Osprey update, missing dog, some thank-you's.

A few things on my mind, and a video received from MarianneBill (link and video at the end of the post) inspire this post.

First, the osprey update: I believe I will call him Lawrence. I did not add my vote to the results, so "Lawrence and Olivia" is the honest winner, and although I was just a little bit more partial to Jonny and Jewel, I like the hidden meaning in the name, and feel good about having at least one of the names begin with "O" as Shiprock requested. Thank you to each one of you who voted. I thought all of the suggestions were strong ones, and your interest was so appreciated. I will call the pair in the nest over the ship yard Jonny and Jewel, and of course, know that this is for purposes of the blog only. Each of you with a penchant for personalising wildlife, will probably have your own names for these ospreys.

Lawrence was not particularly active yesterday when I was there, but I was happy just to see him, since that hadn't been the case on Thursday. He suddenly called out, and flew from the nest,

with his headless fish,

to this pylon.

Mark looked up and saw the reason for Lawrence's alarm.

After that, Mark, Henrik and I watched and waited until the tide drove us back to shore. There Lawrence sat, barely even bothering to eat. I loved the conversations with Mark and Henrik. They are not only wonderful photographers, but they are happy to share their expertise and I have much to learn from them. They are now linked at the side of my blog, so that you can stay up to date with their latest photos.

I admit to being convinced Lawrence was suffering from frustration and loneliness, after more than two weeks of waiting for Olivia. The other part of my brain, however, hopes that he is simply getting on with his life, the best way he knows how. I wonder if Olivia will show up, and also wonder what Lawrence will do if she doesn't. Will he find another mate? Hang around for the summer? Leave? Perhaps there is research on this, or perhaps a reader has some thoughts.

There is another matter which has been on my mind all week. I have learned from Jean, a blogger whose posts I never miss, that a dog named Luger is lost in the Crofton area of Vancouver Island. A very, very thorough search continues, conducted by an army of volunteers. I didn't post about it, because I don't believe I have any readers from that area, but if, just by chance, someone reads this who has the ways and means to be of help, it would mean the world to Luger, to his mom, to the volunteers, and to those of us who are waiting anxiously for good news about him.

I was really touched to receive this video made by Bill, a blogger who, with Marianne, has been watching the osprey adventures. He composed the music, using his Yamaha Clavinova, and took the time to choose some of my photos from past blogs, many that I had forgotten about. Marianne is a fine photographer, and together, they have travelled to some of the world's most beautiful spots. You can read about their adventures at the MarianneBill blog.

There is one more huge "thank you" that has to be mentioned. "My" Bill did my income tax last night, working for several hours and absolutely touching my heart with his kindness. Income tax is a beast I dread every year. I can't explain this horror of all things financial, but it is there, and no matter how I plan each year to do better in the future, I continue to wait until the last possible moment. Several times, I have actually had to claim three years at once. Thank you, thank you, Bill. You are a true treasure!

All for now. Happy weekend, everyone!