05.25.2026 Spring Gardens

Spring gardens are definitely among my favorites. And while most of my daffodil bulbs have been eaten by those underground critters, and the deer have devoured by mountain laurel and rhododendrons, I still have enough flowering plants and shrubs for the gardens to look pretty.

The dark pink azaleas are very showy and do attract a lot of bees.

Most of the flower beds are covered with mounds of johnny-jump-ups (violets). They are wild flowers and I let them populate wherever they can. Even some of my outdoor flower pots contain these pretty little flowers.

The white violets have vastly outnumbered the purple ones.

The wisteria survived severe cutting back along the road - they are climbing up a large tree and look dramatic.

Purple lilacs are also growing along the driveway - a nice treat when coming home late from work.

We also have a large white lilac in the back year. Another white one by the front door blooms later in the Spring.

Pretty in pink - a gorgeous rhododendron.

The only red flowering shrub in the gardens. 

I love dandelions. They bring early color to the Spring gardens!

And they are now finished blooming and are in seed. Yes, I let these wild flowers grow!

Pretty light pink rhododendron.

The irises are just starting to bloom.

Miniature lilacs.

Wild honeysuckle.

The pink flowering dogwood was spectacular this year.

Sweetly fragrant verbena.

Hazelnut flowers.

And my Gunnarr and Shorty are enjoying the Spring with lots of runs in the yard and time watching the world from the vantage of the kitchen porch and the front porch.

Flowers on Fionnegan's grave. Will always remember my special Fionn.

Fionn and Gunnarr

Fionnegan. He would always move to my seat in the car whenever I ran an errand. He was a cutie!

Hope you are enjoying the Spring and hope you enjoy seeing some of my flowering plants.

Until next time.................

05.21.2026 Blakiston’s Fish Owl, Rausu, Hokkaidō, Japan

 

This story is long in coming. I was on the northern island of Hokkaidō, Japan a couple of
years ago. I had wanted to write about the trip as it was excellent but time got away from me. And I could not find the pictures of this incredible owl – the largest in the world. Without my owl pictures, my heart was just not ready to tell the story.

But one day I was sorting through some older pictures, looking for special one of my precious Fionnegan and I found a folder with the Blakiston’s Fish Owl. He is as gorgeous as I remember!

We waited for hours at night, patiently waiting for him to come close to the lodge for fish. As advertised, he comes every night and my night there was no exception. What a special experience.

 Photographs were taken through a glass window - no flash allowed for obvious reasons. This owl stayed fishing near the window for a good 10 - 15 minutes. And he is indeed huge!

 

He is a handsome bird. I could have watched him all night. As a matter of fact, I stayed up most of the night then waiting so see if he would come back for a second visit. The locals said he does that sometime. He didn't. And getting up at the crack of dawn was not met with a sighting. I was thrilled to see him and pleased with the one viewing!

Here he is with a fish! He quickly swallowed them. Wasted no time holding still for photographs.

Simply gorgeous.

Just look at those talons!

I would go back in a heartbeat and sit up all night again to see this one.

The birding trip to Japan was wonderful, and we saw many birds, including the red-crowned crane, which was motivator for traveling to Hokkaido. Only got to see them from quite the distance or flying.

The fish owl was the special treat!

Until next time.........................

05.10.2026. Happy Mother's Day!!!!

 Happy Mother's Day to all of the Mothers, Grandmothers, Great-Grandmothers, and Godmothers.

May you enjoy the day and celebrate your very special role in life with your family and friends.

In the past, Auntie Paula would send me a card from my boys. I do miss those cards!

Happy Mother's Day!

Until next time................................................

04.05.2026. Happy Easter

 May you all enjoy the Blessings of this most holy Season.  Easter is a time of hope, renewal and joy and may you all enjoy these gifts.

We are planning on a good home cooked meal after I come home from Church. If the sun is shining, we will run around the yard. And if it is raining, a nap for all of us!

May your Eastre morning be filled with love, happiness and the warmth of family and friends.

Happy Easter from Gunanrr and Shorty and me.

And remembering my spirited Fionnegan - Forever in our hearts. How I miss him and his many - so many - kisses.

Until next time.........................