The first stage was disbelief. Harry mentioned at lunch that the internet was not available. I hoped it would not affect my blog, but that would be several hours away, and it couldn’t be out that long. I called Centurylink and they informed me that they were aware there was an outage in our area.
It wasn’t back on in time to blog – the first day I had missed since February 7th. I couldn’t believe it, but figured it would be back by morning (and was also assured by Centurylink that it would be back by 9 PM). I began to worry when I learned that Jane had internet, but we did not.
Now it has been over a week, and I have pages of notes from calls to Centurylink. I have raged, I have cried, to no avail. I have even accepted the darkness and have learned some things about myself. But I am glad this learning experience is finally at an end. I have learned that I do not like learning experiences. Today was Day 8, and today the internet returned hours before Centurylink promised it would. No complaints about that. But with the return came 548 emails and 56 text messages. It will take some time to catch up.
And it will take me a while to get back up to speed with the blog, but here are some bird pictures for starters.
Goldfinches galore 
A feeder full of finches 
Cardinal in flight 
Siskin in flight 
A common blue jay, uncommonly beautiful
And then, on Christmas morning, I saw a yellow shafted flicker! A bird I have not seen before!
A flicker 
The wind ruffles the flicker’s feathers 
Front flicker 
And this is why it is called a yellow shafted flicker!
All residents of Bronze Fox Farm, and Winford Farm next door, are well. The big dogs sat for a picture. Mistletoe did not participate.
Cedar ruined the picture!
Roscoe enjoys winter fires.
Harry has survived my ranting and breakdowns with his usual good humor.
It is winter, and amidst the misery there is still beauty.
Stay safe, stay well, and there will be more tomorrow.
Wow, the Yellow Shafted Flicker is very cool. Your in flight shots are too. Happy to see everyone is safe and well.
Maybe internet “outrage”? How did we survive for thousands of years without internet, and yet, here we are. Embrace the silence.
Hey, Anne, Century Link has so many unrepaired outages around Potosi, so few available repairmen over a huge area, that it is universally referred to as Centurystinks.
Well darling, a little rage never hurt anyone. Like you say, it is a learning experience. I love a learning experience, hard truth smack in your face!
I don’t know what I’m impressed with more, the fact that you recognized a Yellow Shafted Flicker, or that you saw and captured one in photos.
As to Cedar ruining the family dog portrait, nonsense! He made it more interesting! So happy your back!! Love this blog!!
Anne, was getting worried after days without your blog. My Centurylink phone was out for 4 days, but I had internet. We had outages around me too. So glad all is good!!
Welcome Back! I’m so happy to know all is well. I’ve never seen a closeup of this flicker. Thanks!
Hallelujah.. Your back Anna…..
So glad that you are back! And those photos of the birds, amazing! The flicker and the pileated (I snuck a look at tomorrow). Happy New Year, I hope it shines for you all!