Friday's Fave Five 8-12-22

LINK to Friday's Fave Five Host Blog - Susanne's Space

1. This was the week of inservice at my school, and I WAS NOT THERE.  Some things I will miss.  Working side by side with my colleague and dear friend of many years is one thing; working side by side with my other colleagues whom I love will also be a loss.  Many (not all) :-) of the students will be a loss. But this has been a great week NOT to be there, and I am thankful and relieved to be retired.

2. On the first day of inservice, Mike and I went to the mountains in the northern part of the state to see a flock of rare birds that have been spotted there.  We saw the red crossbills, about ten of them, and they were beautiful.  Always good to add a new bird to the list.

3. On the way home, we then spotted two swallow-tailed kites.  Absolutely one of the most elegant and graceful birds around.  They migrate through here in late July and early August, and most years we get to see one or two.  This was the best and closest we've ever seen them, as they swooped very low.

4. Also on the way home, we picked up a cantaloupe at a roadside stand, and it's one of the best of the season.  Very sweet and not too ripe.

5. I've also had time to do more reading.  That should continue, and I'm loving being able to do so.  I will stay busy in retirement, but right now this feeling of freedom is great!