This is a happy day for me. I've been racking my brain, trying to figure out why I couldn't add photos to my blog with my brand new computer. I bought a display model and as it turns out, there were administrator permissions that repeatedly blocked any attempt to take control. Yesterday, thanks to Sue who drove me back to the store, I was able to exchange my laptop for a brand new one. Low and behold, I can now be the administrator and take complete control. It took me longer than I care to admit to realize that that was the problem!

So maybe now I can add to my Winter 2012 - 2013 adventures which is all happening here in Mission, Texas at an RV park across the street from the World Birding Headquarters at Bentsen State Park. Normally this area is quite dry, almost to the point of drought, but this year we've had a run of cold rainy days lasting longer than usual. The birding has been quite slow as a result. I've spotted the odd Vermillion Flycatcher, Crested Caracara, Harrier and Cooper's Hawk, American Woodcock, Harris Hawk family, Olive Sparrow, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, and of course, the regular local birds such as the Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Green Jays, Kiskadees, Chachalacas and the odd Altimira Oriole.

There are so many activities to join in on here in the RV park that it's impossible to get bored. Since this year I'm a dog-owner, I've met a completely different group of like-minded folks. I've even had the pleasure of fostering a couple of dogs who have been subsequently adopted.

Sprout was shear delight! He was so well-behaved and fit in so easily that Houdi took to him right away. They played together, slept together, and enjoyed chasing each other in the dog park...he was so sweet. Now he's a happy little fellow in his 'furever' home.

Next came Hershey. The dynamic was different between Houdi and Hershey because Houdi is ony 2 yrs old and can still be 'all puppy', while Hershey is 6 yrs old and not that tolerant of playful exuberance. They got along just fine but in a different way. Hershey is now getting to try out a possible 'furever' home with folks who just adore him. Good Luck Hershey!

Now I'm waiting for my good friend, Bev, to arrive next week and hopefully the weather will improve so we can tour around and enjoy all the benefits of being in the South all winter.