AWAKE MY SOLE.

Our new friend Jim Ellis ran in to Bellevue from Clinton, 43 miles on Monday, Memorial Day.  Jim is about the half way point of an inspiring 1500-mile, year-long run across the state of Iowa.

Jim's Mission

To challenge, inspire and equip people of all ages to live better by discovering and using their abilities well.

Tonight Jim's off to Maquoketa to talk to a group of High School students.  I'm sure he'll get a "What?  Your sleeping in who's van?"

When Jim contacted us we told him he was welcome to stay in out VW Bus as long as he needed.   Jim is a great young spirit who we've enjoyed having around and the dogs like having him around too.

GALLAGHER: Sioux City runner reaches Mighty Miss

http://www.awakemysole.blogspot.com/

Awake My Sole

This morning Maxine was sniffin around the woodpile and she came a cross a Cedar Waxwing that had become entangled in a nylon band from an old shredded blue tarp.






 The Cedar Waxwing is a silky, shiny collection of brown, gray, and lemon-yellow, accented with a subdued crest, rakish black mask, and brilliant-red wax droplets on the wing feathers. In fall these birds gather by the hundreds to eat berries, filling the air with their high, thin, whistles.



 In summer you’re as likely to find them flitting about over rivers in pursuit of flying insects, where they show off dazzling aeronautics for a forest bird.







 Because they eat so much fruit, Cedar Waxwings occasionally become intoxicated or even die when they run across overripe berries that have started to ferment and produce alcohol.  I hope that didn't have anything to do with this little fellows predicament.

The Golden-Backed Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus thoracicus) is a common species across forests in Iowa  This soldier fly gives the appearance of a bee from a distance – probably a defense mechanism – but has some really striking features when you get close. Aside from the bright, yellow mane on its back, rings of white hair surround the abdomen giving an almost silver appearance.

It was very small in size, probably less than two inches. From descriptions I read online, males will bite humans, so be wary. This one seemed uninterested in me.