Farewell Party!!!

[DelmaWhisenhunt]

I sure can't complain that the martins has forgotten to do a finale for me. The past two or three late afternoons the sky has been full of martins. Nice that they choose to perform over my back yard and house. They come so close shadows are made as they soar over-head. Now that two nests of blue birds has hatched (if that be the term) my front yard is blessed with blue. Yes! I get the side enjoyment. It is so hot, I figure the martins will be leaving soon and bring to closing the year 2010 for our location. Hot Okla. Can't believe in years gone by, how I used to work in fields, and never gave a second thought, except this is my life. Sure be difficult to pick up that role again, in fact I'd be fired on the job, because I would be looking for a shade and a glass of ice tea.

[DelmaWhisenhunt]

Season here and gone/ even no success for me. Still a small number in the area, but feel most have left this hot Okla. temperature. Thankful they gave me a three day late evening show.

[KathyF]

Delma,
You would certainly enjoy the roost that forms in Tulsa - it is the most awesome purple martin show! Contact Dick Sherry through the forum if you're interested in going.

[Fredmyyster]

It has been a great season ! In the least few days i have only seen 1 martin and that was just for a few minutes this morning. Cheers ! !

[DelmaWhisenhunt]

My son that lives south of Weatherford, Tx. told me he has only two pairs of martins that have nested, but the big field behind his house and back yard is a real show late each evening. The sky is black with martins and many light on the high line wire that runs along his back yard fence. He wonders if they are gathering numbers getting ready to head south. I have decided with the martin craze you wonder about many things, did we do the right thing or the wrong thing. He built such a nice house, 24 rooms and only two to be occupied, maybe those showing up late in the evening will remember the accomodations next season. He had such bad luck last year with the storm blowing the house down, little ones to perish. Would take a real storm to blow the new house down.

[RC Moser]

title of this post brings to mind an good old country song sung by a great texas singer, IMO one of country's best Male voice's!

IF anybody has realplayer on your computer and can surf youtube you can download all the classics on your computer for free. which I am listen to right now

""When the last breath of life is gone from my body and lips are as cold as the sea-----when my friends gather around for my farewell party won't you pretend you love me! "" One of my favorite songs by Gene Watson!

Hang in there Delma, I just know your going to get purple Martins some day!!!!

[redfinch]

Delma, I told my husband the other day that I sure wouldn't make a good frontier woman. Working out in the fields would do me in in no time. We'd probably starve to death. It use to be a lot easier several years ago tending to the garden. Think the heat is not my cup of tea. Have to plan our day according to the weather. Ha!

It has been a good year for us with our martins. We only have two houses, but they have been good tenants and brought us a lot of laughs this season. Still have two with eggs. The other house has fledged and the youngsters are enjoying the neighborhood.

Our bluebirds are on their second batch of little ones and they are about to leave the nest. Could be any day now. Usually she lays 3 batches a season.

Don't give up on the martins. Our neighbors have had a house up for 5 yrs. right in the next yard. This year they got a pair. Don't have to tell you how excited they are.

[DelmaWhisenhunt]

Since I discovered the blue birds were building a new nest I have been watching for location since I closed the martin house. I saw two sitting on the lowered martin house this morning/ guess they were thinking a dirty trick had come along. I have big plans for next martin season/ ever once in awhile I throw in the towel, but within a day or so I grab it and start planning again. The gardening was mentioned/ I really miss having a garden for fresh vegetables. My husband was good to work a garden, and then to help gather, so I really miss and have fond memories. The heat has been so bad, I try to do my mowing late in the evening and takes me two evenings since I mow 1 1/2 Acres. My husband would likely tell me sell and go where the kids are located, but I am not sure. I sure love sitting on the front porch with a cup of coffee and enjoying the yard, trees, birds, etc. Even tho its been almost five years since I lost my mate, I am not ready to leave my wonderful home, so I just keep the fond memories and try to do as many things as I can to enjoy and that includes doing my best to become a martin landlord. My husband didn't share that enthusiasm, but would help me with what he called wild ideas.
He had moved a house three times and as he finished that 3rd time, he remarked "Honey, this is it".