfortunately, my Mom, who lives about 60 miles south of me and closer to the water, took some water in her house. So between working days, I’ve gone down there to help her out, as has my brother. She was actually pretty lucky because she did loose some appliances, probably her car, and some books, but many of her neighbors lost a lot more. She now has power and a rental car and new appliances are being delivered on Wednesday. It may be awhile before she gets a new air conditioner, but she has portable units and dehumidifiers that are keeping it reasonable in the house. We really are quite fortunate compared to so many others! So as things begin to return to normal, I’ve finally had the time (and sort of working internet) to be able to make a post.

I thought this little mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) was an appropriate thing to post tonight since doves are considered signs of peace and hope. The whole southeastern United States could definitely use some of that right now (as can many other parts of the world, I know). She’s also extremely pretty. The afternoon sun caught her in just the right way to really bring out her colors. She really was strutting her stuff when I took this shot.

I hope all of you who live in the southeastern United States have gotten through this catastrophic storm okay. My thoughts are with all of the people out there who didn’t fare nearly as well as me and mine.