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B and I aren't the only ones who are happy the hot tub is open.

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Cuisse de grenouilles ~ with promises of seeing some more amazing birds, I was able to convince Phriend to go on yet another photo field trip to the Refuge. I had heard rumors of the Black Crown Night Heron's visits. No sooner had we started the 8 mile drive and off to the left was a treat waiting for us.  While it was a bit unsettling to watch, it was nature at it’s best.

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Working less then a mile from home affords me the opportunity to come home during my meal breaks. I have plenty of time to let the puppies out, have a meal, and relax for abit. This afternoon when I came in for lunch this is what was sitting in my kitchen sink.

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B was out last evening, leaving the dogs and me home alone.  We were under a tornado watch which is unusual for NJ.  Generally we don't experience such extreme weather.  Willow doesn't like thunder and I wasn't thrilled with the thought of a possible tornado.  To help keep us calm I decided to get out the camera and work on a few selfies.  All poor "Willy" wanted to do was climb into my lap.

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B and I took advantage of a few free hours of time yesterday morning and started our summertime tradition of early morning walks on the boardwalk and a picnic breakfast on the beach. We were soaking up the warmth of the sun rays, listening to the rhythmic pattern of the ocean waves, relaxing in the cool breeze, wiggling our toes in the sand, enjoying the quiet beaches (now that the Memorial Day holiday is over and the bennies went home), and exposing our winter white, unprotected bodies to the UV rays a little to long. By last evening when our lobster red skin felt two sizes to small, we realize our error of rejoicing in the joys of the beginning of summer.

This morning we decided it would be in our best interest not to take our sun burnt selves to the beach. Instead we enjoyed breakfast at our local diner and took a walk on the docks of the bay.

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Why is Blogger being so difficult?  For about the last week, I have not been able comment on any blog which uses their newer comment link, as many of you do.  It said, I have to login, I do, although I am already logged in, and then it sends me around in circles. I finally went on to the blogger forum and many are having the same problem.  Thanks to the other bloggers who posted the fix, I am now able to play catch up with everyone during the week.

Ruddy Turnstone