Lisa's Lounge

Sadly it looks like only one of the 4 eggs has survived to real birdie-hood. Mama Bird is very loud and flustered when we go out on the patio - or even if we just open the back door! Here she is all puffed up and squawking a couple of days ago:



Today I notice she enlisted help - there are two of them now, feeding the one little baby and squawking any time the back door is opened...



And here is what Mad Mama Bird is so fiercely protecting - a cute fuzzy little baby mockingbird!

We have a nice hanging basket of flowers on the patio - well, used to be nice. About 2 days after we hung it up, a Mockingbird decided to build a nest in it. We discovered 4 little eggs - so we have been gentle when watering.



Today the Mama Mockingbird was really uneasy with the dogs and me being out there. She first flew off to this fence post -




Then braved the nearby roof - and finally just braved it and flew on in. You can just see her at the top center of the 2nd photo...




I went out to check the watering I was doing, and she was not there, nor did I see her anywhere. So I took a peek -



And now I know why she was so nervous! They look kinda gross, but it looks like they are still hatching, so hopefully they are okay.

More to come on the Mills' Mockingbird Chronicles...

(We'll have to keep an eye on a particular beagle)

As a fan of Texas Longhorn Baseball, I have already witnessed college baseball history several times. Saturday night, May 30, 2009, is now #2 in the greatest moments list. (#1 is of course being in Omaha in 2005, the last time Texas won the National Championship) I witnessed a 25 inning baseball game this past weekend. Thankfully, Texas won, because it would have really sucked walking out of Disch-Falk Field at 1:15am after watching just over 7 hours of baseball as the losers. This photo of the scoreboard shows the game to be in the 5th innning... but look at the time - that is 1:15AM - and that is the 25th inning.




I'd guess that 90% of the initial 7,000+ fans at the game stayed for the whole thing. The auxilary stands are shown here - so I know the main grandstand was full!



On the road to Omaha, we start with 64 teams that compete in 16 regional tournaments. Those 16 winners will now play in 8 super regional tournaments, for a best two out of three series. Those 8 winners advance to Omaha, Nebraska, for the NCAA Division I College World Series. Texas has had a dry spell - they have not been to Omaha since 2005. :-) I know I know... cry me a river. But it is a well known fact that University of Texas fans are spoiled.

Even though bronchitis tried to interfere with my fun - I did not go to work at all last week - I made it to all 3 games. That Saturday marathon about wiped me out!

I am looking forward to one more weekend at the Disch!

We had a special guest at the UT baseball game yesterday (other than my new baseball buddy, Nicole...)

UNO!





Elway was visibly unimpressed... his response was "Uno Schmooono"

Edge was equally nonchalant...

Spring came and went already - we should be hitting the 100 degree mark soon. Or darn close to it anyway. It's hot!!




The University of Texas' baseball team won the "regular season" Big 12 Championship last weekend. The Big 12, for monetary reasons I'm sure, also has a Big 12 tournament. It's kind of silly. Doesn't REALLY matter who wins the tournament. Texas has lost the tournament before but still gone on to Omaha for the College World Series. The Longhorns will host a regional, and hopefully if they win that, a Super Regional. Across the country 64 teams play in a 4 team regional. Those 16 winners then compete in 8 Super Regionals. Those 8 winners go on to Omaha for the College World Series.

Too bad NCAA Football doesn't have a playoff system.

For clarity's sake, the below photo is not the Big 12 trophy, it is the "Lone Star Showdown" trophy that is traded each year between Aggy in Collie Station and Texas. It usually stays in Austin. I can't remember when Aggy won a series against Texas in baseball.



Nicole joined me for some sweaty baseball watchin' fun...

Looky! I've got termaters!

First, you have this...







Then you have to come home and go back to work.

We had a great time on the "Milburn" 2009 vacation!