If you’re here because you couldn’t resist checking out the QR code on the back of our holiday card, may I just say… you might be a dork. But, then again, consider that I’m the one who put a QR code on the back of our holiday card. I can relate!
Saving this spot for an update on what’s been happening around the Caird Creek Wildlife Sanctuary over the past year or two, since for some reason (read: COVID) we haven’t been traveling to visit friends and family quite as much as we have in years past.
I’ll start with myself…
Pamela
The pandemic has seen me pick up all kinds of new hobbies, from painting to birdwatching to quilting to native plants. This last passion will stand the test of time, I’m sure, as I’ve always been fond of the “don’t need to water” aspect of landscaping with native plants. Since we’ve lived in Central Texas, I’ve also grown fond of the “attracts wildlife” aspect.
As part of all this, I joined the Native Plant Society of Texas and have been learning about landscaping with natives. I also created a video that I entered into their annual contest and — get this — I actually won. I made a site to go along with the video (as you do), so you can see it there. It’s been fun and I’ve learned a lot.
Michael
Michael has been crazy busy working at our family business, The Knitting Mill. This year brought an especially exciting development — the beginnings of our own factory. (We’ve been renting up until now.) Michael located a piece of land just over 3 acres in area and a stone’s throw from home, and we closed on it in September. Next step: building! We’re both really looking forward to moving everything into the new facility and getting to work.
Michael continues to play soccer with friends when he can make the time, and when he’s not recovering from injuries sustained in his last match.
Callum
Callum is a junior in high school this year. (Where has the time gone?) He’s now taller than both of his parents and wears a size 12 shoe. He’s been growing out his hair and trying new hairstyles this year, in addition to developing his own personal style with clothing and jewelry.
Rory
So far, Rory is only taller than one of us — me! I knew it was coming, but it somehow still took me by surprise. He is in 8th grade this year, preparing for next year in high school. Rory has been enjoying collecting Beyblades from Japan this year, which he uses to engage his father in Beyblade battles.
The rest of the sanctuary dwellers
Right now, our pets include:
- Shorty: geriatric Chihuahua with one eye and fading hearing. His sense of smell whenever food is nearby is undiminished, however, and he runs and hops like a puppy when anticipating getting a treat.
- Honey: our majestic Great Pyrenees is enjoying her role as Alpha, demanding pets and fearlessly guarding the Clan with her ferocious barks.
- Crusoe: our youngster Schnauzer mix just tries to get along with his elders. He coaxes Honey into a play fight now and then, and gives Shorty the respect he deserves.
- Dulcie and Oreo: the dynamic goat duo are doing just fine. They’ve grown lots of furry protection for the cold winter months. We are thinking about throwing a wrench in the works by letting Dulcie become a mother. If that works out as we would like, we will come out with another kid or two, as well as some milk and goat cheese.
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