I know, I know--where are the updates on Niblet? Seen any new birds lately? What are you doing?

Truth is, I've been kinda busy. I had to finish and put to bed the little newspaper I work for last week--and that took a lot of work. Then we went camping, and while I did call in a Scarlet Tanager to within 20 feet of our campsite, I didn't have my camera! (I loaned it to Matty so he could photograph the furniture he's selling on craigslist. BTW, I'm selling stuff on craigslist too! If you're interested in an authentic Cavalier Coca-Cola cooler, a really comfy couch, a beautiful art-deco gateleg table, some nice old oak chairs, or a beautiful Jacobean-style oak secretary, let me know!)

So I didn't get pics of the tanager, and I haven't taken pics of Nibble lately. I will say that he's doing absolutely great. No return of the abcess, and his fur's pretty much grown back (or at least over the shavey part--he does still have a tiny bald spot, but I guess it's just gonna stay that way). This morning, he hopped into bed with me and wouldn't let me stop petting him for about ten minutes. Then he was done; he hopped off to chillax under the couch.

We're going camping again this weekend, just me and the girlfriend. We're going to Blue Knob State Park, which should be really nice. Lots of easy to moderate hiking trails, some interesting geology, and probably some nice high-altitude birds.

This will be the first time AB and I have camped alone -- other times we've gone with her friends from Maryland or with Gretchen and her girlfriend. So this will be really neat -- I'm very excited about the thought of the long weekend and some birding in a new spot.

I promise I'll update with photos and excitement on Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Meanwhile, have a safe and happy Fourth of July! Pop some fireworks (if you're allowed) for me, and try not to catch anything on fire.

july fireworks preparation

Pristine pool. Glorious red, white, and blue. God Bless America.

Our trumpet vine has finally decided to blare - blast it's orange color. We keep it very contained on one fence. It is pernicious and tries to take hold everywhere. Tough, hardy, rather like Texans in July - refusing to fade in 100 degree heat. Wait, we've had a cold spell - only 90 yesterday. Guess it's been a tad steamy overseas at Wimbledon. I love watching grass court tennis. Go Roger Federer, the Swiss steamroller. And as of today, the Williams sisters are on their way to perhaps meeting in the final. Fireworks, indeed!

Yard art - thought this little wire flag was cool and could brighten our back corner.

I'm normally not allowed near a match, but I managed to light my sparklers without setting me or the yard or the house on fire. I wanted to set this up so I could then snap a picture. Had to work quickly, but the shot turned out okay. Sparklers are my favorite and I have a ton of them for this weekend. Also, some killer bees - they sounded cool when I bought them. Ray shall be in charge of that match!

Here's a little thought for the weekend courtesy of the late actress Tallulah Bankhead: Never practice two vices at once.

Happy 4th of July weekend!!!!

Joanne

Clint Roark

Ao longo do livro tendi a usar um narrador não participante, contudo, existe uma excepção (claro que existem, porque outra razão é que falaria no tipo de narrador...): Clint Roark. Regra geral, quando ele entre num capítulo os acontecimentos são visto pelos seus olhos.

Clint é um Obliterador Iniciado e, como alguém que não nasceu ou foi criado no seio da organização, tem algumas dúvidas e conflitos com as linhas segundo as quais tem de dirigir a sua vida, assim como o seu lugar no mundo. Ao contrário de Isabel, cujo conflito se baseia no choque inicial perante o sobrenatural, ele teve tempo de processar a informação e os seus problemas são mais estruturais. A sua questão principal prende-se com a legitimidade, ou falta dela, para fazer aquilo que faz? O que lhe dá o direito de tecer julgamentos sobre quem deve viver ou morrer?

Tirando as suas questões Clint é um tipo comum, com nada que o distinga dos demais Obliteradores e/ou Iniciados. Olhos castanhos; cabelo preto, cortado militarmente; barba de duas semanas (ao tempo do acontecimentos do livro, é certo, mas a verdade é que não se preocupa, especialmente, com a sua aparência) e um nariz com a cana partida.