Surreal. Being awakened at 3 am in a hospital bed because the battery on your heart monitor has failed. As I slowly woke up I found myself looking up into the eyes of a nurse with a flashlight. The reason for the heart monitor and hospital, I have problems. Thursday afternoon I collapsed / blacked out while trail running (Oct. 14). After recovering enough while lying on the ground, with the help of a Good Samaritan I was able to hike slowly down to the Lester Playground parking lot. After an ambulance ride to hospital I am now in St. Mary’s (Duluth) having had many tests, with more tests on Monday. Heart surgery is almost a certainty in the near future. Posts will be few and far between for a while.
Shortly before my ill fated trail run, I took these images in my own yard. The Red-Bellied Woodpecker had been violently attacking another Red-Bellied all morning … defending my suet feeder.
From three years ago exactly … saving Silver.
Sending wishes for a speedy recovery!
Best wishes for a speedy recovery! You are an inspiration to so many of us that enjoy the great outdoors and the creatures that inhabit it.
Here’s to a speedy recovery Richard. Positive thoughts and well wishes sent your way.
Dear Richard, you are a wonder! I have been enjoying your posts since the pandemic started. I have always enjoyed birds but thanks to your amazing pictures and stories I am a full fledged birder! Thank you for all you do and take good care! Looking forward to your return both to health and birding.
Sincerely, Mary Kay
Oh my goodness, Richard ! I just read today’s post. Positive, healing thoughts and GET WELL wishes from two huge fans in Eau Claire, WI. Special warm thoughts to your beautiful wife. This is a scary time, but you will persevere as you always have and come through this more bionic
than ever 💙💙💙☮️
So sorry to hear this – all the best wishes in the world Rich. I’ll miss your entertaining posts and acute observations while you focus on your recovery.
Jill in Wisconsin.
Hope you are feeling better soon.. there are still LOTS of birds waiting for their picture to be taken.
Take care, Judy Drew
PS.. your most recent “Do you Hoot” book is on its way to our grandkids in Sweden..
Wow! Sweden! I need to send one to my relatives in Denmark. My books are already with family and friends in England and the Czech Republic.
Rich, I discovered your posts about 3 months ago and have been enjoying them since. A special treat in this crazy world! Sending love and light for a full recovery. Take care!
Katie
Prayers & wishes for a speedy recovery being sent your way🙏🏻
what a shock to hear this, rich. please know we are thinking of you and molly and sending healing thoughts and love. i know the birds and other creatures feel the same way. all our best to you.
I am so sorry to hear about your health. I have enjoyed your posts after my first trip to Sax Zim. And I will continue to enjoy your posts when you are in healthy spirits! Take care and prayers to you🤗
My prayers are with you. Hoping for a quick recovery. Be well.
Karen Cyr
Thoughts and prayers for healing and health and many thanks for all your images of birds and the north country.
from Wis.,
Gretchen
So sorry, Richard to read about your situation. I am praying for your recovery. Will miss your pictures. We had a shrike last year. They certainly are not my favorite bird. Well wishes from the both of us. Rodger and Jean Winter
Best wishes for your recovery and God bless you and your caregivers. I will look forward to your outdoor and birding adventures. Regards from an admirer in the woods at Emily Minnesota. Bob H
I was saddened to hear about your health situation. It would appear that you are a very active physically and mentally which will pull you through. I look forward to your daily emails and your fantastic captures of wildlife. I have learned a lot just reading and looking at your photos. The part I “love the most” is your photos always indicate “unabaited”. Look after yourself. You definitely have a dedicated following of individuals who enjoy your explorations as much as I do.
Dear Mr Hoeg,
So sorry to receive your news. I have been delighting in your daily blogs ever since a friend told me about them this last Spring.
Warm wishes and prayers from Minneapolis coming your way for a speedy recovery.
Marybeth Bauries
Oh Richard, so very sorry to hear about your health issues. I’m sure your doctors will have you back to good health so you can continue birding. You are in my prayers.
We’ll miss your posts and wonderful pictures, but wish you all the best while you concentrate on getting back to good health! Take good care! ❤️
So sorry to hear you are in the hospital. Keeping you and Molly and your healthcare providers in thoughts and prayers for the days ahead. Wishing you a speedy recovery. I will miss your posts while you take time to heal. Looking forward to your return to birds and photos very soon. Nora
Watching the snow fall this October morning and reading about your hospitalization and need for further treatment just makes me sad. It’s too soon. We all need more time. Your focus must be on your recovery and for that I am sending my best wishes to you and your family.
I recently started following and love your posts/pics. Especially since I’m Tentatively planning my first winter visit to Sax Zim, I watch for advice. Also envy how active your are! Speedy recovery!
Oh my dear prays are with you!!!! I enjoy your posts sooooo much!
Good grief, I send my best to you and Mollie. The trials and tribulations of aging, although you are so active and mentally healthy. Stay safe and be well.
Jeannette