We had a super holiday weekend playing, playing, playing on the water in Southern Maryland and reconnecting with dear family. We took time to share memories of my father, who passed away on Labor Day in 2002. My dad loved water sports (sailing, boating, waterskiing), so all of the super fun times on the water this weekend were a great way to remember him!
Then, Tuesday, it was ‘off to the races’ as it was the first week where my banding lab job overlapped with my university teaching job as well as the school year for my three kiddos. Believe it or not, all went great! So far so good!
I’m beyond grateful to my mentor, Danny Bystrak, for tapping me for the banding lab position.
And we had a Connecticut Warbler while banding this morning!
Now that everything’s hitting me at once..I went from ‘smooth sailing’ to ‘rough seas’ in less than 24 hours. I’m feeling the heat with all the things I need to get done before I even think about packing for a trip to Cape May this weekend. Everything I said I’d do for friends, school, work, the kiddos and hubby… all needed to be done..like yesterday. And, oh yes. .I’m thinking creatively as I start to pack for Saturday’s Pelagic trip where I’ll be sleeping on the top deck of a boat to wake in the morning out at sea amongst the seabirds (new ones for Mom’s Big Year!). Yup.. all that packing/planning still needs to happen too!
Cape May is at the top of my list when it comes to Mom’s Big Year destinations. It’s such a very special and sentimental place to me. But the thought of driving to Cape May and over the Delaware Memorial bridge stops all my happy thoughts right in their tracks and my hands are now breaking out into a cold sweat because of this.
In the flurry of it all, I talked with my mom on the phone, looking for some consoling words as I explained the crazy nature of this week and the drive ahead of me on Saturday. She reminded me of something my dad always said…
“Just take it from where you’re at…”
Well, I started my day today at the banding lab with this…
and ended the day in my yard with this…
So, if I “take it from where I’m at”..
…”where I’m at” doesn’t seem like such a bad place to be 🙂
I am grateful. ❤
Mom's Big Year 
Don’t get out ahead of yourself. I just had several weeks of massive anxiety as my cold/flu/congestion continued and my flights back to the USA approached. I could not get my ears to clear. I flew back yesterday, and although not all clear, my ears and sinuses did fine.
It is so hard to “live” what we “know.” You are doing great and your mom gives good advice!
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Beautiful and inspiring entry Nancy! Loved spending time with you and Paul and kiddos this past weekend. Carry ON!!! Love, Mom Mac
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Beautiful post , both words and pictures. Thought of you this morning as a bird (need to look it up – a wren maybe) almost hopped in my back door which was open. I love seeing the birds you are banding locally. I thought I was familiar with most local birds, but I’ve never heard of an American Redstart. How do you catch the birds to band?
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Beautiful post and good luck!
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Nice that your banding day starts in the morning! Thanks for sharing!
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I use the escort service because I feel uncomfortable driving over the Bay Bridge, the service is Kent Island Escorts, check out the Bridge website.
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