06.14.2025 Carolina Wren Nesting in Wreath

There is perhaps no one more grateful that the construction is done on the house than my boy Gunnarr, except for the Carolina wren. She has been at the house all winter and usually builds a nest in the Christmas wreath on our front door. We also found nests between the old gutters and the house. But because of the construction in the front, there was no Christmas wreath on the door and the gutters were removed as the roof line changed. 

But this Carolina wren does not miss an opportunity. Last week I hung my silk flowered Spring wreath on the door. And shortly thereafter, she started to build a nest! Interesting enough, she uses the door as part of the nest. But she has been quite busy adding one twig at a time until she has a little palace! So far, she has not been spending much time sitting there. On occasion I will see her fly out whenever I am in the atrium. I now rarely use the atrium door and will not use the front door so we don't disturb her! The nest is too deep for me to see if there are any eggs laid yet!

She is a curious bird. She frequently lands on the screen in my bedroom window early in the morning and sings to us - maybe to make sure we get up and at it!

The gardens are growing fast. We have one curious finding. For the last four or five years, there has been one pink rose in bloom next to the rhododendrons. Just one flower, no other buds. This year, the small plant has grown and it now has 10 roses in bloom and quite a few more buds!  How that rose bush landed in my garden I have no idea. But she is beautiful!  

She looks like an old fashioned rose and there is a bee feeding on the pollen. 

The boys are doing well. Gunnarr is now happier without all of the construction. But I suspect he will miss some of the attention from the workers even though he usually hid behind me when they were in the house.

Fionnegan is as friendly as it gets and he loved greeting the workmen. He got a lot of attention.

Shorty also loved the attention from the workmen. We were all lucky, none of the workers minded the morning greetings and always interacted with them. 

Yes, Fionnegan and Gunnarr had a spa date to groom them for the summer heat while Shorty and I enjoyed a walk in the woods.  The new dog park is not yet open but I am looking forward to letting Shorty in particular run without his leash. We'll see how that goes! We are only allowed two dogs at a time, so I will have to make separate trips to see how the new dog park works out for them. Fingers crossed!

And Fionnegan and Gunnarr are ready for the summer heat!

Happy Flag Day (June 14) and hope you are enjoying the end of Spring 2025!

Until next time, stay well.

06.01.2025 - Tis the season....

 .... for ticks. Yes, those pesky critters are out in full force.  I have had 2 on me yesterday - and it was only May! Found one on my leg and easily removed it. While driving the car, I felt an itch and movement on the back of my scalp. When I reached back I felt a mass and pulled it out. There it was - another tick. Out the window it went. How did I get one on my scalp? Did it jump off my boys? I had been in the woods once and in the garden. It must have fallen on me from a tree or bush I guess. So much for long sleeve shirts and pants!

The gardens are doing well. A lot of rain and the magic begins with beautiful flowers.

Soon to bloom - my favorite mountain laurels.

We had a bit of a quiet indoor day. Took advantage of the cool rainy weather to get a few chores done inside the house. Things are finally back in place after the renovations to the atrium and roof, and no one could be happier than me - except of course Gunnarr who had the hardest time with a change in his routine. For a relatively small project, it was incredibly disruptive.  See Shorty's blog (mydogShorty.blogspot,com or go to blogspot.com and search on Is that your dog or my dog Shorty for more details and pictures).

Guess who is getting a haircut next week? Yes, Gunnarr and Fionnegan have a spa date!

Gunnarr with that adorable head tilt. He hangs on my every word. But that doesn't mean he always listens!

Fionnegan is just as cute and lovable as always. He still loves to give puppy kisses to everyone.

Shorty and I will have a "Momma and me" day while Fionn and Gunnarr are at the groomers. Am hoping for good weather so I can take him on a nice walk. He'll enjoy that. And he still always wags his tail. He is definitely a senior dog but still enjoys walks and treats!

Hope you all are well and enjoying the end of Spring. Any plans for the summer? We will be home tending our gardens and going on some nice walks, I hope.

Until next time - stay well.