Jun 09 2008
Daily Dose 06/09/2008
Did nothing at the dog show — Tigger won his class both days but that was the closest we got to any points. We had a great spot for the camper, though with tons of room and although we let the club use it for their health clinic, it was no big deal. Ken went to work when he finished showing and I laid down for a nap. It worked out just fine.
I was a bad person last week and didn’t hit the gym once, but I did stop today and work out on the machines. I tried to do the treadmill, but gave up after 1/2 mile because my calves kept cramping. I’m sure it has something to do with the heat and all the water I’m drinking these days. Guess I need to get some bananas to keep the potassium levels up a little higher.
It is hotter than all get out here. Got up to 99ºF today which is too hot for the first week of June. We’ll be broiled by August at this rate and of course, while the Midwest is drowning, we’re dry as a bone to top it off. My flowers are parched. I noticed the blackberry bushes looked like they had a ton of berries on them, but today they appear to be all withered. No wonder the birds are flocking to my feeders like they are.
The Blue Grosbeaks are raising babies in the purple martin house – I have two pairs of them. The Cardinals have raised a big clutch of 4 and they’re all 6 of them at the feeders tonight. The Carolina Wrens have abandoned ship — headed for cooler climes I guess.
Ken says he’s feeling better but goes back to the doctor’s on Wednesday, so we’ll see what she says.
That’s it for us!
Love to all,
Margaret
2 responses so far
2 Responses to “Daily Dose 06/09/2008”
That’s too bad about the show. At least is was a pleasant weekend.
As for the cramps – if you’re stretching and warming up, then electrolytes may be the problem. They’ve got Gatorade Propel mix now that may help you. Pour the mix in your water bottle of choice and go. It’s mostly sugar free – maybe 5 grams in a 1/2 liter bottle. They look like really short Pixie sticks.
I’m excited – I started running again last week! Two minutes at 6.0 mph alternated with one minute at 3.5-4.0 mph for a total of twenty minutes on the treadmill for the light impact. The first night I tried it, my legs were not accustomed to running. They came back pretty quick. The second night I was able to bump it up to 6.5mph during the last two minutes of the run. Of course, I needed motrin afterwards. 🙂
Eddie
Margaret,
Can you possibly get digital photos of the Blue Grosbeaks nesting in your martin house? This species nesting in a martin house is NEW to science. We have never heard of it before. We would love to publish your photos in the Purple Martin Update Magazine if you get good ones, or even average ones, if you can identify the grosbeaks in the photos. I set my camera on a tripod placed close to the martin house (aimed and focused) and trigger it remotely with a vacuum cable release. Or just use a long telephoto from as close as you can get. Would love to hear from you. Thanks.
James R. Hill, III
Founder, Purple Martin Conservation Association
Erie, PA