We have a new visitor here at our home, here in The Villages. A mama bird. 

Three days ago, We saw her and thought she had a broken wing, since she was hanging around and walking sideways making LOTS of noice, Apparently, this “broken wing” behavior is common for this bird. Then I noticed she was sitting by one of the plants I planted, and sure enough, an egg!

Yesterday, we noticed a second egg. We should have two new ‘birdies” at our home.
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It got us googling, looking, investigating, looking, talking, picture taking, looking, etc. This is exactly what we want our students to do. Have that “teaching moment,” in the world we live in.

Of course don’t you have the same questions we have?
What kind of bird?  
How long does it take for the eggs to hatch?
What are some behaviours of the mama bird?

Downloaded the app, Merlin Bird app. I was able to see a picture and able to identify the birdie. 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/merlin-bird-id-by-cornell/id773457673?mt=8

It is a Killdeer bird.It takes 25-28 days for the LAST egg to hatch. Apparently, the other eggs know to “wait” until the youngest egg is ready and they all hatch together. They nest is walkways and open areas. Our front bed is perfect for her!

I know many people are dealing with life and death issues, but a little bird here in our rock bed has offered hope and investigation. Look for updates as we “nest” with our birdie!

Then, taking it another step. I used the video footage, created a video, original music to document the event. I kept the "songbird" tune with the music I created, so me and mama bird made beautiful music!

When you retire and move to The Villages, you want to EVERYTHING. There are over 3,500 activities and 3,000 groups. There is a Life-long Learning College with classes, and the neighborhood activities of "nine and dine," "Monthly Dinner Clubs, and more.

I wanted to be active and want to make friends. Much like my college experience. I jumped into lots of things and quickly became booked seven days a week, with three to four activities. I was rarely home, I felt like I was working all over again. Upon getting a cough for six weeks, I decided to do what I taught my middle school students do, and make three lists. 

The first column was the absolutes. Things and activities that I was either already committed to or family commitments. I am a webmaster to four organizations. My mother lives here and maintaining her life enters in on a daily basis. We have a new puppy and, of course, I want to enjoy time with my husband, Steve.

The second column was things that I had a passion for. This is my music and activities with my husband. It's all about your passion. Stress is not being busy, but doing things you don't really want to do. Passion lets you forget the time and even day! 

The final column was things that could easily be dropped. Things I was doing for "fun."

It was a difficult decision, but the Pickleball group I started, Pickledbd.org (Pickled Babes and Dudes) was the first people I got to know and shared my "firsts" with my new life in The Villages. 

This is NOT a reflection of the group or my desire to be a part of it. I just wish there was more time in the day. But, Pickleball has jumped to the third column, something I can easily drop.

I will still continue to keep all of your informed with the groups Pickleball news, but I am taking a step back from the monthly dinners and playing two times a week. 

Of course living here is extremely fluid, much like the seasons. One month you do this and another month you do something else. 

Thanks to the group for being so welcoming and inclusive. Yes, you'll see me on the courts sometime soon, when the concert season is finished in March!