A Full-time Life

Holding Pattern

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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. 

 

2021-01-10

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.    

IMG_7982-003Tree 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  

We appreciate all visitors and commenters! Thank you.

40 responses to “Holding Pattern”

  1. Carver

    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.

  2. Arun Goyal

    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

  3. Michelle Banks

    Yes it was and I still feel it…Things will get better tomorrow here..I have hope..stay well dear Sally..

  4. Nan

    “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.

  5. Linda Walcroft

    What a great tree!

  6. klara

    what a precise drilling 😉

  7. Adam Jones

    What a great looking bird.

  8. EileeninMd

    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.

  9. mae

    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

  10. Gaelyn

    The best medicine is getting outside.

  11. somewhereinireland

    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.

  12. Vicki

    Beautiful photos!

  13. Peter B.

    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.

  14. Jim, Sydney, Australia

    Good blue.

  15. Amy Franks

    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.

  16. Laurie

    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!

  17. Michele Morin

    I really appreciate your photos!

  18. A ShutterBug Explores

    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)

  19. Little Wandering Wren

    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

  20. Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade

    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

  21. Heidrun

    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.

  22. Gillena Cox

    Happy New Year Sallie
    Hope things on your political field grows brighter
    I am #14 on the linky this week
    Much✨love

  23. Linda P

    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.

  24. Lady Fi

    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.

  25. Beatrice

    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.

  26. Calendula

    I love that gorgeous walnut tree!

  27. Jim, Sydney, Australia

    I hope things get better. Seeing it from the outside. it looks quite horrifying sometimes.

  28. Penelope Notes

    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.

  29. Fun60

    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.

  30. Sondra

    Yes we need some down time, we have been under the abusive leadership for long enough. Love your sapsucker,

  31. Su-sieee! Mac

    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!

  32. Rain Frances

    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!

  33. Alan Bates

    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

  34. Pat

    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!

  35. Lavender Dreams

    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!

  36. Iris Flavia

    Yes, dame here, maybe lockdown into February eve. They even mentioned he word “Easter”!!!
    Beautiful pics at least!

  37. Annie

    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.

  38. EileeninMD

    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!

  39. Angie

    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.

  40. Martha

    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!

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