It's also Tom's birthday today.

His heart is still running... but courtesy of some replacement parts!

I was able to call him this morning (via Terry's phone) to wish him a happy birthday, and he said he doesn't feel any older today...

But he agreed that 70 is definitely a milestone!

The swarms emptied one of the feeders today several hours ahead of their usual 24-hour schedule.  Not really surprising how fast the nectar level goes down since much of the time there can be six hummers feeding at the same time, while several others hover over their shoulders.  During the few minutes that the feeder was down today being refilled I snapped a few more pix.  

Thinking I'm not likely to get tired of doing this any time soon!

Elinor stopped by this afternoon with yummy goodies (rosemary and garlic pita chips, spinach artichoke and parmesan dip, and a batch of homemade fruit salad comprised of "everything but the kitchen sink".)  

She and Richard slept under the quilt last night, and it "worked great". 

I'd also brought along the "leftover" turtles, from when Alex cleaned out his closet this past winter. Elinor loves turtles, and her collection scattered around their house is rumored to be bumping 300.  My hope was that at least some of the ones I brought up would be deemed keepers, but it turns out all of them "passed inspection" and have found their new forever home.

Elinor is also a serious birder, so we went upstairs to check out the robin nest - but it appears that the kiddos have already fledged.

Made it to soak twice today, once in the morning for an hour and then for another hour in the late afternoon.  (I'm being very careful about my time in the sun, and am still quite pale.)  

It's amazing at how quiet it is today, especially being a holiday.  Even with the swimming pool closed for its weekly Wednesday draining/cleaning, the party pool was not crowded.

And when I got back to the house, Terry was working on a raspberry/peach cobbler.  Not sure what delicacy she has planned for dinner, but I'll be sure to leave room for dessert!