Lake Ontario Days (MWT)

Lake Ontario Shoreline near Olcott, NY 7-31-11

I have just returned from a week spent on the shore of Lake Ontario near Olcott, NY. In a way it was a returning to a place of comfort and childhood memories, for this is the camp I went to as a child. I went because I wanted to, and because the opportunity presented itself. While I have not been here in many years, my mother and sister have gone on a regular basis since 1967. However, it has been two years since my mother has been and the distance is getting too far for her to drive, so…since I am currently living here on the east coast I offered to drive her. Not only did I want to return to see the place for myself, but I was also curious about the birds I would see now that I have become a birder. Formally called the American Mission for Opening Churches we learned just this week that it is now merging with Global Mission Outreach. My mother was glad to be there when she heard the news. For me, this is the place where I first ever saw a Belted Kingfisher. I was around 13 years old then. I saw one here again on our third day. It swooped low along the steep bank below me as I watched the waves breaking on the shore. It was the only day I saw one, but I felt it was a welcome back kind of sign and I smiled.

Song Sparrow in the Fence 8-1-11

All week long the song sparrows sang to me.

These bright red berries grew along the fenceline…

 

These are the blossoms that made the berries.

 

Queen Anne's lace is the consummate symbol of a summer flower for me.

 

Ragweed

 

Morning Glory (I had these flowers made of sugar on my wedding cake!)

 

Every day my sister, mother and I met at these tables or sat by this fence and listened…

…to the serenade of Song Sparrows…

 

…while watching seagulls soar..

…and losing ourselves in golden sunsets.

And that’s...My World Tuesday!