The Best Is Yet to Come

This morning, while reading my email, a friend shared a thought that prompted this post. 
Often, in conversation, you may hear someone say "those were the good old days" or "those were the best days of my life".  I've heard these phrases, and I've said them.  But, I don't believe that!  Really, I don't. 
Here's what my friend said at the close of her email:

If you think your best days are behind you, they are.  If you think your best days are ahead of you, they are. ---C. Drost

Certainly, my life has been blessed, and the years to date have been wonderful.  Life has indeed been good.  I've enjoyed many wonderful times.  And I am thankful!  However, I believe the best days are yet to come!
Due to the fact that I need to get to work on time this morning, I can't explain my reason for believing the best is ahead.  So, I ask you....  Are your best days past, or do you believe the best is ahead of you?
Comments are welcome, and encouraged!

This Is For the Birds

I'm a bird watcher ♪♫
I'm a bird watcher ♫♪♫
Watchin' birds fly by ♫♪♫
My, my, my ♪♫....
Here comes one now ♪♫♪♫♪ 
From the time I was a little kid, I've enjoyed watching birds.  I remember Dad making huge feeding areas right outside our picture window.  Dad could also identify many birds by their song, and would point them out to us. The only birds I really don't care for are common house sparrows and starlings, both imported, if what I've read is true. Another imported nuisance, multi-flora rose!  But, I digress.
I feed the birds all year, but they're easier to shoot (photograph) when the trees and shrubs have no foliage.
So, here are a few of my feathered friends:

Red Bellied Woodpecker

Cardinal

Bluejay is quite the "ham"

Downy Woodpecker

Chickadee sneaking in to get a bite before the Red Bellied Woodpecker chases him off

Bluejay and Red Bellied Woodpecker

White Breasted Nuthatch

Red Bellied Woodpecker

Bluejay

Red Bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Cardinals

Common Flicker

Tufted Titmouse.  Wind is ruffling his feathers!

Tufted Titmouse

Common Flicker