VISITORS: HUMMERS AND FLAT STANELY

The Calliope Hummingbird
is the smallest hummingbird we have around here. They are only about 2.5 to 2.75 inches long, and have a short squatty little tail. My friend Julia got me into feeding the hummers about three years ago and it's something I look so forward to now every summer. About May is when they get here, and the earlier you can get food out the better. Apparently, the little hummers send out "scouts" in search of food, early in the season. Although I've heard this before, I have a hard time believing they actually "help" each other find food, because the little bug-a-boos in my yard right now are fighting over the stuff. And they seem so much more brave then in the past. Jeff and I actually stood outside under one of the feeders last night and had them hovering within a couple inches of our faces trying to get a better look at us. I was so upset I didn't have my camera in hand that I went out again this evening and shot a few. They are swarming right at dusk, trying to get their last drink.

If you want to try to attract these little gems to your own backyard, try this no fail recipe for hummingbird food. I tried the red dye commercial stuff for years and never had success until I tried this one, without the dyes!

Next up, I'm after a good shot of the GORGEOUS "Black Chinned Hummer" that I've spotted at the kitchen feeder a few times. He's a lot more shy than these little calliopes, it's going to be a challenge.

A FRIENDS' LITTLE BOY
sent us a letter from his school with the story of Flat Stanley, maybe you've heard of him. He is a boy that was flattened by a board one day. He is OK, just flattened, so he is able to slide into envelopes and be sent around the world. Well, Jonathan's Flat Stanley came to visit us this month, and he went all over the county with us, visiting various spots. We took pictures and now I've sent them back to Jonathan, along with a letter from Flat Stanley about his adventures here with us. Thought you might enjoy seeing the photos (and you might recognize a couple), LOL!

SECRET STUFF
SBB is having a "Secret" Celebration this Saturday, from noon to 9 p.m. Eastern Pacific Time. We are going to reveal a little surprise at the site, and in celebration I'll be having a storewide sale (30%-50% OFF STOREWIDE). You can find my store HERE, if you'd like to start getting together a wish list, TEEHEHE!

NEW SOON TO PDW
I have two new collections in the works for PDW. I'm not saying what... all I can tell you is that one of them is very versatile and something everyone can use, and the other is inspired by four important people in my "work" life right now, that I'm going to really miss next year! I have a different position at the school next year due to budget cuts. I'll be working in both the grade school and high school libraries, which I know I will love also, but just the same, I will miss my current job! So be looking for these two collections soon at a Plaindigitalwrapper near you! (hint: the post it note that I used for the hummer food is part of one of the kits).

CT CALL NEWS!!!!
Well, as some of you know, I am just horrible at making decisions. Especially when it comes to being fair, and if you saw the awesome galleries these women have, you'd totally understand the difficulty. I hate having CT calls and couldn't figure out what the best way to do this would be, until a couple friends suggested doing the "two month" guest CT spot. I have to tell you, it has worked out PERFECTLY! I had just enough gals apply in the first couple days to cover three two month spots, and then I pulled the ads. No one left out! So if you applied, I'll be getting back to you soon with your assignment months! Thank you so much for the wonderful response, you are all so awesome!!! I can't wait to work with you all!