How I spent my Christmas vacation with Nora in Iowa

[anneintoronto]

As I had the prospect of spending my vacation between Christmas and New Year's on my own, I decided to head for my great friend, Nora's, in Iowa.  I knew I'd need lots of hugs and encouragement and knew that that was where I would get them!  She, Joe, her husband, and Billy Bob, their 6 month old Border Collie, welcomed me with open arms, excited licks (that was Billy Bob!) and lots of support!  It couldn't get much better!!

As you will see, Nora took me to Houston MN to visit with Karla Bloem and her Alice, the famous Great-Horned Owl, at the Houston (MN) Nature Center.  We had a wonderful chat with Karla over lunch.  She is very knowledgeable about owls.  And you can see in her face and her actions, how much she loves them!  An amazing lady!  After lunch, she took us back to the centre, where we once again came face to face, talon to knee, with Alice!  It was all so incredible!!  I hope you enjoy the photos!

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When people asked me why I was going to Iowa in December, they sounded amazed!  What about all that snow, the wind, the low temperatures?  Was I crazy?  And I replied that that was where Nora was and to heck with the rest of it!!  I was amazed at the amount of snow and the cold winds, but on the other hand the snow was beautiful!  I hope I've captured that beauty in the following photos.

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All I can say is thank you to Nora, Joe and Billy Bob for helping me through a potentially hard time.  For feeding me delicious meals, making sure I was getting enough sleep ; ), making sure I was on time for my airplane flight!  Their generosity was unending -- right down to Joe giving me his down-filled vest!  I had a wonderful time!  As I said, it just couldn't get much better!!

Anne in Toronto

[Mirta]

Hi Anne C.!!
I`m so glad you had enjoyed your visit to Nora.
How wonderful this group has been , not only to help falcon! We all had been blessed with great friends!
A big hug
Mirta

[Patti from Kentucky]

Nice photos; so glad Nora and company helped take care of you through the holidays...

[BIGFRANK]

Sounds like a great trip/visit Annie. Im sure U were thrilled meeting Alice!

[Kris G.]

Beautiful Owl and snow pics, Anne!  Thanks for sharing and glad you had a good time with Nora and family.

[Carol P.]

What a wonderful time you had with Nora and her family.  Thanks for sharing with us Anne.

[MAK]

  Nice pics Anne!   Billy Bob is very cute! How great it must be to have such a magnificent bird sitting in your lap!  Thanks for sharing.

[jeanne]

Really beautiful pictures, Anne!  So glad you could all get together!  Billy Bob is adorable!  I was struck by how big Alice is! WOW! 

[NoraH]

You know you're welcome anytime good buddy, it was a fun week!  You mentioned the licks, but not the puppy chomps    He'll grow out of it. 

[jeanne]

You know you're welcome anytime good buddy, it was a fun week!  You mentioned the licks, but not the puppy chomps    He'll grow out of it. 

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