08.30.2020 Summer gardens

Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday when we were all advised to stay home and stay safe. Working in the garden was one way to feel "normal", making sure the weeds were under control and there were enough paths for the dogs to run and not overrun the flowers. Then we had one heat wave after another and many plants shriveled.  And the gophers ate most of my prized monkhood's - plants that have blue flowers that begin in mid-September and end at the first heavy frost - usually November. I will miss them as they are tall, showy and beautiful - and extend the feel of summer just a bit longer. It was nice to always have some color in the gardens for most of the year.

The day lilies and star gazer lilies are always beautiful and I do enjoy the range of colors and times of bloom. We still have a yellow Stella D'Ora in bloom but with only a few buds left before she is done for the season. Perhaps I will get a few mums for a little added color for the Fall season.

   



We also have many birds at the feeders now. They are preparing for their long migrations or perhaps just feeding to prepare for a local winter. While I don't have any exotic birds, I am enjoying the Carolina wren, red bellied and hairy woodpeckers, hummingbirds and titmouse in particular.  But I actually enjoy all of them. I found a hairy woodpecker pecking on the wren house, now there is a really big opening! The chipmunks and squirrels still do there best to get the bird seed and sometimes they are successful.

Now - how did he ever get inside this squirrel proof feeder? He is cute. He also has managed to open the lid - a metal lid with a locking twist. When there is a will - there is a way!







Here are a few of my favorite flowers from the spring and summer gardens.
  



 

 


 

 


  

  


 

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 

 


 

  
 Grasshoppers inside the lilies.
 

  

Dragonfly                                                                  Carolina wren in her nest.
  
 And off she flew!
   

And my boys:
Fionnegan                                                                 Gunnarr
 

  


And of course, Shorty, my Yapese dog. They are all loves.

 


I hope you enjoyed this overview of our summer gardens and feathered friends and furry visitors.\

Please do stay safe.

08.16.2020 Are you wearing your mask?

We are!

While waiting in the car for the Vet Techs to take Fionnegan and Gunnarr inside for their appointment I had to do more than listen to them bark at the other dogs waiting in their cars. Fionnegan barks right into my ear. I guess he wants to make sure I hear him and see the other dogs! So I put masks on them. They were not exactly thrilled but it did pass the time trying to get masks on them and then get a picture!

Fionnegan was first as he sits on the driver side armrest and he promptly jumped into the back seat. I had to be quick with the camera. He was instructed to cover his nose for maximum protection and safety. It did not take him long to take it off.

 

  


Gunnarr was then my next target as he was sitting in the passenger seat. He promptly tore off the first yellow mask so we went to the classic surgical mask. This one stayed on for a little longer.

  

  

Fortunately for all of us the vet techs showed up and took them inside the office. It seemed like I had a total of 10 minutes of quiet time before they had their shots and were back at the car. Reportedly they were good and gave puppy kisses to the Doctor and the assistants. Both had a good checkup but Gunnarr may have a slight heart murmur.  The vet thought it might be due to the stress of being separated from me and told me not to worry. Of course when we got home I checked with my own stethoscope! Their hearts both sounded the same to me, so I guess he is all right.

Back from the vet visit and they were just fine. No fussing from the shots. They are truly best buddies.



Shorty had to stay home and hold down the fort. I think it would be difficult to take all three to the vet at the same time. Actually it is a major challenge to take Shorty to the vet as a single pet and I decided not to take him this year. I used the pandemic as the excuse since he is good for his rabies shot until 2022. Maybe he will be a little more accommodating to the examination in a couple of years. He  does try to be good and listen, but there are limits. Baths and shots and the veterinarian examination are not on the top of his list for fun activities. Mine either. The last time he pouted all the way home. When Fionnegan and Gunnarr returned Shorty was  happy and greeted them both. Fionn, per usual, rushed past him for a drink from Shorty's bowl. Gunnarr stopped to give Shorty a nose bump and then to the water bowl. Then it was a typical evening for everyone.

Here Shorty is on his magic carpet. He does listen and lie down on his towel - I do that to minimize the hair on the carpet and he listens!

 

We all have been doing well. I try to kayak once a week or so, spend time in the garden, try to see the shooting stars at night  and we all bird watch from our deck at dinner time.

I hope you all have been safe. Another post soon!

07.26.2020 Signs of the time

It is very popular for residents of our local communities to post signs on their front lawns. You will see all types of political signs, graduation congratulations signs and social justice signs.  To me, the one sign that has had the most impact was a handwritten one I found along the way:



In every country around the world, there are victims of social injustice for any number of reasons. To personalize the injustice, saying the names of the victims makes the injustice all the more real. It is hard to ignore something when there is a name and a face that makes it a reality and not just a news story.

What can we do? We can all try to be a part of the solution. We can exhibit kindness and  tolerance to everyone we encounter. It may not always be easy, but it is worth the effort. And we can teach our children to do the same. What they see, they mimic. If we teach our children well we will make a positive impact in this world. Say their names - and do something positive.  All lives matter.