Author Archives: Richard

Second Try Is The Charm

Posted on April 15, 2016 by Richard

One of the things that grieving does to me is make me more forgetful — “Where are those truck keys?” “I just had that shopping list, Penny, did you eat it?” It’s just part of the territory these days and … Continue reading →

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Selling The Airstream

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Richard

One of the things that I did to think about non-hospital, non-cancer thoughts in the last four months was to consider options for future travel. I was thinking about Mary and I and the dog but those plans changed rather … Continue reading →

Posted in Airstream, Barry, Interstate, Recreational Vehicles, Safari | Comments Off on Selling The Airstream

A Welcome Surprise

Posted on April 5, 2016 by Richard

If you have been following my posts on Caring Bridge, you know that my cherished wife Mary died of lymphoma on March 21st. The days since then have been filled with grief, joy at remembering our great love for one … Continue reading →

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Easing Back Into Birding

Posted on February 21, 2016 by Richard

In late November, my life changed when my spouse of 53 years was diagnosed with lymphoma and I lost all interest in birding and many other activities. As I chronicle here, we have had months of tension and relief, sadness and … Continue reading →

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The Site For Mary

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Richard

If you are interested in updates on the status of Mary, please visit http://www.carepages.com/carepages/ThePathForMary If not a member, you’ll have to sign up (for free) but it has a good reputation. Thanks for your support.

Posted in Vermont Birding | Comments Off on The Site For Mary

An Abrupt Change of Plans

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Richard

If you follow this blog, you know that we planned an extensive trip to the Southwest and California this winter with our Airstream. We have completely cancelled the trip. Mary has just been preliminarily diagnosed with lymphoma and we are … Continue reading →

Posted in Backyard birds, Birding for Therapy, Vermont Birding, Yard birds | Comments Off on An Abrupt Change of Plans

Black and White

Posted on November 27, 2015 by Richard

Here are two final birds from our California trip: a Black Phoebe and a Snowy Egret. I was surprised at how prevalent Black Phoebes were: in other areas like Texas they are around but I don’t think I’ve ever seen more than … Continue reading →

Posted in CA birds, family visit | Comments Off on Black and White

Beach Birds

Posted on November 26, 2015 by Richard

We took a short outing to the Del Mar beach during our last day in California. It’s so cool to have a beautiful beach ten minutes or so away and free access and parking — and no crowds on a … Continue reading →

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Ducks on Parade

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Richard

About a mile from Robb and Mary’s home in Del Mar is a neat birding spot called the Los Penasquitos Marsh Preserve. I walked down there several mornings and crossed busy Carmel Valley Drive to check out the ducks and other … Continue reading →

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Allen’s Hummingbird

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Richard

Yesterday morning, I took a walk over to Torrey Pines Reserve Extension, a desert canyon area just a half mile from the house which is accessible only through residential neighborhoods. It’s a unique gem with a nice system of hiking … Continue reading →

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