Iowa Birds 4: Red-Eyed Vireo, American Robin, and Eastern Bluebird

Finally getting another bird post up!

Grandma, Babe, & Friends

My grandma Marion speaks fondly of her horse, Babe.

Marion and Babe

To ease the loneliness of life in Saskatchewan she and Babe would go for long rides on Sunday afternoons.

Sometimes she would ride across country to visit her friend Rose Marie.

(L-R)Marion,her little sister Mae,and Rose

They have an inspiring friendship that has lasted since country school days--over eighty years. Grandma was seven when they met.

Rose and her brother, Wallace, at the country school

They’ve lived in separate countries for decades now, but in spite of that, and physical difficulties, have maintained their friendship. Rose’s eyesight is nearly gone, but she still sent grandma a hand-written note inside of a card last year.

I love this picture.

Grandma also told me that one time a bunch of cows got loose on Jean Sims’ property.

Marion and I’m assuming one of their calves?

Marion and Jean

She and Jean hopped on bareback horses and rounded them up!

 

Grandma and Jean by Jean’s car. I hear she liked to drive fast! By today’s standards, though, perhaps her speeds would seem tame…

Jean was a neighbor and friend who would later marry grandma’s older brother, Ken.

Ken and Auntie Jean(center) on their wedding day. Her spunk really shines through in this picture.