Silver Lining: two coveys and a pot of yellow flowers

So there's this group of quail that likes to hang out in my backyard. They look pretty snazzy, strutting around with their forehead sticky-outy feather thing (google says it's a forward-facing plume. I say forehead sticky-outy feather thing.). When I try to take pictures of them, I have to practice my paparazzi skills. You see, these quail are kind of shy. They don't like to be photographed.

Did you know that a group of quail is called a covey? True story. A covey of quail.

And speaking of covey, I have a brother named Covey (not named after a group of quail, thankyouverymuch). My brother Covey is on a Church mission right now in Uruguay. And guess what? We got to Skype him on Christmas! That's a major upgrade from a phone call, people! We felt so blessed to see his face and hear his voice and talk with him.

Doesn't he look great? I put all his weekly emails into a blog for people to read (check it out here). In his last letter, he causally mentions "we did get robbed at gunpoint again this week, so that was a shocking experience for my companion." Oh my goodness. Covey! Be safe!

But back to the quail.

It was awkward, because amidst my quail photography session (lovely, darling, work that strut, give me more forward-facing plume!), the neighbor on the other side of the fence saw me taking pictures. I'm not creeping on your house, neighbor of mine! I'm just trying to get a picture of the quail!

Trying to mime your intentions frantically though a window doesn't always work. Here's to hoping no cops come by tonight.

And speaking of people coming by, last night an elderly gentlemen came to our house (apparently he's a neighbor?). He had these lovely yellow flowers.

"Give these to your mom," he says.

Uhhhhh.

But on the bright side, now we have some cheery flowers.