It has been nine years, and I’ve created 3,288 consecutive daily posts. Who knows how many words or images I have shared in that time? I honestly have no idea!

Adult Barred Owl portrait in spring, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaAdult Barred Owl portrait in spring

That is a lot of images and probably three or four large boatloads of words, though. I do know that much. In 3,288 days, I have filled my site with birds, wildlife, flowers, and scenery, along with my own unique thoughts and the real stories behind them.

Quite a few things have changed since last year when I wrote that I was celebrating eight years of consecutive posts. Soon after May 2, 2023, I embarked on a journey. I went back to Virginia to help my mom transition from living independently in her apartment to a hospice facility, and eventually, her transition from life to death.

I saw my mom every day while I was in Virginia, and I had many conversations with her before she passed. My gratitude for those last conversations is immense. Mom was my biggest supporter; she always had been. I’ve missed her everyday since our last and final hug, but she is with me even now.

Last month I embarked on a new journey.

I left Utah behind in my rear view mirror.

In the wee hours of the morning, with my Jeep packed and fully loaded with what is most important to me, I hit the road for another adventure.

I drove through Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and eventually stopped to visit my dear friend, Steve Creek, in Arkansas. We have been photographing from his deck and at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. I’ve enjoyed playing with, and spoiling his dog, Rosie, much like I did last year when I visited them after leaving Virginia.

Very soon I will be writing from south-central Oklahoma.

I’m excited that before long I will be exploring two nearby National Wildlife Refuges, local WMAs, State Parks, Lake Texoma which will be within walking distance, and the back roads I’ll travel. I’ll see at least 70+ birds I didn’t get to see or only saw once in a blue moon in Utah. Photos to come soon!

Plus I will be within just a couple hours drive of Steve and Rosie. I suspect we’ll have more adventures together in the future.

And I will be short drive away from my oldest son in Texas, and his family too.

I’m looking forward to all kinds of joy!

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Barred Owl photos.