I spent the last several days with some of my most favorite people in the world. I love them not because they are the best damn birders (and ornithologists) in the world - but because they are just the best friends in the world to have. I haven't seen one of my friends in over four years. He lives in Cuba, and is in Toronto working at the ROM - researching Peruvian bird fossils - and probably some other crazy bird stuff he won't tell me about. I hope to get a chance to visit while he's at work with his sponsor from the Smithsonian - I'm in complete awe of him - he's a total rock-star in the birding world. Besides that, he can spot a Stygian Owl a mile away -- even after a few -- ahem -- cough cough - mojitos -- I don't think I've ever laughed as hard as I did that night - walking around with a very BAD recording of the owl - trying to coax him out -- only to find him up in a tree, staring down at us - with a look of disgust... A night I'll always remember... Dr. Bill -- you rock! :-)

Also, a big thanks to my bride-to-be - for putting up with us all telling the sames Cuba stories two nights in a row - and thanks to L for entertaining us all the second night when we were all a little - well - low on energy...

I'm happy everyone made it up to the CN Tower today (and got to see those HUGE Woodpeckers!) - I was more than happy to watch little Ro - truth-be-told - I'm a bit afraid of heights, so it probably was a good thing I stayed on the ground. Gary and Melinda - you have the coolest son, with the best laugh. I think it's even cooler you dragged him along to Cuba... Thanks Jules and Big D -- you guys always make me laugh - and make me miss home just a little less when you're around...

I hope to see all of you again soon -- and I hope we all make it down to Cuba in the near future!!!

I give the last few days the "No Traces Thumbs Up!!!"

Listening to: Stabat Mater - Nisi Dominus - Concerto in G Minor - Vivaldi

Favorite Sign