I walked outside this morning to be greeted by this guy perched on a branch near the bird feeders. It is a Harris’s hawk. There were two of them, mates, I assume, browsing the area for prey. Click on the image to enlarge.
Doomsday Plan for the Fiscal Cliff
I read Mark Alexander‘s Thursday article “The Fiscal Bluff – The Jackass Caucus’s ‘Grecian Formula’ for Economic Collapse.” I wanted to share part of that along with this image which aptly describes our country’s leadership.
Republicans are considering a “Doomsday Plan” of some sort if talks fail. That’s probably a euphemism for capitulation. Unfortunately, House and Senate Republicans are not led by the large class of “Tea Party” conservatives that arrived in 2010. They are still under the leadership of two men who have clearly contracted chronic cases of Potomac Fever after years of drinking Beltway Kool-Aid — Sen. Mitch McConnell and Speaker John Boehner. There are Republicans in the Senate who have a spine, and Republicans in the House who are sober.
Here is my recommended doomsday plan.
Point the House bill to extend the Bush tax cuts toward Obama’s fiscal bluff, put it in overdrive, set it on cruise control and leave town. The House has attempted in good faith to negotiate with Obama, much as a servant negotiates with his master, and with as much success.
Only Obama can sign legislation into law, or decline to do the same. If he fails to sign the tax extensions for all Americans, he will ultimately be responsible for the consequences. Likewise, he will be responsible for all the cuts mandated by sequestration.
Drop that House bill in Obama’s lap and walk away.
Of course, the only thing you will hear from congress is braying and mooing.
Ants Harvesting Sage Blossom Petals
Damsel pointed out this swarm of ants collecting petals recently shed by the Cimarron Sage after the recent “second spring’ blooming. I’m not sure what they do with them, but feeding the colony comes to mind.
This anthill is under some of the river rocks placed along the berm where the house sits. They are a little too close to the house and where we walk the dogs, so I took my “Ortho Annihilator” spray down there and doused their anthill and the area. Click on the image to enlarge.
The Dog Park
Since the dogs love to run around in the dog park, we try to take them often. We went there today and they all seemed to have a great time. This image shows one of the rare times that everyone is in the frame. Click on the image to enlarge.
Parked
I was up filling the bird feeders today after draining, flushing and securing the travel trailer in the RV drive today, when I snapped this photo of the RV parked and awaiting the next trip. Click on the image to enlarge.
Ancient Petroglyphs
On our way back from our weekend excursion, we passed the ancient petroglyphs that are just within a few yards of US 60 near Salome, AZ. We didn’t stop this time, but I photographed this shot from the truck as we rolled by an ancient treasure. Click on the image to enlarge.
On The Deck
Life at the river is sweet – hanging with some good friends after a poignant afternoon. Click on the image to enlarge.