Human traits of Crows

Happy Hour Discussion

 Crows display a remarkable array of complex, human-like traits, boasting an intelligence comparable to that of a seven-year-old human child. Their behaviors range from complex tool-making and facial recognition to highly developed social structures.

These uncanny avian intellects share several specific behaviors with us:

Tool Use and Modification: Crows don't just use tools; they fashion them. They will strip twigs, bend wire to make hooks, and even drop nuts into busy intersections for cars to crack open.

Face Recognition and Grudges: They never forget a face. Research shows they can identify individual humans, remember threats for years, and even pass this information down to their offspring through vocal warnings and group behavior.

Social Learning and Teaching: Crows have tight-knit family units. They teach their young complex survival skills, such as which humans to avoid and where to find food.

Complex Communication: Crows have a vast, localized vocabulary and can even imitate human words and sounds."Funerals" and Grieving: When a crow dies, the flock often gathers around the body in what researchers describe as a silent vigil. This behavior is likely a way to assess danger and learn to avoid the area.

Gift-Giving: Crows that have formed a bond of trust with a human (such as someone who regularly feeds them) have been documented leaving shiny objects, buttons, jewelry, and coins as "gifts".

Class of '61 Reunion 2026

 Class of '61, Jefferson Iowa

Back Row L to R: Mike Brady, Don Egan, Ellie Brown, Jayne Owen, Mike Vincent, Charlene King, Bill Flgenshaw, Keith Conroy, Toni Roberts, Steve Melson, Dee Lindsey, Darrel Millard

Front Row L to R: Pat Rusnak, Janet "Granny" Smith, Carol Zwicky, Barb Brooker, Donna Lawson

Dee Van

Dee is the glue that keeps us all together. Currently, she has to take care of her husband and can only stop to see us for a short time. You do a great job, Dee

And we appreciate all you do..

Pat Rusnak was our host on Friday night. She, too, did a great job, other than scaring us all that she was getting too close to the edge of her deck. We all worry about getting too close to the edge these days!

Our host for Saturday night was Keith Conroy, shown here sharing some "guy talk" with Darrel Millard. Keith has hosted us many times. Our class reunion is very much like a family reunion.

Donna Lawson

We topped off the evening with a beautiful rainbow. Keith's place is out in the country, the best place to get good photos of rainbows!

A very cool song about Trophy!

A very talented lady from Trophy put this song together, and I am very impressed! We now have permission to share it!

https://youtu.be/d7sFjVtiZDY?si=gmURo_wZni4HSHlL

Hummers

 I started feeding some hummingbirds. I have a one-cup feeder. As a result, I have many opportunities for photos. Yesterday's bird laid claim to the whole works, and he dominated the entire day. I was able to get loads of pictures. At 9:00 PM, he/she was still performing!  I was working with those photos, and somehow I lost them! It ruined my whole day! Today I was able to get more, low and behold, there were my pics from yesterday! They magically reappeared.

Here are a few of my treasures!

He/she has a tongue sticking out just bit.

This is a different bird...

 I would get pics of them at the feeder, but their wings are moving so fast it doesn't make a good shot. As it is, they rest in a bank of bushes that is perfect! I love looking nature in the face every day!

Today would have been Butch's 85th birthday.

Slow down

 ...we're movin' too fast! Okay, trivia people, what song is that?   I went to ER yesterday. Truth be known, I panicked a bit, feeling like I was having an allergic reaction. I had eaten two slices of cinnamon toast. If I had stayed home and taken a couple of Benydril, I would have been alright. I just didn't think of it!

I am okay now. I will be glad when my calendar is empty. It is a ways off yet.

We had our first trivia session on Thursday night. A total of eleven players. Not bad for a first time. As usual, there were lots of laughs, and the people here are not used to that but thought it a good thing.  It will grow in time.

I heard from Tangerine Zebra, an auction house in Ames. They are going to do a tag sale (in the house) on June 26 and 27th. Once that is done, I can officially list with the realtor. That should get the ball rolling.

I will be able to move into my bigger unit l later next week. It won't take long to move. I could do most of it myself, as it is just a few feet down the hall. I have two helpers lined up for the larger items. There isn't much: a bed, a dresser, a desk, two recliner chairs, a kitchen table, and 4 kitchen chairs. I live small, and I like it that way.😀

Here is the answer: Feelin' Groovy by Paul Simon.

I have an idea...

 That won't fly. I walk 7 times around the inside of the apartments, and that equals one mile. Today I mixed it up a bit by walking outdoors, adding a parking lot, the hospital driveway, and a few other things.  I have no idea of the mileage yet, but I hope it has kicked it up. I did 3 rounds inside and 3 rounds outside. If some sidewalk was added outdoors in a few places, it would be enhanced a bunch.  I don't expect it to ever get done. We all live on dreams and hope!

I have not yet moved to my bigger apartment. The maintenance people are very busy, and there is no reason for me to be pushy. Many can tell you, I know how to be pushy if needed. Wink!

I am starting trivia here on June 4th. Some are excited, some are scared, some have no interest, and some are my friends!

When I first arrived here, I was exhausted. I slept a lot and at times took 3 naps a day. The last few days, I haven't napped at all. I am sleeping well at night and feeling good overall.

My biggest issue in dealing with widowhood is food. All aspects of it! Cooking for one is an adjustment I haven't fully conquered. The third day on leftovers holds no appeal. People told me the hospital food was good here. I do not share that opinion. There have been some good meals. It is so hit or miss that, mostly, I have given up on it. Maybe one of these days, I will get on a cooking spree and share. I have done it a couple of times, and it was received well.

I found this photo appealing, but ordering things on a whim must stop!

Till next time!

Centenarians Follow-up

 Billie says her longevity is because of her genes. Her parents were well into their eighties when they passed, and that was in a time in history that was unusual. She had 10 siblings, and she is the last. In their youth, they all worked on the farm. It sounded like her upbringing was pleasant. She is still walking a mile a day and feels the importance of that. She does have a walker and uses it wisely. To see her, you would never guess her age. Maybe I can get a pic of her and her walking partner today. Here she is! Take note of her nails, ladies.