There are two experiences looming on my horizon, and my day off today was spent getting ready for both. As usual, I made a list of things I wanted to accomplish for the day and I actually got most of them done. Most immediately, I will be participating in the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on Saturday. I have been email corresponding with the local organizer, and verified that the only counting I could do this year is from the seat of a boat. Hikes on trails are out for me right now.
Tonight’s photos are from a recent visit to the ‘secret’ pond on a chilly morning. Instead of finding three sandhill cranes in the field around the pond, there were eight. They were all trumpeting away while feeding as I approached and shut off the motor.
There are forms to fill out, and others to take along for this official bird count. I’m actually quite thrilled to be doing the count out on the water. Any time I can get out on the swamp is a bonus experience for me. The weather forecast for Saturday is for an 80% chance of rain in the morning with beginning temperatures in the 30’s, so I’ve gathered many layers of clothing to wear along with my rain coat and rain pants. We will be out for the entire day from dawn to dusk, so we’ll need to be prepared for cold wet conditions in the boat. I’ll be getting my lunch and snacks ready tomorrow.
With all that trumpeting going on, it wasn’t long before other cranes came in to join the group.
The other experience looming is, of course, my surgery. I had two things on my list concerning that today. First up was arranging for a kennel for Emma for two to three weeks. I was able to get her reservations in a local home/kennel where the dogs have house time in addition to time in kennels. There is a large fenced yard, and the woman running the kennel (the ‘Dog Lady of Folkston’) has several boxers of her own. She assured me there would be plenty of play time for Emma with herself and some of her dogs.
More arrivals, and more trumpeting conversations.
Next week, Emma and I will travel to her house for a meet and greet to acclimate Emma to the place. I didn’t get a chance to tell the woman that Emma is happy to go with anyone, anywhere. Separation anxiety is not something she is plagued with. 
I don’t think she would care one way or the other if I ever returned to pick her up. That’s just the way she is.
After chatting for a while, the whole flock decided to head off for greener pastures with a cacophony of sound.
Second thing on the surgery list was to make a trial journey to Waycross, GA, so I’ll know where I’m going next Monday for my pre-surgery appointments, and to find the hospital. ‘Jack–in–the-Box’ took me on a very interesting route, but I do believe it was the fastest one to get there. It’s about 45 miles from the rig, so certainly closer than Jacksonville, FL. It was very obvious to me that this is a Mayo Clinic operation. I didn’t get out of the car, but I’m comfortable and glad I made the trip.
I’ll be nervous enough as it is with Monday morning. Doctor’s visits just naturally raise my blood pressure. I thought perhaps knowing the route and where to park might calm me down a bit. Probably won’t work, but one can always hope. 
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
