First World Problem

Hot water!
I have been without for at least two weeks. The Bosch tankless water heater that came with my house had a slow death. Being the eternal optimist, I hoped it would revive and heat again, but it was not to be. After evaluations from a couple of ineffective plumbers, some nice guys from the gas company came today to put in a new, old fashioned tank water heater that was much cheaper. Now when I turn on the hot water, hot water comes out, not the barely warmed-by-the-sun water we find in the cold tap. I thought about the people around the world for whom this would be a luxury, and I felt guilty that I "need" it so much. I suppose life would go on if I had to take cold showers for the rest of my life, or wash dishes by bringing water to a boil, but I am a spoiled and thankful American.

happy goats - Mother and kids

faded memories of yesteryear

more dragonflies

another blue heron

This guy was by the edge of the water in a bird preserve. He let me take a few pictures, and then instead of flying away, he walked off.

canoodling egrets

I was in Hilton Head for the weekend with a friend who likes to take pictures almost as much as I do.
We were told there were a lot of ibises nesting in trees near the stables, so we went there later in the day to get some shots. There were no ibises, but there were plenty of egrets that I have over photographed already. But one sight, glimpsed via the zoom, was really amusing. Among all the egrets flying in and out, squawking and fussing over territory or whatever, was one couple that was in love. They couldn't keep their beaks off each other. They were oblivious to the rest of the family and remained on their live oak limb making out the whole time we were there. If I had a fancier camera, I could have taken some better pictures, but maybe you'll get the idea with these fuzzy ones. So cute.