Introduction

Well it seems as if I was able to make my first post and was even able to post my first picture...Hallelujah!!!!
We are Karl & Madeline and we are senior citizens able to get all those discounts that should go to those less fortunate but we don't decline them.
We have been married almost 52 years and have 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and one great grandchild and we will brag about them on another post.
We live in a rural area which is becoming less rural each day as the constant expansion of the population is closing in around us taking away the charm it had 35 years ago when we first built on our almost 3 acres.
Dovesretreat was chosen as our sign-in name because of the multitude of mourning doves that frequent our yard seeking a free meal. In the late afternoon as we sit in our swing (see picture.) waving at friends and neighbors as they pass in their cars we hear the mournful coos of seemingly lost doves calling for their mates. It seems most are found as pairs eventually land in front of us to parade under the bird feeders to find food scratched or tossed to the ground by cardinals and other birds. We have probably 3 dozen feeders in our yard and about a dozen of them are in sight of our swing and it is enjoyable just watching the antics of all birds and wondering how pecking order is established. Squirrels and chipmunks occasionally sneak into the feeders for a quick meal and it's amazing how much the little rascals can cram into their mouths before scampering off.