I wrote MAM's musings weekly for almost 10 years. I began it with the Silver City Sun-News. When the editor who had taken on the column left the paper, I offered it to the Silver City Daily Press, and the editor, Richard Correa, grabbed it. Since early 2001, it appeared every Friday in the Daily Press, with the exception of two times that I recall. I'll update it as new sightings happen, so check regularly.

So MAM's musings has been re-created as Just Call Me MAM with a similar topic and musings about the outdors.

It comprises my observations and my opinion.

The Oddest Thing

By Mary Alice Murphy

When I woke up this morning, it was snowing. You might have seen it, too. It didn't seem to last long enough to let much stick, and now it's gone.

But what I found odd was to see the snowflakes coming straight down. Most of the time around here, the snow flies by horizontally.

When I commented on it to one friend, she said it found it beautiful and peaceful.

Read more ...

Do-si-do

Just Call Me MAM

By Mary Alice Murphy

This evening, just after sunset when it started to get dark, the critters entertained us as we washed dishes.

A couple of Gambel's quail showed up to eat the bird seed on the ground under the feeders. More quail joined them and at last check at least 10 ran around where I could see them out the window above the sink.

Then I looked up from my task to see a spike buck trying to nudge one of the seed feeders. He seemed not too happy with the ones on the ground and wanted fresh ones, I guess. He didn't succeed in getting to the fresher seeds.

Read more ...

I missed this gorgeous sunset

I'm sorry I missed this gorgeous sunset, while I was madly finished an article on Wednesday. Thankfully Susan Hicks didn't miss it. She sent me this photo yesterday of her lovely photo of another one of our awesome sunsets. 

sunset 81723 tyrone

I encourage each and every one of us to spend time outside enjoying all that nature offers us every day. Even during this heat, if you pay attention you can see even tiny little awesome natural events each day.

For instance, yesterday, just out our windows into our back yard, what should walk by, but a doe, a buck and two spotted fawns. What a treat! I don't think this was our mama from the fawn photo posted a few weeks ago, because I only saw one fawn that time.

Read more ...

A new baby on the property

new fawn 080123 2

This morning, Tuesday, I went for my customary walk. The air was fresh and nice, with a small breeze.

I came traipsing down our driveway at the end of my walk and spotted something unusual in the at-that-time-somewhat-shaded gravel parking area. As I got closer, I realized the item was a sweet new baby fawn. The bright white spots stood out against the dark brown fur.

It lay so still that I worried it was not alive. But I could see the faint rise and fall of its sides and an occasional slight nose twitch.

Read more ...

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