The weary rose-breasted grosbeaks returned this week. It's about 3333 miles from their winter home in Central America to Eighty Acres. Imagine their ability to navigate that distance, and their strength as they will fly non-stop across the gulf of Mexico. But the Earth Mother gives them little time to rest on Eighty Acres as they must quickly prepare their nests and raise their next generation. They will browse on seeds, berries, and insects and sometime in September, quietly slip away and begin their long journey home. Thanks for making Eighty Acres your summer home; for your long journey has intertwined with my own journey. Oh, by the way. Have you checked out those frequent flyer programs?