My Summer Vacation

Hello all,
I've been back in Michigan for the past few weeks. It really has been like a summer vacation from back in the grade school days. Lots of sleeping in and lots of bad, mindless television. There sure are a lot of horrible reality shows on now. For example, one with Bret Michaels (the lead singer of Poison) and some women that want to marry him. Then there's another with Scott Baio (Charles in Charge) and a therapist where they are trying to get him to settle down (I guess he is a ladies man). I am stupider for having watched those shows, though I never actually made it through a whole episode. Otherwise, I've been spending time with friends and family, especially my nephew (Nicholas). He's totally awesome. Happy and smiling most of the time. I was able to start his ornithological training by showing him some bird pictures and playing some songs. Speaking of birding, I've been out several times trying to track down any eastern species I can. I even went and banded one day at the place I first learned to band (www.rrbo.org, check it out). I banded some Gray Catbirds and a Nashville Warbler. I can't stay away from those birds, it's a sickness, I know. Other "exciting" activites include cutting the lawn, trimming trees, bowling, and making a wooden bowl. I'll be heading back west in a couple days. Sadly, I wasn't able to meet up with fellow Michiganders (yes that's the correct word for someone from Michigan) Jessica and Amanda, maybe next time. Can't wait to get back to the cold and foggy coast!