Monday, November 23, 2020

Simon Sez

 Remember that kids game Simon Sez?  I play it all the time at the Pumpkin Patch with the kids.  They are always asking if the dinosaurs are real because they don't move.  That's because the T-Rex's name is Simon ... and when he sees the tractor coming, he says SIMON SEZ FREEZE!!  And all the dinosaurs freeze in place as you drive by.  Yes I finally do admit they are not real, but it's fun to see the expressions on their faces.

The game is played for REAL by the hundreds of ground squirrels on the property.  Every year when it rains, they throw seed out and let it grow to provide food for the birds.  These guys take full advantage eating up every little bit of green that grows.  

When you drive or walk by, they play the game.  FREEZE!  I mean to tell you they don't even blink or twitch an ear and they really are hard to see.  Later in the day they will all run down the nearest hole (usually not more than three feet away) to escape whatever might want THEM for dinner.
 

Half of the refuge is built like huge rice patties, with levies surrounding each section so it holds water.  Each section runs into the next, so turning on the water at the top fills the entire refuge.  Rarely do you see hawks, but here's a beauty.  I'm guessing it's a red-tailed hawk looking for one of those squirrels.  

There were two actually, one actively hunting in the grass below and this one, probably the girlfriend, just waiting for dinner to be served.

 

Surrounding the entire refuge is more pasture land, food for the blue herons who are not water birds.  To see this entire area covered with grey birds 2-3 feet tall is pretty impressive ... and stinky.  There's no fertilizer required.  At the end of the year, they graze cattle until the grass is again short so it will grow for next season.

 

Mom wasn't all that happy that her wayward kids were slipping underneath the fence and running off.  FREE!!  WE'RE FREE!!!  She was telling them to get their butts back inside the fence.

This is also supposed to be a refuge for Tule Elk, critters that have roamed this valley for ages.  Alas, I've never in my 70+ years ever SEEN a Tule Elk, nor did my Dad, but they advertise them at this refuge.  There is supposed to be 10,262 acres here, but you only have driving access to about 300 acres.  Maybe one day I'll drive around the outside and see if I can find those elk.

 

I'll check back in a couple weeks to see if the geese have shown up yet.  They usually arrive around Thanksgiving.  If they don't hurry up, there won't be any dinner left.


 On to my next problem ... upgrading my phone.  I spent an hour on the phone yesterday with Apple who now says my phone can be upgraded.  However, it takes a dsl line to do so ... my crappy little WiFi isn't working fast enough.  

I tried to get an appointment with the store nearby, but I can only do that with an upgraded phone.  ????  I can't upgrade without a better signal.  I called three times, but kept getting the same guy who had no answer.  My alternative at this point is either sit in my truck underneath a tower, hoping it works, or crash the Apple Store demanding service.  

But first ... let's check out the critter cam for tomorrow!!


 

 

12 comments:

  1. Once we were visiting the Prairie Creek Visitor Center in the Redwoods State/National Park between Eureka and Crescent City. The grass was very long, and the Elk were laying down in the grass...until I told Skruffy to bark and suddenly about eight of them raised their heads up above the grass and few of the stood up. Until then, you could not see any of them.

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    1. I love seeing the elk there. Here, there are no roads that go through or even near the game refuge. Their big thing is the elk but they are never visible.

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  2. I hate, hate, hate dealing with cell phone and dish companies! Hope all goes well with your transaction!

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    1. I'm with you on that one. They all seem to make it YOUR fault!

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  3. Nice Scenic Pictures.
    Isn't technology a PITA. Hate having to deal with that especially when they call by 7:00. That's when I tell them to call back putting the shoe on the other foot.
    Be Safe and Enjoy!

    It's about time.

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    1. Yes it is ... and I hate it when they treat you like you know nothing when you probably know more than the guy you are talking to! LOL

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  4. You can go into an Apple store and use their signal to upgrade without having an appointment. I have done that in Phoenix.

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    1. Well well well! Why didn't those three guys tell me that???

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  5. You’ll be doing it Wi-Fi. . You should be able to go to the library to ..Dunkin’ Donuts McDonald’s anyone you know that has home computer or any place that has free Wi-Fi .. as Linda said you don’t have to go into an Apple store you just pick up their signal bang on the window until you get their attention and tell him to give you the password You’re uploading their product

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    1. I don't know why they would insist you use WiFi when I download absolutely everything on my phone. Maybe they don't want you using their minutes? That's crazy because you PAY for them!!

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  6. I agree with what everyone is saying. I can go sit outside my library and don't even require a password. Their service is free wifi. McDonalds has never been great for me no has Starbucks but others have luck.
    About the refuge: Thanks for sharing that. I love the hawk and the buffalo or do you call it bison? I would love to see a field of blue herons! I really enjoyed the sand cranes near Sierra Vista.

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  7. Love all the animal pictures! I don't think I would know how even if I was there to upgrade a phone. Being an Apple it should work!!

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