#audubon park homes

[wachinyeya]

Birds Sing Anew After Residents of New Orleans Ninth Ward Restore 40-Acre Wetland to Historic Glory https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/birds-sing-anew-from-within-40-acre-wetland-restored-by-residents-of-n-orleans-historic-lower-ninth/

The Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans has recently witnessed an incredible eco-renaissance following decades of damage and neglect.

Led by a local community development group, a 40-acre wetlands park has been restored to glories past with hundreds of local trees that attract over a hundred species of birds, plus joggers, picnickers, and nature lovers besides.

The story begins with Rashida Ferdinand, founder of Sankofa Community Development Corporation (CDC). Growing up in this historic part of New Orleans, where Black homeownership thrived, where Fats Domino was born, and where locals routinely went out into the wetlands to catch fish and crustaceans, she watched as it suffered from years of neglect.

Poor drainage, ruined roads, illegal trash dumping, and unmitigated damage from hurricanes slowly wasted the wetland away until it was a derelict eyesore.

In the name of restoring this wild heritage indicative of the culture in the Lower Ninth, and in order to protect her communities from flooding, Ferdinand founded the Sankofa CDC, and in 2014 entered into an agreement with the City of New Orleans for the restoration of Sankofa—a 40-acre section of neglected wetlands in the heart of the Lower Ninth.

The loss of Sankofa’s potential to dampen flooding from storms meant that over the years dozens of houses and properties were flooded and damaged beyond the ability of the inhabitants to recover. Forced out by a combination of nature’s fury and government failure, the cultural heritage of the community was receding along with the floodwaters.

Ferdinand knew that restoring natural flood barriers like Sankofa was key to protecting her community.

“Hurricane protection is a major concern in the community, but there’s a lack of trust in the infrastructure systems that are supposed to protect us,” Ferdinand told the Audubon Society.

Today, Sankofa Wetlands Park is a sight to behold. Hiking trails snake through a smattering of ponds and creeks, where bald cypresses and water tupelo trees continue to grow and cling to the ground even during storms. Picnic benches have appeared, wheelchair-accessible trails connect sections of the park to parts of the Lower Ninth, and local businesses are seeing more visitors.

Visiting birders have recorded sightings of over 100 species of songbirds, ducks, near-shore waders of all kinds, egrets, and herons, and the park also acts as a home and refuge for otters, beavers, and a variety of amphibians and reptiles.

It needed a lot of work though. Thousands of invasive tallow trees had to be uprooted. 27,000 cubic meters of illegally dumped trash compacted into the dirt had to be removed. A 60-year-old canal dug by the US Army Corps of Engineers had to be disconnected, and all new native flora had to be planted by hand.

Audubon says that Ferdinand routinely can’t believe her eyes when she looks at the transformation of Sankofa into its current state.

“Seeing butterflies, birds, and other pollinators in the park is a sign of a healthy ecosystem,” she says. “All we had to do was create the right conditions.”

Slated for official completion in 2025 with an outdoor amphitheater, interpretive signage, and additional trails, Ferdinand and the CDC have their eyes set on an even larger area of wetlands to the north of Sankofa.

Along the way, Ferdinand and the CDC attracted many helping hands, and entered into many partnerships, But the catalyst for change arose from the spirit and determination of one woman in the right place at the right time, for the benefit of hundreds in this historic heart of a historic city.

[sissylittlefeather]

Baby, Let's Play House

A/N: I'm not sure how I feel about this one. Like I was so excited to write this idea and then I'm not sure it turned out very well. I don't know. If you like it, let me know because my confidence is slipping. If you read it, thanks as always. You're the reason I do this!

Warning: 18+ minors DNI, kissing, cussing, fingering, p in v penetrative sex, unprotected sex, creampie, infidelity, domestic violence (happens "off screen", Elvis is not violent), mentions of infertility

Word count: ~3.8k

And a little song inspiration for this one. (I know it's not the title song but it inspired the fic lol)

******

You've been on Audubon Drive for several years when the Presleys move in next door. They seem like nice people: a husband, wife, and young adult son. They wave and smile when appropriate and you go on about your daily life.

You don't have children, so it's just you and your husband in your home. You try to convince yourself that he's not a bad man, but when he has a few too many, he has a tendency to make that a hard argument. But what choice do you have? It's 1956 and divorce isn't something anyone goes into lightly. Honestly, you probably just need to toughen up and realize that this is what you signed on for when you married George. Still, some small part of you hopes that there may be more to life.

One day, you decide to take it upon yourself to help George with the chores. Maybe this will reduce his stress and allow him to be kinder to you. You bring the lawnmower out of the garage with the grand idea to mow the lawn on your own. There's only one problem: you've never used a lawnmower before. You go to battle with it for about twenty minutes before you're so frustrated you want to cry. Finally, you sit down in the grass next to it and try to gather yourself. You're just about ready to give up entirely when you hear him. You look up into his face from your place on the ground.

"Ma'am, can I help you at all?" It's the neighbor boy from next door. You say boy, but he's easily in his early twenties. He's a man.

"Oh, well, I'm just, no I'm fine." He sits down next to you on the grass.

"I'll be honest. You don't look fine. Are you sure I can't help?" For the first time, you get a really good look at him. He's impossibly handsome. The lines of his face are like a Greek god and his lips look like they're soft as marshmallows. He kind of takes your breath away, but you're hesitant to let him know that.

"Well. I've never used one of these things before." He chuckles.

"I suspected as much. Can I do it for you?"

"Oh, my husband..."

"Is he here?" He turns to look up at your house.

"No."

"Then why don'tcha let me help? I'll be done before you can shake a stick." He smiles and you almost melt.

"Alright. If you insist."

"I do. I'm Elvis. Elvis Presley." He reaches a hand out to shake yours.

"Y/n. Y/f/n y/l/n. Thank you, Elvis."

"You're welcome, Mrs. Y/l/n." He pops up off the ground and takes the lawnmower. He skillfully maneuvers it around the yard and you watch from the porch for a bit. Then, it occurs to you that you should do something to thank him. You run inside to make some lemonade. When you come back out, he's taken his shirt off and is almost finished. A thin, sheer coating of sweat covers his skin and something inside you jumps. You stand on the porch with your tray trying not to stare at him as his arm muscles flex with the movement of the lawnmower. At one point, he looks up at you and you look away quickly. When you risk a glance back in his direction, he's smiling the dimpled smile again. Eventually, he finishes and parks the lawnmower in front of the porch. He walks up the steps, wet with sweat, and takes the glass of lemonade that you offer him.

"Thank you, ma'am."

"Please don't call me ma'am. It makes me feel like I'm a hundred years old."

"Well, if you don't mind me asking, how old are you?"

"That's not a very nice question to ask a lady."

"Oh, I'm sorry-"

"I'm 33." He nods and smiles again.

"That's not old at all, honey." The switch from ma'am to honey is a subtle but deliberate one.

"How old are you?" He grins devilishly.

"Old enough." You feel your cheeks flush with his flirtatious answer. You're trying very hard not to notice how his tanned skin glistens in the sun. But the way he looks at you, like a puppy who hasn't eaten in a week, makes it hard to ignore how handsome he is. He looks out to your yard again.

"Looks like you need someone to sort out those flower beds. Can I come back this weekend?" You think to yourself that George wouldn't like it. But he's out of town for work this weekend and you do need help with the flower beds.

"Sure. Can you be here Saturday morning?"

"I can be here whenever you want, honey." He winks and hands you his empty glass. Then, he takes your hand and kisses the back of it. "I'll see you on Saturday."

"I'll be waiting." You try to hide your cringe after you say it. What on earth made you say that?! But he takes it in stride, grinning widely.

"It can't come soon enough." He walks back across the yard to his home and goes inside. Your chest is heaving and it feels like you can't breathe. No one has made you feel like this in years.

******

George doesn't even notice that the yard is mowed before he leaves for his business trip. You're torn between being disappointed that he doesn't notice your efforts and relieved that you didn't have to tell him about having the neighbor help.

When Saturday rolls around, you wake up early to make yourself presentable. You catch yourself as you're about to dab on your expensive perfume and look at yourself in the mirror disapprovingly. Why are you trying so hard to impress this young man? You put the perfume down and walk out of the bathroom. But before you make it to the living room you go back and dab on the perfume and swipe on your favorite lipstick. Does it really hurt anything to look and smell nice? No. At least that's what you're going to tell yourself.

He shows up around 10am and knocks on your front door. The butterflies in your stomach are embarrassing and you take a deep breath before opening the door.

"Hi Mrs. Y/l/n!" He smiles brightly and you actively try to calm yourself down.

"Hi Elvis. Thank you again for doing this."

"Oh, it's no trouble!" You walk outside with him and show him what you want done with the flower beds.

"I know that's a lot of work. If you don't finish today, it's okay." You look at him and try not to bat your eyes.

"I'll just come back again." He winks and your stomach flip flops.

"Well, I'll leave you to it." You smile awkwardly and he nods. As you walk away, he calls after you.

"I don't mind if you watch." You turn back to him with a shocked expression on your face. "Kidding. Mostly."

His smirk causes a physical response between your legs and you turn and walk away from him as quickly as possible.

A couple of hours later, you peek through the blinds to check his progress. He's taken his shirt off again and you watch as he wipes his brow. You don't even notice you're biting your lower lip until he looks up at you in the window. He smiles mischievously and you realize you might be in trouble.

After another hour, he knocks on the door. You swallow deeply and open it.

"I think I've done all I can do today. Do you mind if I take a break in here? Maybe have some more lemonade?"

"Oh, of course!" He follows you to the kitchen where you fix him another glass of lemonade. When you hand it to him, your fingers touch and you almost drop it. He takes a long drink and then looks around your house.

"Your husband isn't here?"

"No, he's away for work."

"You have kids?"

"No, no kids."

"Hm." He drinks more from his glass and you take the opportunity to look at him again. His hair has fallen from its perfect, slicked back style and the front pieces hang in his face. You become keenly aware of the fact that you're alone in your house with him and he's half naked. Your imagination begins to run wild and you clear your throat to try to get it to stop.

"How do you like the neighborhood?"

"Oh, it's really nice. It's the best place we've ever lived." You nod and he tells you a little bit about the place they came from and how his music career has allowed him to get something nicer for his family.

When his glass is empty, he looks down at it and then back up at you.

"Would you like some more?"

"No, I'm alright Mrs. Y/l/n."

"You know, you can call me y/n."

"Okay then, y/n." He looks into your eyes for a minute before he takes a step closer to you where you stand leaning against the kitchen counter. You look up at him in anticipation and he reaches behind you to set his glass down. He gets painfully close to you when he does so, close enough for you to catch the scent of his natural musk mixed with some other manly smell. He's absolutely intoxicating.

"I should probably get out of here. Thanks for the lemonade." You nod.

"Of course."

"I'll come back to finish those flower beds sometime this week."

"Okay. That sounds good." You're so discombobulated that you don't even think about what might happen if he shows up when George is home. He's got you so distracted that you almost forget George exists. Then, before he leaves, he leans in and whispers in your ear.

"I like your perfume." As he backs away, his lips graze your cheek and a shiver runs through you. "I'll see you soon."

He turns to walk toward the door and your heart pounds so loud you're pretty sure he can hear it.

******

Thankfully, when he shows up on Wednesday to finish up the flower beds, George is at work. You answer the door and he stands on your porch eagerly.

"Thought I'd come finish those beds, if you don't mind."

"Oh, not at all. Thank you for coming back."

"Well, maybe I missed you." He smiles and your heart turns over in your chest.

"Elvis, you don't know me well enough to miss me."

"Maybe I'd like to know you better, then." He's surprisingly serious when he says it. You open the door for him to walk inside and then close it gently behind him.

"I have a husband." You practically whisper it to him and look down at your feet.

"I know that." He tips your chin up so that you're looking up at him. "You just seem so lonely."

"I am." Your eyes fill with tears as you look at each other. A single tear escapes and slides down your cheek. He catches it and wipes it away with his thumb. Slowly, he leans in and kisses your cheek where the tear was. Electricity runs through you and you're overwhelmed with the need for him to kiss you more. Seemingly reading your mind, he leans in again and presses his lips to yours softly. When he pulls back, his eyes flick between yours and then down to your mouth. You can tell he's about to kiss you again, so you look back down at your feet.

"Elvis, I can't."

"Is he good to you?"

"It doesn't matter."

"Like hell it doesn't!"

"Elvis, please." You look at him desperately and his heart breaks for you.

"Okay. I understand."

"I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay. I'll just get to work on those flower beds."

"You really don't have to."

"Y/n, I want to. Please let me help you." Your heart is warmed by his kindness. He seems to genuinely care about your wellbeing.

"Thank you." He nods and smiles and heads out the front door to the yard.

While he works, you sit in the living room and sob. You're not used to a man who actually cares.

******

"What happened to the flower beds?" George stands at the window on Friday afternoon with a glass of whiskey and a cigarette.

"What do you mean?" You ask innocently, trying to figure out how to answer him.

"They're weeded and there's new flowers."

"Oh, well, I did it. Or rather, I had a friend do them."

"A friend? What friends do you have?" His tone is scathing. He loves to bring up how alone you are.

"The neighbor boy."

"The one with the sideburns and squirrel shoes?"

"Stop, George, he's nice."

"Oh? He's nice? How many times has he been over here?"

"Just a couple of times to help with the yard work." A sickening feeling settles in your stomach as his mouth twists.

"Why is he so keen to help you?"

"He's just a nice kid, George."

"I'll bet he's nice. Men usually are when you fuck them."

"George! I have not!"

"I'm sure, you little whore. You'd give it up to anyone who smiles at you right." You feel the angry tears prick the corners of your eyes.

"George, please stop." He walks towards you menacingly and you cower, trying to avoid him. You close your eyes and pray that he'll get his fill of hurting you quickly.

******

On Saturday morning, George leaves for another business trip and you lay in your bed crying. That's where you are when you hear the soft knock on your door. You don't answer it. But then you hear another knock and Elvis calls to you from the porch.

"Y/n! I know you're in there." You walk to the door and talk to him through it, refusing to open it.

"What do you want, Elvis?"

"I don't know, I just. I wanted to make sure you're okay."

"I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Your husband. He said something to me. Please let me in."

"What did he say?"

"He said 'she's all yours'. Now let me in. I have a bad feeling about this."

"No. Go home, Elvis. It's nothing."

"Alright, now I'm really coming in. You can open this door or I'm breaking it down."

"Elvis. Don't be ridiculous."

"Here I go! You better stay clear." You hear him back up like he's going to actually try to kick the door in, so you open it quickly.

"Stop!"

"There now that's... y/n..." He pushes his way into the room when he sees you, closing the door behind him. You stand and stare at each other. Then, he gently holds his hand up to your face, gingerly ghosting his thumb over the black and purple bruising on your eye.

"Did he do this to you?" His voice is strained and lower than you've ever heard it before.

"It doesn't matter."

"I'll kill him." You can feel the raging energy coming off of him in waves.

"Elvis, please." The desperation in your voice is the only thing that could calm him down.

"Did he do this because of me?" He practically whispers it. You look down at the floor. "Did he?!"

When he gets loud, you wince and move away from him out of habit.

"Oh, god, honey, I'm sorry." He softens again and wraps his arms around you. You don't hold back anymore, sobbing openly on his shoulder. He walks you to the couch and sits you down next to him, still holding you as you cry.

Eventually, you sit up and look into his face. He shakes his head when he sees your eye again.

"I know I'm ugly with this-" You put your hand up to cover it and he brings it back down.

"Stop. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. I just wish I could've been here to protect you."

"Oh Elvis, it's not your-"

He cuts you off by pressing his lips to yours, his hand on the side of your neck. He pulls back a little and whispers, running his thumb gently across your cheek.

"He'll never hurt you again. Not as long as I live." Then he dives back in and kisses you deeply, parting your lips to let his tongue slide into your mouth. He kisses your cheek down to your neck and lays you down on the couch, situating himself beside you. You put your hands on his chest and melt into the closeness of his body. He might be young, but he's strong and for the first time in a long time you feel safe. His hand drifts up and down your back, finally settling on your hip, pulling you tight against him. His mouth finds yours again and your tongues dance against each other passionately.

You know you should stop him. You're married. But you don't. Instead, you let him reach behind you to the zipper on your dress.

"I'm going to take this off now, unless you say no." You're a little surprised at his confidence, but it's obvious he can tell how vulnerable you are. You nod yes and he slowly pulls the zipper down. Then, he sits up and uses both hands to pull your dress forward and down off of your body. He pulls his shirt over his head and kicks off his shoes, lying back down at your side. He rolls his hips into you and you feel his erection pressing against you. His hand slides up your body to your breast and he squeezes it lightly as he kisses your neck. You reach back and unclasp your bra, letting him pull it forward off of you. His mouth immediately goes to one of your nipples and he kisses and nibbles your chest affectionately. He slides his hand under your panties and teases your clit with his finger. Before too long, he slips a long finger into you and begins to pump it in and out. He adds a second finger and kisses your mouth again.

"Does that feel good, darlin'?" You moan softly and nod.

"Yes. Yes it does."

"Good. I just want to make you feel good, baby." He uses his thumb to rub circles on your clit and you whimper with pleasure.

"Oh, you like that?"

"Yes, don't stop!" He slows his fingers down and focuses instead on stimulating your sensitive bud. He drags his thumb over the top of it and moves faster and faster. He watches your body for cues and follows them to bring you the most pleasure. Your breathing picks up as you feel your climax approaching. He rubs a consistent pattern and your orgasm rushes toward you.

"Oh, God, Elvis, yes! Yes!" You cry out as you come hard on his hand. While you ride your body high, he goes back to pumping his fingers, crashing against your g-spot, and you come again, your release splashing out of you. Your legs shake as he pulls his hand away. He pulls your panties down and off and then stands up to remove his pants. They hit the floor and you're shocked to find that he isn't wearing underwear. His cock bounces free and the size of it takes your breath away. He climbs on top of you and aligns himself with your entrance, massaging your sensitive clit with his tip.

"Are you ready?" You look at him hovering above you and you can't believe this is your life. He's so beautiful and so kind. If you're not careful, you'll be in love with him. Finally, you whisper.

"Yes."

He nods and pushes into you, slowly sliding his cock inside. You moan softly as he fills you fully and you stretch around him.

"Oh fuck." He sighs and closes his eyes. You laugh a little at his reaction and he smiles, kissing your shoulder. Then, he picks up a steady pace of fucking into you.

"Is that good, honey?" He whispers in your ear as he pounds you.

"God, yes." You wrap your legs around his waist and he groans. He kisses your mouth with heavy tongue and slows his pace to long, deep strokes.

"Mmm, you feel so good, baby. I could do this forever." A big part of you wishes he would. "But I'm gonna come soon, darlin'. Where should I-?"

"You don't have to stop. I'm not... there won't be a baby." He stops momentarily and looks down into your face. You look away from him and he cups your chin and turns you back to look at him. He kisses your mouth, your cheek, and then your forehead.

"Okay, honey." You never thought you'd find a silver lining to your situation, but here it is. He rolls you on your side to face him with your leg over his hip and begins to pump in and out of you again slowly. Something changes slightly in the way he fucks you. He was gentle and deliberate from the beginning, but now he's even more affectionate, sweetly peppering you with kisses and running his hand over you gingerly. It dawns on you that you've gone from having sex to making love.

He moves his hand down to your hip and holds you tightly as he increases speed.

"Mmm. Baby. It's so good." He rolls his hips into you over and over as his climax approaches. His cock slides in and out quickly and he kisses your mouth one last time before he slams into you and shudders, filling you with warmth. He presses his forehead to yours and breathes heavily. "That was amazing."

You nod and kiss him softly on the lips. He rolls onto his back and rearranges you to lay on his chest. For a young man, he has no problem taking charge and you feel more and more comfortable in his arms. You spend the next few hours in this position, talking about anything and everything. When the sun starts to get low in the sky, he looks out the window.

"Do I need to leave?"

"It's up to you. George won't be home until Monday evening." You feel a lump form in your throat at the thought of spending the next few days alone.

"Then I'm staying. I have to leave on Monday to play a couple of shows, but I'll be back. I'll stay with you until I leave."

"Your parents won't worry about you?"

"I'm an adult. I'll call my mother and tell her I'm staying with a friend for a bit."

And he does. You spend the next two days together, laughing and talking and playing house. You've never been happier in your life. Neither of you thinks about what the future might hold for you. Instead, you revel in the time you have right now with each other. For the moment, you're happy, and no one can take that away from you.

******

Thoughts?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Taglist:

@ccab @elvisfatass @elvisalltheway101 @aliypop @18lkpeters @dkayfixates @tacozebra051 @your-nanas-house @deniseinmn @joshuntildawn13 @lookingforrainbows @60svintage @littlehoneyposts @epthedream69 @louisejoy86 @rjmartin11 @from-memphis-with-love

[skeletor-reads-this-post]

Spring is here

A-suh-puh-ring is here

Life is skittles and life is beer

I think the loveliest time

Of the year is the spring

I do, don't you? 'Course you do

But there's one thing

That makes spring complete for me

And makes every Sunday

A treat for me

All the world seems in tune

On a spring afternoon

When we're poisoning pigeons in the park

Every Sunday you'll see

My sweetheart and me

As we poison the pigeons in the park

When they see us coming

The birdies all try and hide

But they still go for peanuts

When coated with cyanide

The sun's shining bright

Everything seems all right

When we're poisoning pigeons in the park

We've gained notoriety

And caused much anxiety

In the Audubon Society

With our games

They call it impiety

And lack of propriety

And quite a variety

Of unpleasant names

But it's not against any religion

To want to dispose of a pigeon

So if Sunday you're free

Why don't you come with me

And we'll poison the pigeons in the park

And maybe we'll do

In a squirrel or two

While we're poisoning pigeons in the park

We'll murder them all

Amid laughter and merriment

Except for the few

We take home to experiment

My pulse will be quickenin'

With each drop of strychnine

We feed to a pigeon

(It just takes a smidgin!)

To poison a pigeon in the park

These pigeons have been poisoned by Skeletor!!!

Original HERE

Piano nabbed from HERE

(If I may step out of character for a moment; I'm not much of a singer but I went all out on this one because I've been a huge Tom Lehrer fan my whole life. I never met him directly, but he taught math at my hometown university and was a regular at the used bookstore where I had my first job. So thanks for the deep cut, anon💀👍)

[na-bird-of-the-day]

BOTD: American Coot

Photo: Heather Paul

"Coots are tough, adaptable waterbirds. Although they are related to the secretive rails, they swim in the open like ducks and walk about on shore, making themselves at home on golf courses and city park ponds. Usually in flocks, they are aggressive and noisy, making a wide variety of calls by day or night. They have strong legs and big feet with lobed toes, and coots fighting over territorial boundaries will rear up and attack each other with their feet. Often seen walking on open ground near ponds. In taking flight they must patter across the water, flapping their wings furiously, before becoming airborne."

- Audubon Field Guide

[aliypop]

Gentle On My Mind

Word count: 1,115

Prompt: It's a hot summer night in 1956 and with Cecelia's mother on tour she simply needs a friend who happens to be her boyfriend to keep her Gentle on her mind.

Warning: none

Note: I was listening to Gentle On My Mind and got this idea, remember if you have any requests let me know!

Taglist:

@darkmoviesquotespizza

@sissylittlefeather

@richardslady121

@thegettingbyp2

@presleyenterprise

@dkayfixates

@rjmartin11

@thetaoofzoe

@your-nanas-house

@zayurir

@60svintage

@sillybookmarks

@leapresley

@everythingelvispresley

@dreamondina94

@elvismylove04

@pocketfulofpresley

@elvispresley1956

@poeandmoonknightgirl

July 1956

Cecelia parked her Ford Thunderbird outside of the quaint house on Audubon Drive as she walked to the front door of the Presley household. Taking the key from behind the potted roses on the doorstep, Cecelia began to open the door, taking a deep breath in. However, that was until she heard the engine of a certain purple 1956 Cadillac Eldorado pulling in. Rolling her eyes, she couldn't help how extra her boyfriend could be sometimes,

"Nice ride there."

"You like it?" He winked, placing a tender but quick kiss on her lips.

"I do." She laughed, bumping noses, "Say I have a question for you." Cecelia mentioned that as she walked inside the house, she took a deep breath and smelled the faint smell of a home now 10 hours away.

"Yes, darlin'?"

"Elvis, is that you?!" Gladys asked from the kitchen,

"Yes, mama!"

"Need any help, Mrs. Presley!"

"Love Bug, you're here too! " She perked up and walked towards the living room as she hugged Cecelia,

"Nice to see you're home." Gladys kissed her cheek, then her sons, the two gushing at her motherly woes. "Speaking of, I actually have a question..."

"Anything sugar."

"Well, my mama's on tour, and I don't wanna be alone in that great big house 'cause it gets borin' and..."

"You want Elvis to stay with you?"

"I'd like Elvis to stay with me- How'd you know!?"

"I'm a mother. We know these things." She winked,

"Well, can I, mama?"

" Of course, but don't go creatin' no other Presley's." She playfully scolded as the couple blushed out of embarrassment.

Racing to his room, Elvis packed a few clothes as his mind wandered to what they'd be doing, baking or maybe movies, maybe a pillow fort, definitely a pillow fight.

"Alright, I'm ready to go. Call ya when we get there, okay, mama."

When they arrived at Valmos manor, it felt like a ghost town, just an empty shell of a house, no lights on or anything, just silence, peace, and,

"OOOH, YOU HAVE ELVIS OVER. I'M GONNA TELL YOUR MAMA!" Rosa smirked, peering from the fence as Cecelia rolled her eyes,

"I'll tell yours you've got a bun in the oven by Scotty..."

"I saw nothin'..." Rosa mumbled as Elvis chuckled. Taking her key, Cecelia opened the door, turning the lights on as she helped him with his bags,

"Well, what's first?" He asked,

"Pajamas, then I was thinking a pillow fort and a bit of baking?"

"Sounds good to me." The two changed into their night attire, Cecelia in a pink negligée with a matching robe that Elvis bought her and Elvis in embroidered light pink pajamas. Even when they didn't try, they tended to match.

Taking the pillows from every room, they draped the blankets together over the top as they had set up camp in the living room. Until she felt a soft thud against her back. "See, someone isn't playing fair..." Cecelia grumbled as she took a pillow and hit Elvis back, the two erupting in laughter, "Well, I got two!" He smirked as Cecelia hit him in the face, knocking him over, "And I w-" Before she could finish, she exploded in laughter as she felt him tickling her ribs, her breathing shallow as he began to pepper her with kisses,

"THA-THA- THAT'S CHEA AH HA HA." Elvis smirked until she pinned him down, tickling his ribs and then his belly, "H-HEY!" He kept laughing, making her laugh as she stopped,

"Sorry, babe..."

"It's o- HA! Y-Y- YOU MINX!" When the tickle fight finally ended, Cecelia rolled over and purched her head on her palms as she looked over at Elvis,

"Boy, I could sure use somethin' to eat..." He looked at her as she grinned,

"Well, you wanna help make it?"

"I ain't much of a cook..."

"That's alright." She smiled, leading him to the kitchen. Cecelia had a few baking pans, one for cupcakes, another for cookies, and one for her infamous cheesecake tarts.

"We'll start you off with cookies."

"Why cookies?"

"Cause even when burnt, they come out tastin' okay." She shrugged getting the ingredients, Elvis helped her with the flour as she got the butter and eggs and yeast for the dough,

"Now whadya do?"

"Crack the eggs into the bowl."

"Like this?"

"Mhmm." She watched him as she added flour, baking soda, a pinch of salt, sugar and vanilla for taste, "Now what?" He looked back at her,

"You stir it."  

"Like this?" He asked as he was poking the dough mix,

"No, like this," She had one hand on his hip the other on his forearm as she helped him stir. "There you go." Her scent entangling him as their eyes met,

"Cece..."

"Hmm..." Her eyes darting towards his lips, Elvis leaned in as he kissed her sweetly, propping her up on the counter tops as his hands craddled her face,

"Aaron..."

"Shanel..."

"Go wait in the living room." She blushed,

"What did I do wrong?" His chuckle vibrating on her lips, "You are a distraction." She playfully pushed him away, Elvis began to jokingly sulk as he walked to the living room, "Alright, but I'll miss ya!"

"Miss ya more."

Scrolling through the TV Elvis couldn't find anything, except for news, a few cheesy TV movies, and Vampira which whom he had a soft spot for, setting the volume up his eyes were glued as she was showing Dracula tonight, the perfect movie for the perfect ambiance for the perfect sleepover with his perfect girl.

"Pepsi or Coca-cola?!"

"Pepsi if you've got it doll!"

"Alright!"

"What's she up to..." He shook his head smiling, on a serving tray was an array of sweet snacks, cookies, tarts, cupcakes, and "A Pepsi-cola float!" She smirked as Elvis grinned,

"Spoilin' me good huh?"

"Well the key to a mans heart is his stomach." She chuckled scooting over into him as he wrapped themselves in a blanket, his arm around her waist as she fed him a cookie,

"These are delicious..."

"Mhmm..." Cecelia nodded,

"Honey what's wrong?"

"There's an eggshell in mine..."

"Sorry babe." He chuckled, as the night progressed the pair was talking about everything from politics to music, to fashion, movies, their dreams to,

"I'm tellin' ya Captain Marvel Jr. is superior."

"And Superman isn't, I mean, black hair, blue eyes, super kind..." She smirked, "Southern boy, true Americana!" She winked as Elvis laughed,

"Or you like him cause he looks like me."

"Or you look like Superman!"

"What if I am?" He leaned in closer,

"Then I'm your Lois Lane." She held his hand, the two reading from her comic book collection,

"Oh! This ones a good one!"

"Jay Garrick... Cece..."

"What, you've got your lightin' bolt, I've got mine." Sticking her tongue out at him, As the night progressed, the two had been found cuddled up in a warm embrace fast asleep.

[hooked-on-elvis]

Elvis was sued for... being friendly (June 19th, 1956).

Okay, maybe too friendly? Judge for yourselves. That's a funny story! Just... unbelievable!

At the top is page 9 from "Elvis Presley Speaks!" magazine.

The first picture was taken June 19, 1956. That day is full of controversy. Beginning for Elvis attending the “colored night” black-only event at the Memphis Fairgrounds amusement park that evening, but that's a different story (another awesome one, btw!).

Back to the focus point here, that day Elvis was resting at his home (1034, Audubon Drive, Memphis, Tennessee), had just done a local radio show and then went to the Memphis Fairgrounds Amusement Park with his then girlfriend, Barbara Hearn, and some friends. He was being followed around/accompanied by photographer Robert Williams of the Memphis Commercial Appeal and columnist Robert Johnson. The pictures below show Elvis with Barbara at Audubon Drive and in the second one they are at the parking lot of the Memphis Fairgrounds, inside Elvis' car, that very day.

After the Fairgrounds, Elvis, Barbara, other friends, photographer Robert Williams and columnist Robert Johnson. went into the Gridiron Restaurant (Memphis, TN), and there something bizarre, depending on the point of view, happened.

On the picture below, at the restaurant, Elvis is beside the young girl named Robbie Moore (at his right). Photos taken by Robert Williams.

The pictures were published in the fan magazine "Elvis Presley Speaks!". Those pictures show the star laying his head on Robbie's shoulder and eating a burger next to her, while Barbara Hearn, his girlfriend, looks on. It looks harmless, right? But there's more to it. Maybe it can explain why Elvis was sued after all. Fortunately, we have a story about how that meeting happened. Columnist Robert Johnson recalled:

"Elvis spoke to her pleasantly as he entered and said something like, ‘How are you? I haven’t seen you in a long time.’ The girl didn’t say anything. Elvis seemed to be trying to be friendly. He was just teasing and having fun. He opened her purse, looking at her teasingly out of the corner of his eye, but snapped it back shut and put it on the counter (maybe purse-peeking moment is the picture below). He took a nibble of her sandwich and a sip of her milk. That was all. She still did not respond and Elvis laid his head on her shoulder as if to say, ‘Come on, let’s be friends.’ He was just acting in a boyish kind of way.”

Robbie Moore had remembered the event very differently. She certainly did not look very happy in the pictures about what was happening. It seems she was not asked permission to be photographed – and she was even annoyed about the sandwich.

The thing is, two months later, around September 1956, Elvis received a notification that he was going to be sued for $42,500 (around $415,000 in today's money) for invasion of privacy, and assault and battery. The case was settled out of court for $5,500 and widely covered in the press.

When the story went public Elvis said that they had known each other for some years and he had "no idea she would object to the picture." According to the account of that day Robbie gave to the Press-Scimitar, she had never met Elvis before their encounter in the Gridiron.

That's it! Elvis may have learned a lesson from that day, but the whole thing is just SO funny to me! Elvis was so innocent back then, so boyish, at ease. He was very much like an angel, or something close to one.

On Robbie Williams' defense (just because I believe everybody has their own accounts and individuals way of thinking and feeling and this needs to be put to consideration and be respected), even tho she sound like a cranky person, a real Grinch, and in some way opportunist, she was in her rights. Maybe she just didn't like being touched, having her food eaten or having her personal things being rummage by anyone without her permission (no matter who it was or if she knew that person or not), specially when she - not verbally but physically for sure - had shown very clearly (just look at the pictures, imagine her whole vibe that day!) how uncomfortable she was with Elvis' closeness to her.

Poor boy, EP. Learning how people can be... difficult sometimes.

"Elvis Presley Speaks" magazine, 1956: "Read his own story in his own words". There's more photos and many more stories inside that magazine (not only about that June 19th day). If you'd like to read the full magazine online, click here and download the file. ✨

To close this with, cool photos from the same those crazy things happened: Elvis Presley (age 21) in front of the fireplace at his 1034 Audubon Drive home in Memphis, TN on Tuesday, June 19, 1956. Taken by Robert Williams.

That story reminded me a quote, something under the lines: Be a nice person, even if people don't act the same to you. I guess EP knew plenty about that. Even after that episode, he was always the cutest pleasant little boy. ♥ My opinion on this law suit case is: ELVIS WAS JUST BEING HAPPY. A happy person is opened, friendly, nice to whomever comes their way. He wanted to share his happiness, his smile, be nice and make people feel welcomed and appreciated. It just didn't work quite as he expected.

[rabbitcruiser]

National Save the Eagles Day

With eyesight that is eight times better than humans, majestic eagles build their nests on top of high cliffs to get the best vantage point. And with a grip that is up to ten times stronger than humans, eagles are incredibly powerful. Both of these attributes make them amazing hunters. But there was one point when these birds almost became extinct.

National Save the Eagles Day is here to raise awareness about and promote the plight of these marvelous birds.

History of National Save the Eagles Day

Native to North America, Bald eagles were on the endangered species list for several decades but, thankfully, they were saved from extinction and removed from the list in 2007.

While bald eagles and golden eagles are the most well-known in Canada and the US, there are 60 different species of eagles that live all over the globe, many of them in Eurasia or Africa. These birds of prey have large wingspans and spend a lot of their time looking relaxed as they glide effortlessly throughout the air.

National Save the Eagles Day was founded by the local community of Ridgefield Village Park and the Bergen County Audubon Society in an effort to rescue one particular couple of eagles whose habitat was at risk.

When these two eagles, named Alice and Al, built their home in Ridgefield overlooking Overpeck Creek, there was some concern about health risks that might be involved and a development corporation decided to remove the eagles. However, the local community was unhappy with the solution and they decided to organize a way to allow this eagle couple to keep their home. And they succeeded!

Even though National Save the Eagles Day was originally established around a specific set of eagles, it has now gained traction and the celebration has spread!

National Save the Eagles Day Timeline

1782 Bald Eagle is adopted as US symbol

With anecdotal accounts of upwards of 100,000 nesting eagles, Americans choose this as a symbol of freedom.

1971 The Eagles band is formed

A frontrunner in American country rock, this band originally consists of Don Henley, Randy Meisner, Glenn Frey and Bernie Leadon.

1978 Bald Eagle is declared endangered

Under the Endangered Species Act, the US government works to protect the bald eagle, which has only 500 breeding pairs left on the planet.

2007 Bald Eagle removed from endangered list

While still protected, the Bald Eagle emerged from the endangered list as their populations had recovered significantly to more than 300,000.

2015 Save the Eagles Day begins

Founded in an effort to save a particular pair of eagles that were nesting in New Jersey, the first Save the Eagles Day is celebrated.

How to Celebrate National Save the Eagles Day

Get involved and have fun with National Save the Eagles Day by trying out some of these fun ideas:

Go Eagle Watching

Heading out early in the morning to go eagle watching might be the perfect activity to do in celebration of National Save the Eagles Day! Of course, it depends on location, so some people might need to turn it into a road trip to get to a good park or another place that is known for eagle watching.

Eagle watching requires some patience and dedication, but it can also be very satisfying. Head out early because eagles are the most active in the morning, from sunrise until about 10am when bald eagles are likely to be hunting and feeding.

While it might seem odd, some people don’t realize that, in some locations like Washington state, eagle watching is more likely to be successful in years that end in even numbers. This is because “even” numbered years tend to have higher populations of salmon that are swimming upstream. In addition, they may be most prevalent in certain areas in the month of December. And they also seem to enjoy hunting more on days that are cloudy!

Learn Fun Facts About Eagles

One cool way to celebrate National Save the Eagles Day is to raise awareness by learning and sharing some bits of trivia and fun facts about these fascinating birds.

Unlike most species, the female bald eagle is slightly larger than her male partner.

Sadly, most eagle related deaths are caused by humans, including impact with man-made structures, gunshot and poisoning.

While hawks have a strong cry, eagles actually sound a bit silly. Because of this, most films and television shows replace the actual sound of eagles with that of hawks.

Eagles can dive up to 100 miles per hour when hunting and they fly at about 30 miles per hour when traveling casually.

Make a Donation to Save Eagles and Other Wildlife

One superb way to be involved with helping out on National Save the Eagles Day is by making a financial contribution to a charity that helps to protect and rescue animals that are in danger. Consider learning more about one of these charities:

American Bald Eagle Foundation. Working to protect and preserve the habitat for bald eagles, this organization educates and also performs research activities to better serve the needs of these eagles.

American Eagle Foundation. This organization is similar to the one above, but it works to meet the needs of not only the bald eagle but also other birds of prey as well. Their mission is threefold: to conserve, educate and protect.

Defenders of Wildlife. This organization works to protect and help out all wildlife, including the bald eagle which is the only eagle that is unique to North America.

National Wildlife Federation. This is another charity dedicated to protecting and helping at-risk wildlife, including birds of prey.

Listen to Songs by the Eagles

In honor of the day, how about queuing up some music that was made by the classic rock band themselves, the Eagles? With more than twenty albums to their credit, as well as some video albums, there’s plenty of options for listening to this trailblazing country rock band.

Check out one – or several – of these favorite songs by the Eagles in celebration of Save the Eagles Day:

Hotel California (1976). One of the most famous songs by the band, this interesting tune tells a strange story that has been said to be about “excess in America”.

Take It to the Limit (1975). From the album, One of These Nights, this song is all about the encouragement to keep on trying, even when life gets tough.

Peaceful Easy Feeling (1972). From their debut album, this song’s lyrics are about a girl the singer is interested in, but he’s decided ahead of time that he’s not going to let her disturb his “peaceful, easy feeling”.

Take It Easy (1972). Written by Jackson Browne as well as Eagles band member Glenn Frey, this was the first single released by the Eagles and its message is about not getting “too big too fast”.

National Save the Eagles Day FAQs

How do eagles fly?

Eagles are able to fly through the air primarily by their ability to soar.

What do eagles eat?

Eagles typically have a diet of small mammals and birds, such as rabbits, grouse, gulls and more.

What saved the bald eagle from extinction?

Captive breeding, habitat protection, law enforcement and reintroduction efforts helped minimize the risk of extinction for the bald eagle.

Do eagles eat hawks?

Eagles who prey sometimes will eat small hawks or baby hawks after attacking their nest.

Do eagles mate for life?

Usually, bald eagles mate for life, making them loyal spouses and parents for their average 30 years of life.

Source

[monstersinthecosmos]

September 18, 1973

Daniel isn’t a morning person, but he’s so alert when the alarm goes off.

Still dark out, which he wanted. Promised himself he’d get up. Final gift to himself that he can look back on later. 

And still dark when he’s dressed, when he gets a free cup of coffee from the hotel lobby, when he gets in his car. The roads are empty and quiet as he weaves across the city, wondering if he’ll still be here this time tomorrow.

He finds a spot in Audubon Park, the place Louis mentioned. Sits in one of the benches by the water to watch the sunrise.

Something serene had come over him last night, after he had found the address. And he drove by it again afterwards to put his eyes on it. Parked across the street and watched it for a while. The Daniel that had driven across the United States in a frenzy would’ve gone inside immediately, would’ve been banging on the floors trying to wake him, but he feels okay now. Thinks he should be patient, he should try to have a nice dinner, take this moment. 

One more day.

So the sun comes up. He closes his eyes as the warmth hits his face. He breathes the humidity, the taste of the river on the air. He wants to keep this moment, to remember it.

He’s kind to himself, all day. This final day. 

Treats it like a vacation, trying the food New Orleans thrusts upon him. Beignets and muffuletta and gumbo. Praline for desert. Sazerac. 

He watches the sunset in Jackson Square and there’s a jazz band playing in the restaurant where he has dinner. He imagines interviewing the trombonist afterward. Something about him. 

But that was another life. 

Kind to himself, because he knows this is it. 

He heads back to his hotel once it’s dark out, to pick up the tapes. He wonders if he should call his mom, but doesn’t feel bad when he decides not to. 

One day, if his parents ask the right people, they’ll trace him to New Orleans. They’ll figure out he was working for the radio station, that his last known call was to leave the number of the hotel. No guilt, just serenity, happy to leave it behind as he leaves for Lestat’s.

Like he’s a new person, shedding a skin, as he cuts through the vines on the front gate. It’s not even locked. The front door is in such a state of rusted neglect that it breaks right open. 

Moonlight comes in through the windows, through the oak branches, enough to spill across the rows and rows of books, stacked to the ceiling. Sick to his stomach as his eyes sweep across, as he digs a flashlight out of his bag to see better. 

Not sick with dread, the way it’s been cycling through him since he met Louis. No, maybe something like butterflies. Something he can’t quite place. It’s more proof, he thinks; no human could have done something like this. Something this mad, this methodical. He remembers his tape collection, back in San Francisco. Each labeled, just exactly so, in the order he wanted them, perfectly aligned. The only thing in his life he had any control over, that he had the patience for. 

If these are Lestat’s books, if he’s done this, Daniel thinks he understands something of Lestat’s soul. 

He does a circle through the rooms on the first floor. Hundreds of books. Thousands, actually, he’s sure. In both French and English, and sometimes he isn’t sure what language, and so many of them are damaged so badly he can’t read the spines. The ones against the back wall of the dining room are covered in mold, near a broken window, and Daniel wonders how long they’ve been here.

The wood creaks beneath him as he heads upstairs. Slowly, trailing one hand along the wall, unsure if he should trust the bannister. Too dark to make out the paintings on the walls, but his fingertips graze across their heavy wood frames. He wonders how long Lestat lived in this house, if it had ever been a real home to him. If the art was incidental. If he’d truly read all these books.

It’s enough to stop him, at the top of the stairs, wondering how this could happen. 

Thinking about everything Louis had to say about his vampire nature, about his senses, about his perception of pleasure. 

Daniel’s dad used to have those fits sometime, the nightmares. And Daniel felt the heaviness now and then. His mom used to call it the blues, but shooed him out of the bed anyway. Made him go to school. 

And he never really told them why he dropped out. 

Working for the station let him live outside that box, let him sleep in, gave him some breathing room. But he had those days in San Francisco, too. Like when he finally tapped out, knowing he’d never make up all the school he’d missed last time he had an episode.

What about vampires, though?

Do you stay in your house for decades, and surround yourself with books, until you bury yourself in the ground? Do you obsess until you’re completely walled in?

Lestat, are you here? he thinks. He tries saying it loud, but his voice is swallowed by the dust and mold.

Forward, into the darkness. Into a bedroom with the skeleton of a four-poster. The window is broken out, moonlight filling the room with a white glow, roses crawling in over the splintered wood. Something shining on the floor, in the middle of the rotting carpet, and he points his flashlight, kneels to touch.

He feels like an explorer as his fingers caress the smooth gold, like he’s been pushing through a jungle, like he’s finally found the temple. More evidence, even if no one else believes him. He turns the watch over to see the Lestat de Lioncourt carved in delicate letters.

This was Charlie’s problem, maybe. Not that he didn’t have proof that someone else might believe, but that he cared if someone else believed. Daniel rubs his thumb across the gold, swiping away the layer of dust, and knows this is enough. Other people don’t factor into it anymore, not really. Not for Daniel. He’s not sure humans matter anymore. 

He rises, breathes in the dust and mildew. It’s a soft smell, cozy in its own right. Comforting, to be here at last. This close.

Did Lestat ever use this room? He wonders again if this place was ever truly a home. Or was it just somewhere he stayed, the way Daniel stayed in all those gross motels. 

The armoire in the corner groans as he opens it, the wood swollen shut. Full of moth eaten clothes, but they look like they could be from a fairy tale. Yellowed lace and stale velvet, and a black frock coat that falls apart when he touches it. 

He can see Lestat in these clothes, just like Louis described him. Convinced still that he can imagine Lestat’s face, that Louis had transferred it to him somehow. Too radiant, the way Louis was. But maybe he’s beneath the house, hurt and tired, as dusty as everything else.

A car passes outside, splashing light into the room, the shape of the window dancing across the ceiling. And Daniel tries to remember what day of the week it is. What year. He watches a spider on the windowsill and for a moment he feels like he can hear all the creatures in the house; rats beneath the floor and snakes in the garden. Even the termites, chewing through the walls of books. He sets his bag down and sits on the floor, near the window, in a pool of moonlight, and tries to listen for Lestat’s heartbeat.

Daniel isn’t sure how long it’s been since the night he met Louis. Maybe a week, maybe two. His hands move over the tape deck the way they have every night, and he’s so reverent in the way lines the tapes up in the correct order. The stiffness of the plastic case is so familiar now, and then schick as he sets the tape inside. And the way the play button clicks, the tiny squeak of the gears as it begins to roll.

And the static, the room tone from the recording. 

“You weren’t always a vampire, were you?” his voice asks. 

Or, someone’s voice asks. Daniel doesn’t think he’s that boy anymore. Sounded nervous already, unsure if he’d made a mistake, if the interview was safe.

“No,” Louis answers. “I was a twenty-five-year-old man when I became a vampire, and the year was 1791.”

“1791,” Daniel repeats, on the tape. And no one likes their own voice, but Daniel doesn’t mind because it’s not his anymore. But the boy sounds like he’s out of breath, and he’s stuttering a little as he asks the follow up. “How did it come about?”

“There’s a simple answer to that,” Louis says gently. So gently, and his voice is so soothing, even through the tape. Daniel turns the volume up, hoping Lestat will hear it. “I think I want to tell you the real story.”

“Yes.”

Daniel has listened to this a dozen times by now, each time further away from it, less and less the interviewer. He pats his pockets down for his cigarettes, lighting one as he stares down at the little speaker, letting Louis’s voice soak into him with the nicotine.

“There was a tragedy.”

[previous day] | [next day]

[vintageshanny]

I feel like I’m still kind of recovering emotionally from my trip to Memphis last week. It’s hard to even put into words the feeling of being inside of Elvis’ home. Getting to see and experience some of the things that played such an important role in his life made me feel even more connected to him. My love for him, both for his talent and for him as a man, only continues to grow. I bought this little replica of the stained glass peacock at Graceland, and now it feels like I have a little bit of his home in my home. ❤️

I know a lot of people are planning or potentially planning trips to Memphis. Here is a list of what I saw there (most of it is Elvis-related of course!); please feel free to comment or message me if you want to know more about something or wonder if it was worth it. Some are not open to the public but there are signs outside, and others have actual tours.

Beale Street

Elvis Presley Plaza

Coletta’s Italian Restaurant (with Elvis room)

Lauderdale Courts

Humes High

1034 Audubon Drive

Tiger Man Karate Dojo

Graceland UVIP Tour

Arcade Diner (with Elvis booth)

Tour of Circuit Playhouse (formerly the Memphian Theater)

Sun Studio tour

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Marlowe’s (this is the restaurant that will pick you up in a pink car)

Overton Park Shell (you can go up on the stage where he gave his first concert!)

Hotel Chisca

American Sound Studio site (there is now a Family Dollar there, but there is a nice commemorative sign)

Memphis Fairgrounds (this is now essentially a parking lot, but we did see them setting up rides for a traveling fair)

National Civil Rights Museum

Bass Pro Pyramid

Elvis Birthplace House and Museum in Tupelo

Tupelo Hardware

Fair park in Tupelo (with Elvis Homecoming Statue)

Johnny’s Drive-In in Tupelo (with Elvis booth)

[rjzimmerman]

Great Lakes piping plover Imani stretches his wings after helping to incubate an egg at Montrose Beach in Chicago on May 31, 2024. The Chicago Park District announced the presence of a new egg on the protected area at the Montrose Beach Dunes. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Great Lakes piping plover Searocket looks for food near a nest where she laid an egg at Montrose Beach on May 31, 2024, in Chicago. The Park District announced the presence of a new egg on the protected area at Montrose Beach Dunes. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Excerpt from this story from the Chicago Tribune:

Captive-reared piping plovers are making history as they guard two separate nests with eggs in Waukegan and Chicago.

Three plover eggs were documented Saturday in Waukegan, and 30 miles down the Lake Michigan shoreline, another egg was confirmed at Montrose Beach.

“This is an historic event for the Great Lakes Piping Plover Project,” said Brad Semel, endangered species recovery specialist for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Three of the four parents-to-be, Blaze, Pepper and Searocket, hatched in a captive-rearing facility in Michigan last summer. They were released as chicks near Montrose Beach and Illinois Beach State Park in Zion last July, and have returned from their southerly wintering locations to start families.

The fourth plover is Imani, born in the wild at Montrose Beach to Monty and Rose, the famous plover pair that first captured Chicago’s attention in 2019.

Captive-reared plovers have never laid eggs in Illinois before, only in Michigan, Semel said.

Carolyn Lueck, a volunteer plover monitor with the Lake County Audubon Society’s Sharing Our Shore-Waukegan program has been visiting Blaze and Pepper almost daily since the plovers returned from two different wintering homes within a day of each other in May.

“By Saturday, we had three eggs and were anticipating a fourth,” said Lueck, a former Lake Forest and Chicago resident who now lives in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. If the captive-reared plovers can raise wild piping plovers, that will show the “great experiment,” to save the endangered shorebird species can be successful, she said.

“Blaze and Pepper have been very diligent,” Lueck said. “They never leave that nest unattended. They’re protecting it from the grackles and other threats.”

[cityofdreamsrp]

THINGS TO DO: LET’S EXPLORE NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA!

New Orleans is a Louisiana city on the Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico. Nicknamed the "Big Easy," it's known for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene and spicy, singular cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. Embodying its festive spirit is Mardi Gras, the late-winter carnival famed for raucous costumed parades and street parties. 

Explore the Historic French Quarter

The French Quarter is always a must-do, any time of year. As the city’s oldest neighborhood, the Vieux Carre is packed with gorgeous architecture, loads of history, a wealth of food and music, and a cast of characters including long-time residents, chatty tour guides, and talented street performers

Take a History Tour of the Garden District

Upriver from the French Quarter lies the Garden District. Take a tour of this neighborhood’s grand mansions and historic cemeteries. The houses and history are a draw, but the neighborhood also offers a wealth of shops and cafes, as well as Commander’s Palace, one of New Orleans’ best restaurants.

Relax at the New Orleans City Park & Art Museum

New Orleans City Park offers a lovely respite from the city and is a great place to spend an afternoon, according to recent visitors. Take a nature stroll through the 10-acre New Orleans Botanical Garden (which boasts 2,000 different varieties of plants) or peruse the art hanging in the adjacent New Orleans Museum of Art.

Tour the New Orleans Jazz Museum

It's only logical for New Orleans to be home to a jazz museum, for this is the city where the musical genre was born. At this comprehensive repository of artifacts from the very beginning of the 20th century, you'll see and hear the history of jazz. The museum also presents more than 365 concerts a year and hosts educational programs on the city's legends, from Louis Armstrong to Al Hirt, Louis Prima and more.

Catch a Ride on the Algiers Ferry

Hop aboard the historic Algiers Ferry to feel the power of the Mississippi firsthand. The short ride on this commuter ferry will give you an amazing view of the city and a few minutes to be one with the river.

See the City on the Streetcars

New Orleans’ streetcar system has been rolling since 1835. While you can no longer ride the Desire line made famous by Tennessee Williams, the existing lines offer a great way to see the city. The newer red streetcars run out to Mid-City, while the older, original green cars take you down historic St. Charles Avenue, past beautiful houses in the famed Garden District and Audubon Park.

Cool-off at the Aubodon Zoo

Spend an afternoon at one of the top zoos in the country. The Audubon Zoo has world-class exhibits featuring animals from Asia, Africa, and South America. You’ll also see seals, reptiles, and a glimpse of the Louisiana swamp. Located behind Audubon Park, the zoo is dotted with majestic oak trees (keep an eye out for resident peacocks). In the summer, the Cool Zoo water park offers a respite from the heat.

Get Classic New Orleans Fair at Cafe Du Monde

The Original Cafe Du Monde Coffee Stand was established in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market. From beignets to café au lait, Café Du Monde is a New Orleans tradition.

Shop the French Market at the Colonnade

The French Market is a market and series of commercial buildings spanning six blocks in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. It is one of the oldest trading posts in the US. Get your milk, bread,and  eggs, along with unique souvenirs. 

Check out Faulkner Books

Faulkner House Books is located in the heart of New Orleans’ beautiful and historic French Quarter, just off Jackson Square, behind the Cabildo and opposite St. Louis Cathedral’s rear garden. Founded in 1988 by attorney Joseph J. DeSalvo Jr. and his wife Rosemary James, Faulkner House Books is a sanctuary for fine literature and rare editions, including, of course, books by and about Mr. Faulkner.

Get Adventurous with the Swamp Kayak Tour

The Manchac Swamp tour is a secluded, calm, and pristine tour. If you are searching for a gorgeous, natural, and picturesque kayak swamp tour – this is your tour! Deep in New Orleans bordering swamps enjoy calm waters with maybe the occasional wildlife spotting.

Join a Alligator Tour

Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours is located just 15 minutes from New Orleans and offers swamp and airboat tours of Louisiana's back country. They guarantee you will get upclose with the swamp’s best residents, alligators.

Dare Yourself with the Voodoo Mystery and Paranormal Tour

This New Orleans voodoo and mystery tour takes you into the Big Easy's history of vampirism, occult activity, paranormal occurrences and even piracy. Hear tales of haunted buildings, lost treasure and documented sightings of ghosts and vampires as you explore. Use of pro ghost-hunting equipment is also included.

Get in on a Pub Crawl

Explore the famous Magazine street pubs and bars with this one of a kind pub crawl. Come with your walking shoes and an excitement for the nightlife. Open 7 days a week.

[ainawgsd]

On the way home from Mammoth Cave we drove past the John James Audubon State Park and stopped to visit the museum. We bought this trivet in the gift shop.

[tma-entity-song-poll]

Battle of the Fear Bands B2R2: The Corruption

Poisoning Pigeons in the Park:

“Dead pigeon do not eat- does what it says on the tin! A song about poisoning some pigeons as a date idea.”

The Hearse Song:

“This is literally the corruption you guys (But it can also be read as the buried or the end, but the three are close!)”

Lyrics below the line!

Poisoning Pigeons in the Park:

Spring is here A-suh-puh-ring is here Life is skittles and life is beer I think the loveliest time Of the year is the spring I do, don't you? 'Course you do But there's one thing That makes spring complete for me And makes every Sunday A treat for me All the world seems in tune On a spring afternoon When we're poisoning pigeons in the park Every Sunday you'll see My sweetheart and me As we poison the pigeons in the park When they see us coming The birdies all try and hide But they still go for peanuts When coated with cyanide The sun's shining bright Everything seems all right When we're poisoning pigeons in the park We've gained notoriety And caused much anxiety In the Audubon Society With our games They call it impiety And lack of propriety And quite a variety Of unpleasant names But it's not against any religion To want to dispose of a pigeon So if Sunday you're free Why don't you come with me And we'll poison the pigeons in the park And maybe we'll do In a squirrel or two While we're poisoning pigeons in the park We'll murder them all Amid laughter and merriment Except for the few We take home to experiment My pulse will be quickenin' With each drop of strychnine We feed to a pigeon (It just takes a smidgin!) To poison a pigeon in the park

The Hearse Song:

Don't ever laugh as a hearse goes by For you may be the next to die They wrap you up in bloody sheets To drop you six feet underneath They put you in a pinewood box And cover you up with dirt and rocks It all goes well for about a week And then, your coffin begins to leak And the worms crawl in, the worms crawl out The worms play pinochle on your snout They eat your eyes, they eat your nose As you begin to decompose A slimy beetle with demon's eyes Chews through your stomach and out your sides Your stomach turns to rancid grease And puss pours out like melted cheese You spread it on a slice of bread And that's what you'll eat when you're dead And the worms crawl out, the worms crawl in The ones that crawl in are lean and thin The ones that crawl out are fat and stout Your eyes fall in, and your hair falls out Your brain turns into maggot pie Your liver starts to liquify And for the living, all is well As you sink further into hell And the flames rise up to drag you down Into the fire, where you will drown Your skin melts off as you descend And Satan tears you limb from limb Your suffering will never end And the worms crawl in, the worms crawl out They'll eat your guts and then shit them out And when your bones begin to rot The worms remain, but you do not So don't ever laugh as a hearse goes by For someday, you'll be the one to die And when Death brings his cold despair Ask yourself, "Will anyone care?"

[everydayesterday]

A Snow Goose a long, long way from home. Most of them [via the Audubon Bird Migration Explorer] are in Siberia, Alaska, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut at this time of year (and not, y'know, in Tennessee).

photo by me. 2023-08-30 Nashville, TN (Centennial Park)

(along with the Limpkin — who should either be in Florida or South America — that's two rare sightings for me today)

[bunkershotgolf]

Branson Golf Thriving; Recognized as 2022 Leading North American Destination

Sustained Momentum Forecast for 2023, More Enhancements Set to Debut

Branson Golf – home to 10 extremely diverse yet highly complementary courses in the Southwest Missouri Ozarks – had an exceptional 2022 season that included increased visitors, additional best-of honors, and pervasive media coverage extoling the destination’s must-visit status.

The flourishing golf travel venue now claims five of Missouri’s top-10 rated courses (and three ranked among the top 100 nationally), and five courses hold Audubon International Signature Sanctuary certification for their sustainability and environmental best practices.

Virtually each course in the destination experienced upticks in key metrics, underscoring the increased number of players who are coming to play here.

At LedgeStone Country Club (Tim Clark design), for example, 2022 was the best year for rounds and revenue in the 29 years the course has been operating.

Branson Hills Golf Club (Chuck Smith and Bobby Clampett) realized a significant increase in membership and merchandise sales, and the golf course was in better shape than ever with faster green speeds and improved rough in high-traffic areas. The club recently installed all new wood flooring in the clubhouse, adding a revitalized look to the upscale club.

Area players and golf travelers are choosing Branson Golf for many reasons, not the least of which are the five courses under the Big Cedar Golf mantle – Payne’s Valley (Tiger Woods and Johnny Morris), Ozarks National (Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw), Buffalo Ridge (Tom Fazio and Morris), Top of the Rock (Jack Nicklaus), and Mountain Top (Gary Player).

Big Cedar added a caddie program in 2022, as well as a half-way house at Payne’s Valley and a tee-side bar at the bonus 19th hole there. This winter Payne’s Valley, Buffalo Ridge and Top of the Rock remain open (weather permitting). Ozarks National and Mountain Top are closed from now until Friday, March 10.

The courses at Thousand Hills (Bob Cupp), The Pointe, and Holiday Hills continue to be player favorites and some of the most popular, particularly for local and regional golfers.

“We’ve entered a new era with our golf destination and once people come here to experience it, they keep coming back due to the high quality of the courses and our after-golf activities,” said Lynn Berry, Explore Branson, Director of Communications. “We look forward to welcoming new visitors in 2023.”

The blossoming golf haven is made more captivating thanks to the destination’s plethora of complementary other attractions.  Three superb lakes offer boating and water sports. Astounding museums – Titanic Branson and Ancient Ozarks Natural History – showcase displays not found anywhere else. Also beckoning are hundreds of restaurants and lodging establishments, dozens of live entertainment theatres, an array of outdoor adventure options, and Silver Dollar City (award-winning theme park).

Most of Branson’s courses are open year-round. Call to confirm playing availability via the phone numbers below. For those considering booking stay-and-play packages for 2023, reach out sooner than later as the tee times are filling fast and ahead of time due to the popularity of the golf destination. For more information about Branson Golf, visit www.explorebranson.com/golf or www.facebook.com/bransongolf

About Explore Branson Golf

Ozarks National, 800.225.6343

Mountain Top, 800.225.6343

The Pointe, 417.334.4477

Thousand Hills, 800.487.0769, 417.334.4553

Buffalo Ridge, 800.225.6343

LedgeStone, 417.335.8187

Top of the Rock, 800.225.6343

Branson Hills, 417.337.2963

Payne’s Valley, 800.225.6343

Holiday Hills, 417.334.4838

About Explore Branson

Branson is a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains — and an incredible value — with dozens of live performance theatres, three pristine lakes, an international award-winning theme park, dozens of attractions and museums, a Historic Downtown district, a Town Center-style shopping complex, a full range of dining options, and a host of hotels, motels, resorts, RV parks, campgrounds, sports venues, and meeting and conference facilities. Branson is less than one day’s drive for one-third of America’s residents. With low-cost flights to the Branson Airport (BKG www.flybranson.com) and nearby Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF), it has never been easier to access Branson. Call 1-800-296-0463 for help planning your next vacation, convention or reunion. See more at: http://www.explorebranson.com

[killerchickadee]

My road trip plan was to stop in Nebraska along the way to see sandhill cranes. That's their main stopping point during migration and even though it's a bit early for them there's already been flocks showing up in the midwest.

But I keep checking the Audubon society's camera where they hang out and.... no cranes.

So now I'm like.... ok I'll be passing through again on the 6th which is more in migration season, but stopping on the way home really throws off my timeline, because it's 10 hours to get home from there, and I'll have to stop at my friend's place to pick up Oscar and find parking in my neighborhood at night and like.... get home at like 7 or 8pm after two full days on the road, and then go to work at 5am the next day?

I'm just disappointed. I don't even want to go on this trip and the cranes were the only thing I was excited about.