Oh just by chance, YAY! Having just come home after Ken's transfer from the hospital to the Health Care Facility, I was standing at the sink gulping down a cup of leftover coffee and an oatmeal cookie with cool whip on top - when out of nowwhere a beautiful male RTHU came to the .97 feeder!! What a delightful burst of joy! So don't give up all those who are still waiting - I really could have missed this little guy for sure...this is the third siting of a male - have not seen a female. This is such a great feeling, after a long hard day! Ken is settling down for his rehab and getting good care - we are grateful...



Carol
Milford, CT
Zone 6

Glad everything is coming up so encouraging ,Carol..


i have a very good friend who just had an amp last year.. He had constant infection for the longest time.. and he was just so sick all the time.. It was agony to see him..

Since his surgery,He has not had any more trouble with infections , (needless to say).. ANd he is healthy, and vibrant, and happier than i have ever seen him, and wants to LIVE and enjoy life again..

He says he is feeling better than he has in YEARS...keeps fit and healthy , too.. when before, he could barely drag himself around, the infections had so weakened him.

so another encouraging word for you.!

alice

...


USDA zone 6a/6b
Heat zone 4
Sunset zone 39

Carol, it's Penny from Freeport----had no idea about what you and Ken have been through lately. Wishes and prayers for the best, my friend. And I'm glad you got to see a little friend, they really lift our spirits, don't they? Tell Ken I said hi, and hugs to you both!

Its so amazing what these tiny little creatures can do for us. I hope your spirits are lifted.

Steve
Martinsville, In
Heat zone 6
Sunset zone 35

Carol
Just anothr little blessing to give you some strenght and to lift your spirits and let you know that all is on the mend. He was your little 'Bluebird of Happiness'

Penny
Niagara Falls, NY
USDA zone 6a/6b
Heat zone 4
Sunset zone 39

Hello Carol,

So glad to hear your husband is on the mend! I have been saying prayers for him and hope he has a speedy and full recovery too...
How wonderful for there to be hummers to brighten your days going through a difficult time...blessings are surly being sent your way!!!

Susan Louise
from Branford CT/ live in Lincoln NE
Zone 5

Oh my , I am not operating on full cylinders...just realized I never signed off from yesterday.

Just now - once more a quick little fly in to the first nature feeder for a sip then gone at 8:31 a.m. I could have easily missed this sighting - they are so quick and elusive. What a neat feeling to know they have used four of my feeders and who knows maybe even the other three...

Alice -Thanks so much for your words - Yes my DH had been fighting infection for about 2 years or more and as you said - he never did feel 100% - looking back, his energy level kept dropping...So am hoping this will change for the better after the amputation.

Penny in Freeport - Sorry I had meant to send you a note to let you know - we won't be coming up this year but maybe if all goes well we will see you next year!

My words of advice for what they are worth - (not much) but Keep the feeders up and don't give up looking - the hummers are around and will look where they looked before!

Carol
Milford, CT
Zone 6

Im so very sorry. will keep you both in my prayers.

I'm so happy for you! It's great to hear Ken is on the way to recovery and that you are enjoying your little visitor.

Joan Garvey - Metairie, LA Zone 9

Carol, I admire you and Ken so much, not only for your perseverance but for your ability to find joy in life no matter the circumstances. When I think about how long and hard you've worked to get these fleeting visits that you treasure so much...and about how long and hard and cheerfully Ken has fought to regain his health...it reminds me how blessed I am; to not only have hummers and health, but also extraordinary friends like you.



Lizette, New Orleans, La.
USDA Zone 9

Carole,
Hummingbird-wise your story reminds me of my hummer experience last year. My mom had gone into a rehab facility in the spring, and on her release I moved in with her for about a month. I didn't have any spare time to tend to my hummingbird gardens or watch for hummers. After putting up with the seemingly endless Connecticut winter and looking forward to my springtime hummer reward, I was feeling pretty sorry for myself. I hung a feeder at her house, visible from a room she spent a lot of time in. Low and Behold a hummingbird showed up and became a regular visitor! Mom enjoyed the bird's visits (she'll never be a fanatic about them like me, thank goodness) and I'm sure I was a happier more relaxed care-giver.
I thought of, but never managed to, hang a feeder at her re-hab place. But it'd be an interesting idea if you could hang one at Ken's. It'd be the perfect time of year to get some action.

Linda V
Connecticut zone 6b

Thanks again for your support my hummer friends.... Carol, Joan, Lizette and Linda. There has been not been any sightings since my last post but I have had some serenity inbetween times working in the garden and knowing that in a few months things will be popping and hummers zipping back and forth. I feel lucky I had this many peeks so far at the little guys..!

Linda - You know, I was thinking the very same thing this morning about how I could get a feeder up at the rehab center but then realized Ken is on the second floor and in the bed near the door not the window - Oh well... So glad you were able to see one at your Mom's window.



Carol
Milford, CT
Zone 6

Carol,

Michael and I have been out of town and were able to access the Forum briefly and learned about Ken's surgery late last week. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as he recovers. We hope you are taking time for yourself so you can stay strong.

Anyhow, how nice that you have the hummers right now to inspire you and give you both hope. Enjoy them! Isn't it amazing how they almost always make an appearance when we need it most!!




Kathi and Michael Rock
Madison, Wisconsin
Zone 4/5

Oh my gosh, today I actually had two visits! I am beyond excited... This morning a female sat for a minute or two sipping at the hummzinger feeder then flew away. Thought that was it but no JUST NOW at 6:19 p.m.....I had another hummer fly right up to the test tube window feeder, then go to the .97 feeder, then to the hummzinger, then to the perky pet feeder and then perched on the Buddelia for a second or two - then took off. What a thrill!

Kathi you are so right they really lift my spirits and come just when I need it most it seems... thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers - Ken is coming along quite well and that is amazing.

Wow she is back again at 6:34 p.m. for another sip at the .97 feeder! I think she has been here before - she is tiny...and knows where each feeder is - so am not sorry I have all of them up...maybe I'm a bit loco but hey its just what I need to do....





Carol
Milford, CT
Zone 6

Carol that is so good to hear. You deserve it.

Penny
Niagara Falls, NY
USDA zone 6a/6b
Heat zone 4
Sunset zone 39

Yes you do! I'm so glad you're seeing more visits.

Joan Garvey - Metairie, LA Zone 9