While laying on the deck today to get eye level photos of Chile on her birthday, I looked up and noticed - from a Chihuahua's POV - the light used by the hawk 18 days ago as a potential launch point to get to Bella who stood directly below. Far, far, far too close for comfort!!! When I frantically chased it off, the hawk was sharply leaning down with its head almost at the bottom of the lantern. It looked like he was ready to launch. Scary.

In the past, this light (and its companions) has always provided a sense of comfort. Now, I keep visioning the hawk...

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Monday's US COVID-19 News Summery

“As some students and teachers go back to school in the U.S., they’re bringing the virus with them.” Washington Post

St. Louis Cardinals’ outbreak grows to 13 as Major League Baseball season teeters.” NY Times

Meanwhile, at my old alma mater: The number of COVID-19 cases connected with the Rutgers University football team nearly has doubled from 15 to 28 players, plus multiple staff members, three people with knowledge of the situation told NJ Advance Media on Monday night. NY Times

“Dr Birx said Sunday the US is in a new phase in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, adding that the virus is now more widespread than it was in March and April. “The new phase” of the coronavirus pandemic that White House coronavirus task force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx discussed on Sunday refers to areas that are experiencing community spread, and that’s harder to fight than contained outbreaks, Dr. Anthony Fauci said Monday.” CNN

Locally: “Missouri adds 1,046 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours. Kansas adds 1,064.” KMBC news

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My husband stood "hawk watch" while I tried to get some outdoors photos of Chile with her birthday cupcake. "Tried" is the best term to use. Excited to be out on the deck again, Chile went totally wild child.

I'll post a couple of the photos that I did manage to get in Chile's new Pbase Gallery. However, the planned portrait session turned into a total free-for-all instead. No formal portrait. However, Chile had a great time on her birthday. Normally fairly laid back and docile, Chile refused to sit still for anything; plus she ate two of the props. She then grabbed the cupcake out of my hand & refused to let go. So much for those planned photos. Luckily, I grabbed the candles before she tried to eat them, too. She then raced joyfully around the deck. That was the only time she was more than 3 to 4 feet away from me.

When the hawk suddenly appeared out of nowhere (still in the sky), I quickly snatched Chile up and rushed her back into the house. Fortunately, she was able to have a bit of freedom to enjoy herself outdoors on her birthday. It took two of us guarding her & I didn't get the photos I wanted, but Chile did enjoy her birthday outing.

As for the light in my photo, it has a short in it - from our last electrical storm - and now needs to be repaired. Hopefully, the hawk problem also goes away & I can once again look at the light as a sense of comfort - not as possible danger.