Great Peepers. Ahhhh, those eyes!

A thorough eye exam was on my agenda today. I met an Italian doctor from Long Island who thought I was originally from south Philly. Well, that’s news to me. He said there’s something about the sound of my A’s. What does a south Philly accent sound like, I wonder? I’ve never been told I have a home town Baltimore accent but I’ve been told I sound like a Texan before. Gee, I’m all screwed up, especially when I add my acquired North Carolinian “ya’ll”, “all ya’ll”, and “Thank e-ewe” to the mix of Texan and south Philly accents. Perhaps I should just keep my mouth shut. Impossible!

Other than my increasing need for bifocal lenses, I have good peepers and I’m glad. Good eyesight is precious to me because if I were to never see this again,

oh, I can’t bear the thought. Isn't this the cutest little bird you’ve ever seen?

Hello, honey. Don’t let me interrupt your meal.

Can anyone look at this tiny, strong avian creature without smiling?

I'd miss this sight and the life inside, and,

my 4:15 p.m. daily appointment with a lone Carolina Wren.

I see you; therefore, I am leaving!

The death of this willow is adorned with a sparkling green gemstone. How beautiful.

If I couldn’t see my dogs' faces, I’d hold them so close to mine and

I would sniff the back of their necks.

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Do you think a physician would tell me to lower my desk chair two inches at home and at the office to relieve my injury? No, they would prescribe megadoses of anti-inflammatory drugs instead. I figured it out myself and my lower back is much better today. There’s no need for me to walk around with an imaginary loaded diaper between my legs. What a relief. Now I can sit pain-free and read blogs!

Sunday Rain and Shopping with Men

It rained on Sunday evening! This morning a patchy fog covered areas. This is the driving range I see on my way out to work. As I type this, it’s 90. A cool spell.

After the summer we have had, seeing raindrops is a major event. We sat on the porch quietly for a while and listened. It didn’t last long. The soft rain soaked in a bit then ended in an hour. It was enough to calm our hot, dry selves.

I stood in the soft rain and let it cool me. The bathing hummingbirds were celebrating, I think.

The whole community of them, maybe twelve or fifteen strong, mesmerized me. They shared dinner and chatted for a while.

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Earlier in the day…

Quite often, I’ll witness Michael doing something odd that makes me roll my eyes. He’ll reply back to me, “Put THAT in your blog!” HA! OK...

On Sunday afternoon we visited the Black Lion store where you browse with wide eyes over 150 vendor rooms full of framed art and antiques, upscale gifts, home accessories, Christmas decorations, and furniture. We’ve spent the last two years decorating our home and are still not finished. I just realized that today is our two-year anniversary as homeowners in North Carolina!

First let me talk about the ride to Black Lion. He has a new Tundra in which he loaded six CDs but didn’t learn how to play them because that would have required reading the manual. I wonder why some people can push buttons and drive and some can’t? After he nearly took out two mailboxes which made me squeal and suggest, “just drive the truck”, he decided to fasten his seat belt while zigzagging into merging traffic. I’d rather not hear Mob Hits, the Beach Boys, or Scottish bagpipes, anyway. I hold on, close my eyes, and hope for the best. This is they way he drives. Passengers with him feel the shifts and turns like a ride on the Tilt a Whirl. Ok in an amusement park – not on country roads.

We arrive at the store and I watch him scan fifty Yankee candles in record time. While I’m taking my time and still reading the labels of Eucalyptus, Sage, Fresh Linen, Sea Mist, Fresh Cut Roses, Willow Breeze…he’s on the other side uncapping the fruity scents. Clickety-clack, clickety-clack – fifty sniffs, DONE. “This one is too orangey.” I reply, “Uh hum. Put it down.”

Then, off to look for decorative pieces for the fireplace mantle and shelves in the family room. This is what he fondles:

He has a fruit fetish. Loves coconuts. This isn’t what he saw on Sunday but it’s a typical example of what intrigues him.

He loves pineapple art. I watch his size 15 fingers rotate a work of art like this close to his eyes. “Hey, Mare? It’s only fifteen dollars!” Mare isn’t there. She’s already around the corner laughing uncontrollably and wondering what in the world it is!

This is NOT something I would display. “You can’t be serious, Michael.”

In all fairness, he does have good taste in art on some occasions. We have both agreed on some items we proudly display. His interest in fruity art, however, makes me wild. We purchased a few things on Sunday but the best thing we brought home was a new back brush for the shower from Bed, Bath & Beyond!

In the mood for a late lunch, we decided to try something new. Fast food sickens me and for a decade, the smell of a Burger King Whopper made me nauseous. This is where we landed for a burger treat we seldom enjoy.

Eating inside a fast food restaurant with dozens of children and adults having their last fast food celebration before the beginning of school didn’t make for the cleanest place…my menu was soaked in chocolate shake. Blech!

When our steak burger order arrived, we both looked at each other and said, “Where’s the damned BEEF?” Zero stars.

On the way home, we arrived at an intersection and he wondered where the road would take us if we turned left instead of right. I wasn’t in the mood to be lost for an hour and said, “Oh, just turn right.” I had birds and dogs to feed. Not a bad day, really. I laughed until I cried.

Bloggers for Positive Global Change Award

Dawn at Suburban Wildlife Garden offered me a “Bloggers for Positive Global Change Award”. How do I feel about it? More below.

The progressive folks at Climate of Our Future created this award as a way to encourage "blogging with a purpose". Those who receive the award may bestow it upon five other bloggers who they think are helping to “build awareness among their readership in order to create a more sustainable and enlightened future”.

Dawn’s other four candidates in different countries are outstanding naturalists and actively pursue their passions. That’s why I was quite surprised to learn she nominated me because I don’t think I make a difference. I recycle, maintain a small wildlife habitat in my backyard, and that’s about it. No major productions or promoting going on here, for sure.

After giving this award some serious thought, I came to the conclusion that all of us who blog about nature are passionate people with a desire for an environmentally perfect wonderland. Whether we blog about our efforts as educators who reach out into the community on a large scale or whether we blog about our little 10-foot by 10-foot patch of native plants in our tiny wildlife habitats, we are contributing towards global change. We all matter.

Today I’d like to honor five friends who amaze me with their talents and continue to inspire their readers. I wish I could list many more.

Susan Gets Native in southwest Ohio. She is extraordinary. Susan is an education director for a raptor center and lives with daily emphasis on preserving natural resources to save the birds, bugs, and wildlife. I rely on her identification of anything living. There isn’t much she won’t do to sustain wildlife; for example, during a southwestern Ohio snowstorm she ran out of seed for her backyard birds so she rubber-banded a granola bar to the branch of a tree. Her photo of a wren munching away on her offering was priceless. Susan’s huge heart and ingenuity will make you laugh out loud.

Ruth at Nature Knitter in Rochester, Minnesota. She is relatively new at blogging but offers so much. She has a Monarch Butterfly Ranch and just recently tagged her first butterfly! Ruth is busy tending to her sprawling landscape and introduces something new to fellow bloggers every day. Her dedication to birds is appreciated by the many species that surround her. I am beginning to learn that Ruth is also a multi-talented woman. If she ever wanted a part-time job on evenings or weekends, there is a job as an appliance repair technician waiting for her as she is skilled at repairing broken dryers.

Alyssa at My Examined Life in Wisconsin. Alyssa lives on three acres of the most beautiful gardens. She and her husband work constantly on their lovely wildlife habitat. Since knowing Alyssa, I have learned how to can fruits and vegetables and live off the land. Alyssa is passionate about elephants and their freedom. She’s a factory worker with many talents and I enjoy reading her blog because of her passion for nature and her great literary talent.

Ruth at Body, Soul, and Spirit in Ontario, Canada. Ruth brings a wealth of knowledge into the blogosphere. These are only a few of Ruth’s blog topics that concern her and she’ll always add some history behind them: endangered species, human health, eating fresh - eating local, water and air quality, balanced ecosystems, landfills, conservation, and fuel consumption. At the end of the week, she delivers lovely “Friday Flowers”.

Tom at Monarch’s Nature Blog in western New York. I think Tom has the most enjoyable and rewarding job of anyone I know. He is a naturalist, field biologist, and nature photographer at Allegany State Park. His primary interest is in the life and welfare of birds and educates many young naturalists and their families during hands-on banding sessions and field trips. Just recently he photographed a Mudpuppy at ASP. That’s cool! Visiting his daily blog posts enriches me because I learn so much from his vast knowledge and love of nature. I need to add that his photography ROCKS.

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Awardees: Do not feel obligated to participate in this meme but if you care to bestow honors, here are the rules according to Climate of Our Future.

It’s easy to participate in this meme. At minimum, you can proudly display the BPGC badge (it’s available in two varieties: Transparent GIF and JPEG with white background) on your blog and bask in the glow of our collective good will. If you are sharing the kudos, however, please make sure you pass this list of rules to the blogs you are tagging.

1. When you get tagged, write a post with links to up to 5 blogs that you think are trying to change the world in a positive way.

2. In your post, make sure you link back to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme.

3. Leave a comment or message for the bloggers you’re tagging, so they know they’re now part of the meme.

4. Optional: Proudly display the “Bloggers For Positive Global Change” award badge with a link to the post that you write up.

Thanks to Dawn and everyone who shares love of outdoor life.

Miscellaneous - Spiders, Pigeons,whatever

Twice this week, brief evening rain showers evaporated in minutes and we are grateful for the few clouds that shielded us from the blistering sun for a little while. Our hardships don’t come close to those in States who are experiencing floods. I wish for them to experience some of our drought and sunshine.

There are a few ideas for posts floating around in my head but I don’t have the energy to put it all together tonight or for the next few nights. Here, I will “show and tell” what I’ve seen during the past week. We’re all hidden inside where the air conditioning blows so I’ve had little time with my camera. Only before sunset am I outdoors to tend to the birds and flowers. Within seven days we expect some relief from the one-hundred degrees and might receive some rain. Oh, happy day! I’ll take my shoes off and run through a downpour!

A harmless Black & Yellow Garden Spider, argiope aurantia. I don’t like spiders near me but I love watching them weave their traps every morning. This female measures about one and three quarter inches. I used zoom because I was too timid to get close. On the ground below the spider there is ivy covering a 2-foot black snake. The snake didn't worry me, but the spider made me shiver.

An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is large and fast-moving. I had one shot at it and was lucky. The pitiful, near death butterfly bush that I bought for $5 served its purpose because I’ve been force-feeding drinks on it. We don’t spend a lot of money on plants and flowers now because we have lost so much. Lessons learned.

The pond colors are pleasing me every day!

The water is crystal clear but there is work to do. I see some string algae in places. No harm, really.

The Koi are hidden under plants and haven’t been fed in several weeks. I want to feed them because that’s when I check their health and behavior. They're swimming in a hot tub now and I’m worried about it. It’s been too long since I’ve had a good look at them. When the weather cools, I’ll remove many plants and offer them some food.

There were two pigeons. Then there were eight pigeons. Now there are twenty pigeons. I remember my two pigeon porn posts… What shall I do???

Call the dogs on them? They’re ground feeders and don’t cause problems. I like to hear their gurgling voices, but…

I'm concered about the poop. Will my neighbors attack me and my feeders?

Here’s lookin’ back at ya, pooper!

This post is done. Sigh...

In hopes of some excitement soon...

I need a giggle this evening. Here’s Michael Vick’s jury:

Four Dogs

Ooops. Bella is behind the right side curtain panel. Our family has grown to 160 pounds of dog.

I made Maryland crab cakes for dinner on Sunday. Gina, Billy, and their dogs squeezed into Gina’s 2-door Toyota Scion to come for dinner and to let their new dog visit Gramma’s house for the first time. Billy is six foot-five and the dogs are both large so it took a while for everyone to unfold through two doors. Our new granddog arrived to meet the girls.

“I don’t know where I am but I am here. Snort.”

Old girl Chloe is always the "meet and greet" committee while spooky Bella hangs back. She’s always been at ease and confident with new dogs. After the first few minutes of sniffing and introductions, we unhooked their leads. Mr. Biggins wanted to be the first to jump on Gramma and I protected my camera very well! Then, off they went!

He shall be named Bam Bam, “Bammy”, or more often,

“Bamma lamma ding dong”.

He'll keep his original name although it isn't very dignified. A four year old girl named him Bam Bam. It's OK.

Chloe: “Hold still. I need to sniff your stop. What are you?”

Bella was more interested in his jewels. Her Pooh’s Piglet voice: “Hey, c-c-come here! Let me ch-ch-check your ID. Where did you g-get those? Woo Hoo.” It could be the last time she will be able to marvel at those hummdingers…

Bam Bam made himself at home right away and found his way to the water dish on the deck without help. I was concerned about him being around the pond because English Bulldogs need a rescue in three feet of water. He didn’t show interest in it this time, thankfully. It was hot enough for all of them to enjoy the baby pool. Maybe next time. Surprisingly, the wide boy can run! He has trouble braking and tripped on the deck steps a few times, unaffected.

Dr. Mark said he is perfect. His blood work was good and the best news is that he has lost four pounds since Gina has had him. Bam Bam walks and plays in his new home, unlike before. He’s a loving hunk of joy and during their first week together, he and Mr. Biggins have become good playmates. They rarely battle anymore.

Chloe, the snob: “Well? What’s the deal, Mother? Don’t tell me he’s staying. Please. His face is too sloppy.”

Neighbor Dan couldn’t resist a visit. I wanted to offer him paper towels as he was slimed by all four of them after he came inside the gate.

Bella, sweet Bel Bel, is the most insecure and sensitive dog of all. She made it her business to make sure that no one was allowed in her Daddy’s chair.

She and Mr. Biggins always play intensely with lots of harmless teeth gnashing and neck munching. Bella tends to get carried away sometimes, and when Bam Bam wanted a piece of the action, I could sense a brawl might happen between the three so I used my deep and dark Darth Vader voice, twice, which put them at attention. Very cool! Good dogs.

When Gina, Billy, Mr. Biggins, and Bam Bam packed themselves into the little car, we waved good-bye. Mr. Biggins kept his eyes on me as they drove away and I know his look didn’t mean anything, really, but I felt a little sadness and a knot in my throat. To me, this visit was different. I showed him affection, for sure, and told him how wonderful he is, but not like other times. Of course, they are all just dogs but I think when worried Mr. Biggins comes to visit again, I will want to hold him and talk to him more often. He knows things have changed, he looks worried more often, and I understand it, too. I wish I weren’t so sentimental about every little thing…I just can't forget his eyes on me when leaving.

All four at the door. I can’t hide - but everything is alright.

Hmmmm.

I had just... windexed... that... door!!!

Visions of Autumn in August

When I walked outside this morning I realized our summer is looking like early Autumn, in a way. Soft birches are dropping yellow and brown leaves. You can hear them fall when a gentle breeze graces us. Hard wood leaves are drooping.

We crunch through dry grass and leaves. No rain - for what seems like an eternity.

Garden hoses don’t help much to sustain life after weeks of extreme heat and blazing sun without rain clouds. This once beautiful young willow kicked the bucket. It's death might be a result of disease and we’ll work on it when the heat subsides. Farmers are losing livestock and I feel sad for them. My positive side thinks we’ll have some rain in a week or two and maybe some Canadian air! The forecast for the next week is 99, 99, 100, 99, 101, 99, 102...chance of a T-storm on Thursday.

I've lived through droughts before and experienced similar weather patterns. This summer has been hard on me because I'm older and can't withstand heat like I could as a younger chick and also because I've worked hard to maintain new gardens this year.

Looks like Jack Frost arrived! The pink zinnias are suffering but the orange ones are doing just fine.

It’s kind of depressing here in the southeast. We all pray for relief. I often sympathize for those who have too much of what we need.

I'll quit whining now (until the next post) and make the best of it!

Amidst all of this, there is an invincible summer to enjoy...

Home grown tomatoes!

Sunshine we crave in January!

Long days and the night sounds of crickets! Just a few, actually...

No mosquitoes this year!

Butterflies are in full force lately! I think of Sherry at Q's Corner when I'm zooming in...

I don’t have my field guide yet and don't feel like looking them up on the internet. Enjoy the view.

Splashes of color remain - through it all.

I realize I just posted hummingbirds two days ago but I couldn’t resist sharing what the little hummers did yesterday.

Earlier this summer, I wasn’t able to get a decent photo of a male ruby-throated. Well, lookit what visited yesterday! I was thrilled, for a while. He intended to stay and dominate the yellow feeder. For four straight hours, he guarded “his” nectar and fought relentlessly. My laundry piled up in the laundry room, dirty dishes sat in the sink, and the bed didn’t get made until bedtime. I had to watch the little King of Nectar…

"Mine!"

“Mine!”

Five hummers in action. He’s sat atop the hanger for four hours. Whenever I'd go inside the house, there were at least ten. He fought hard without rest. What a sight! I really need to learn about posting videos.

Some played it safe and watched the war from afar.

I thought I was getting a photo of two hummers in flight! How about that butterfly! How cool is THAT?

He was shaded under the overhang of the porch roof and I took about thirty photos to get a little of the red glow. I stood right under him and we talked about his behavior (yeah, ya’ll know I’m a fruitcake). This little guy was so determined to own the feeder and that I could have easily reached out and touch him at arm's length. I didn't. There was no need to spoil a relationship.

My Hummingbird Summer

Visits to model homes, Lancome counters, nurseries, and Wild Birds Unlimited make my heart do a drum roll. They are just a few material things I love. I also love shopping for candles, earrings, and clothing when I’m not feeling too fat.

By the time I finished shopping and chatting with the wonderful men at WBU and went back to my car, it felt like I flew open the oven door and stuck my head inside. Have your eyelids ever stuck to your eyeballs? It’s a strange feeling. I don’t like it. Peeling my thighs slowly and carefully from the leather seat is uncomfortable, too, and also unattractive. Focusing on the 108 is impossible when your eyelids can't move. It was really only 102 degrees F outside after I cranked on the A/C.

There are two hummingbird feeders at my house distanced about twenty feet apart. All of them fight over this one because the ports are wide and open. It’s very pretty but I continue making nectar to fill it as the ports sit above two cups' worth and it’s also wasteful, especially when I clean it every other day. It hangs on my deck and I can stand just a few feet away and watch little green army men and women in attack mode.

The color yellow attracts bees, too. But I’m keeping this one since they love it so much.

This feeder is lovely but it leaked and caused an ant problem. Julie, the Science Chimp reassured me I have juvenile male rubythroats. If this isn't a male, I'll crawl under the desk where I sit.

My simple Kodak EasyShare amazes me sometimes. I just love this camera. Ants (click to enlarge the previous photo and this one, too)!

Not as attractive as the other but it’s made well for cleaning and dining. I waited for two minutes and saw a landing. It inspected all six ports before taking a seat.

Feeling just delighted, I laughed out loud because I’m not accustomed to seeing hummingbirds sit. It reminded me of a social outcast sitting at a kindergarten lunch table. Soon, it reared its tiny, pointy head to the sky and attacked fellow lunch mates.

You might wonder why I am so into hummingbirds and briefly, I’ll explain. I grew up in the city. It wasn’t until the mid-90’s that I saw my first hummingbird. I was in my backyard practicing chipping golf balls, heard the hummer engine and saw the blur in front of my face. Life was on fast forward then and it still is, but my interests and priorities have shifted steadily over the years and I feel more peaceful for it. For all the years I missed enjoying what I do now, I sort of regret it.

The approach to this strange, new replacement must have been frightening. They were wary but hungry.

The hanger in the center of the feeder throws off my focus but I’m working on it.

At this moment, I have an update. They are grudgingly sharing lunches! Little flitty twits... For a real hummingbird treat - sharing the lunch table, see Monarch's incredible post and videos.

Floating around in a water park sounds nice.

Good morning. 7:00 a.m.

There’s a backlog of photos in my files and a few unwritten post ideas I've jotted down. They’re waiting for me and begging for attention. They'll just have to wait. Folks, for reasons beyond my control, there are not many words I can spew tonight. I’m too aware of the wet shirt that’s sticking to me and how I need a cold shower after working outside for an hour. Late afternoon on Monday, I had the stupid idea of digging up a small dead tree and replace it with a butterfly bush. Nothing stops me when I have an idea but the heat beat me up and I suffered for it. This is the best I can do tonight.

National news tells the story, I know. I need to say it anyway:

IT’S DAMNED HOT AND DRY HERE.

We’ve had 20 consecutive days of high temps between 90 and 105 F with humid conditions and dangerous air quality.

Three days of record heat have been recorded and today was one of them, at 100.

Not a drop of rain has hit the ground since July 27 and July was way below normal for rainfall.

Senior citizens are suffering.

Dairy cows are dying due to heat related illnesses.

Foliage, trees, and flowers look very depressed and birds pant.

“Dean” is out there…we're hoping to get a few days of steady rain out of him.


Observing water shortage conditions, I haven’t run the irrigation system in almost a week. Tomorrow, it’s set for 6:30 a.m. to treat the earth and to give the birds a nice shower. Boy, I’d love to be home to see them lift their wings!

Look closely and imagine the fragrance. Ahhh… My little Magnolia tree is fighting the dog days and winning!

Tufted Titmice reduce me to a pathetic and frustrated idiot. There is more to worry about than getting a shot of a Titmouse! For months, however, I’ve been waiting to be able sneak up on one and get a sharp photo but they wait for me to tip-toe towards them and flee! I grimace and whine every time.

This is my latest shot of the little scoundrel. Of course, it’s out of focus as are most others I take. When I downloaded this photo I was surprised to see a neighbor I haven’t met. Ooops! I saw him working on his deck in the late afternoon sun. The poor guy took a needed break from the heat. I wonder how many flies he swallowed when his jaw hung open. I kept an eye on him.

Gosh, I've had enough of this post. I'm off to see what everyone else is enjoying. A water park, perhaps?

Nice Matters

Mary, Mary Fairly Contrary and Sherry at Q’s Corner graciously offered me a “Nice Matters Award”. I wonder if they have they read my ranting, venting, and cursing when I’m hot under the collar!

Mary is a recently retired nurse in Liverpool, UK and has just started blogging in June. She loves gardening, quilting, and colorful fabrics. I’ve known her for a short while and have determined she is nice. If you visit her, you’ll see why. Thank you, Mary.

Sherry has become a very dear friend during the past few months. We have similar hearts and share being in touch with the beauty of nature. She is also an outstanding photographer of butterflies and birds. Visit her and look through her camera lens! Thank you, Sherry.

Now I am supposed to choose seven people on which to bestow the honor. Taking this award seriously, I walked around the yard last night and thought about who I would choose. It’s impossible for me to select only seven people because everyone I’ve been honored to know through blogging is more than nice. We all have some bad bones in our bodies but each of us has made a life-long choice to be nice because being nice really does matter. There are more than ten people I want to add to my blogroll whenever this damned heat lets up and I can relax. The list is getting so long that I’m overwhelmed and can’t make a decision.

So, last night, miraculously, in the dead center of my pond, I found what is perhaps my favorite photo of all. I’m offering it to you – friends who visit here regularly and those who visit but never let me know you are here – if you are reading this, it’s for you, nice people.

My heart. Thanks.

Meet Bam-Bam, Bamboozle, Bambino

Don’t love me because I’m beautiful.

The face of an English Bulldog is so ugly it’s cute. Does anyone agree?

Our daughter adopted him on Saturday evening. Gina sort of forced the rescue as “Bam-Bam, Bamboozle, Bambino” spent a lot of time in a crate or tied outside. It’s too hot outside for a chunky dog prone to breathing problems. His original name is "Bam-Bam" so he’s being called a variation of names for now. I’d like for him to have a more dignified name. Bamboozle doesn’t work because he isn’t confusing in the least. Instantly upon meeting him, you know he loves play, food, and hugs. Period. My Chloe could have been named “Bamboozle”. It suits her.

Gina inherited my soft heart for animals and if she should ever move to a farm, she’d adopt every animal that came her way.

Just give me a minute. Let me cool my underneath here on this cold spot.

He’s an almost two-year old happy boy, well behaved, and housebroken. His stature is amazing and I wonder how his three-inch legs carry his fifty-five pounds of meat and muscle. Running at full speed, he crashes into walls because he can’t stop peddling fast enough.

His slab of a tongue can lick you clean in two swipes. I wonder if I'll be bothered by it for long...

Mr. Biggins is sloppy in love with Bam-Bam, Bamboozle, Bambino most of the time but since Sunday he’s been showing his jealous side! BBBB doesn’t seem to care about the occasional growling and dominance from Mr. Biggins much and wanders off to bat his balls around. Speaking of balls, he’ll be going under the knife soon.


My husband, Michael, thinks we should take BBBB to live with us but I have enough to do. Without a bit of hesitation, I said, “No”.


He loves English Bulldogs and there is a reason for it.


It’s a known fact that dogs and their owners resemble each other quite often.


Michael is a good sport and was happy to pose for this picture.


Scroll down.


Scroll down a little more.

Bwa ha ha ha! We had so much fun with this photo!

We need to get a pair of eyeglasses for BBBB and ask Michael to pant.

More to come when BBBB meets the “girls”!

Too often, people with good intentions adopt pets without having a true understanding of the meaning of commitment. Pets give so much to us and we all should be able and willing to give back towards their happy and healthy life. I’m glad the owners of BBBB realized their lifestyle wasn’t suited for a dog that needed more than they can give.

Relocating the Wildlife

If you’ve been with me for several months, you'll know that I’m a hawk chaser. This photo was taken in February during one of my stop-quick-and-exit-car maneuvers. In the middle of this open field I’ve seen Loggerhead Shrikes from a distance and hawks perch on this dead tree often, mainly during winter months. I pass it on my way to and from work every day and examine it with camera ready.

Last weekend I was on vacation. Husband was in Myrtle Beach at a golf outing - business-related. Oh, don’t make me laugh! He enjoyed himself and that’s good but I had a little pleasure seeing his sunburned self come through the door on Sunday. With DH away, there were no deadlines or schedules to keep for three wonderful days. Yes, I was on vacation.

On the way to the grocery store on one of those days, I gasped and whined loudly in the car. This is what happened to my favorite hawk observatory (pictured above):

My town, Huntersville, ranks 46th in the nation for growth as stated in a recent national study and I can’t drive a quarter of a mile without seeing new construction in progress. Known to be a sleepy, bedroom town in a county called Mecklenburg that circles the growing city of Charlotte, changes are taking place here very quickly. We didn’t expect this rapid growth when we made this town our home two years ago but it's not surprising. We also have seen this happen to us many times in the past - particularly in a once sleepy town in Maryland called Bel Air. Here in Huntersville, roads and schools are a major concern, of course, but I’m also concerned about the wildlife. We’re seventeen miles from uptown but not far enough away to avoid city planning.

Why does anyone need a home this large? The earlier decades of reproducing seven to fourteen children are gone! This new development is the reason for the hawks’ eye view knock-down.

I swerved across the road and parked on my man-made shoulder to see some lovely miniature horses. Let this ranch stay, please? Both children and adults visit for a lot of awwww-ing.

Softer than a baby’s behind.

These miniatures have good care and they’re for sale! I'd love to have room for one or twenty.

I pray to keep this view on my way... A few months ago, I saw the large horses gallop across the road in front of me. It was a wonderful sight.

On the way home from the grocery store I stopped at one of our community ponds. It’s the one where I released two of my large goldfish and I wonder if they are still alive during the obnoxious heat we're having. The Canadian Geese will be protected here and any other residents that might relocate.

It’s alive with dragonflies and birds.

Where will they go? What will happen to these birds who are watching the construction and the death of their trees and foliage they have nested in? And what about all of the other living creatures who have skirted death and moved on?

My heart was so heavy. I went home with some good thoughts in my sunburned, hot head: Let them reside with me and share my Zen! I have so much to offer on my teeny-tiny ranch-eden-oasis.

My home…come on over to my house.

$11.99. Trimmed to smithereens in one night.

Bad, bad, bunnies!

I Made Rain

A month or so ago, Susan did this during her drought. I made rain tonight with a soft spray from the garden hose. I have noticed, during the very few rain storms we’ve had, that hummingbirds love rain. They feel refreshed and delighted! Other birds splash in the pond. Hummingbirds need rain, I think. I’ve never seen one on the pond to bathe.

I sprinkled myself, too, as we had record high temperatures here today. 104 degrees F was recorded but I think it was more like 110 with the humidity. They enjoyed their forty-five minute shower and I did, too. There is a hummingbird in this photo... Poor photos tonight.

What a generous little soul it is - caring for a cowbird fledgling. I just love this little Chipping Sparrow.

The pigeons are cooing on my rooftop. Their voices remind me of the Mary Poppins movie I saw as a child.

I worry about the birds, rabbits, chipmunks, and all life in this heat. I do my best.

The water hibiscus is breathtaking. It blooms for a day and I caught it!

After years of longing for a plant-thriving pond, I finally have one. It’s too full of plants now but I’ll leave them grow for another day or two. The Koi and Goldfish haven’t been fed for several days and they’ll rely on plant roots, only. It’s too hot for them to metabolize pellets.

There’s so much I’d like to talk about tonight but I am dehydrated and tired. My eyes are swelling. I need more rest and water.

Chloe still has the Hershey squirts and vomited yellow bile. What a homecoming I had at 4:30! I’m on my hands and knees again and have officially declared the family room carpet as “destroyed”. I’m working on it! She has never had diarrhea in her life but she seems to be just fine and happy today. I picked up all food. They have water for dinner. She eats too much dirt and whatever she wants outside. I’ll sneak some biscuits to Bella to keep her body fat ratio in up to par. Tomorrow, I will cook some ground beef and rice if Chloe finishes her purging.

I’m so sick of this heat.

I’m sick and tired of cooking dinner when I’m not hungry.

Tonight I accidentally burned a thin frozen pizza. Who cares? Who needs to eat when your hair is soaked with sweat? I prefer ice cream for dinner.

I don’t dare pour a glass of wine tonight but I could use one…instead, I'm guzzling green tea with lots of ice.

I want real rain. I hate seeing my gardens look like a neglected patch of weeds on the corner of a city street.

Husband is snoring in his leather recliner. I have laundry to fold. What’s wrong with this picture?

Oh boy, this post is spiraling downwards. Hmmmpf. Whatever…

I have a connection, by George!

Quickly, I post tonight. The heat has scorched me!

My link to the world was in bits and pieces! His name is Joe, an independent consultant, and I trusted him. I have a new motherboard and have risen from computer hell!

Joe didn’t leave me with a network connection this afternoon because he had other appointments to keep. He gave me good instructions and I made the connection myself. I have e-mail!

Hint: Use your can of air once a month to clean all open crevices on your computer. That was not the cause of my problem, but it’s a good tip.

There are numerous things I’d like to share since being away, but today, it’s all about the heat. I’ve experienced a few record hot and dry summers in my life and I’ll also remember this one, for sure. In my county, high school football scrimmages have been rescheduled, shelters are overloaded, fan donations are requested for senior housing, and just south of my county and in South Carolina, there are strict water restrictions in place. We’ll be next for a restriction because there is no rain in sight for a week and we haven’t had a rainfall in two weeks.

This photo of my young Hydrangeas was taken around noon today. I hand watered them last night. They have not done well this summer but I have high hopes of needed relief soon.

I came home from work today to meet with Joe and Bella seemed to be guilty. She avoided me and I wondered what happened... Then I realized Chloe was sick. Perhaps it is heat related although I keep them indoors except for potty breaks lately. The carpet needs to go! My home in Delaware had hardwood flooring throughout except for carpeted bedrooms. I want to get on my hands and knees right now and rip up the carpet! Pet stains annoy me but it’s a way of life around here.

Hummingbirds were dehydrated today. We're all thirsty.

I made more nectar and it’s cooling for them now. Sixteen cups will go quickly. I’d love to photograph the action of fifteen hummingbirds. It’s an incredible sight! Tiny wonders.

When the sun sets tonight, I'll be outside to offer fuel to those who rely on me. This young House Finch is being fed by a Chipping Sparrow. I’m serious. I’ve seen them interacting twice during the past week. When I took this photo, the Chipping Sparrow was watching nearby but my photo of it was blurred. This is odd. I’m watching and thinking. Any ideas out there?

It's 8:30 p.m. and I'm headed outdoors - after I drink an 8-ounce bottle of water. God help us. Let it rain?

Please don't take my good stuff away?

Here I am at work again. It’s been five long days since I lost my internet connection at home. It was a real gift to see it return for about four hours since then and I was thrilled to post on Sunday!

Here's the story:

Time Warner insists that my network adapter is malfunctioning and sometimes it’s missing. (All of this started after a violent storm late June.) After a three-hour diagnostic session with Dell on Friday night and a brief session with them on Sunday night, I finally got fed up and five minutes into our conversation I said,

“Listen. Don’t make me go through another three-hour test again. I’ve done this several times before. Put me in touch with your supervisor – NOW, because I want a technician at my house to fix this problem.”

And, that’s what I’m getting this week (so they say…)! He’ll replace the network card on the motherboard and see what happens. During all of these diagnostic sessions I took copious notes so I’ll be supervising the technician that makes my house call!

At one point on Friday evening, I had TW on one ear and Dell on the other. Is that crazy? How much is too much?

Dammit. When I like something, I really like it. Losing my internet connection is like losing an old friend.

Since I’m not spending my evenings posting and visiting other blogs, I found some real mind blowing and exciting things to do instead! Make sure you are sitting down before you read on.

Bought a new WBU thistle feeder and cleaned the others.

Emptied my wallet of trash and two pounds of coins.

Replaced burned out light bulbs around the house.

Finally made an appointment for an eye exam.

Cleaned the bottom drawer of the frig that collects funky stuff.

Tossed out hosiery with runs and holes and old socks. Did the same with old underwear.

Took some good photos.

Put some posts on a slow simmer.

Went to bed at a decent hour.



I’m trying to smile often while I’m missing y’all.

We do this for life

Are you my mother?

A small ornamental tree held a Mockingbird fledgling and I couldn’t resist a few photos while I delivered some paperwork on campus.

Isn’t she lovely?

I can’t differentiate between male and female Mockingbirds, so I’m calling it a she.

Isn't she wonderful?

She was spreading her wings and practicing feisty Mockingbird behavior. Mom was looking on, so I went back inside. I’ve had enough experiences with Mockingbirds to know it’s right for me to back off.

An hour later, I took my camera with me to run another errand on campus. This time, I saw something strange and decided to tip-toe through fire ant mounds to investigate. Mother was frantic while she carried food to an unusual place. This was odd…

She was perched on the rail of an enclosure in the middle of the courtyard. I knew a baby was in there and I was willing to help.

My heart sank. I cursed. Inside the enclosure was a storm drain covered with a large, heavy grate. There, three feet below, was the young Mockingbird perched on a white drain pipe, above stagnated water, looking up and calling out. She had flown into the enclosure and fell through the grate with no way out. Here, I had a photo opportunity but passed on it. How could I have exploited a small bird that…might…die in there? No. I had to get back to the office.

I would have used all of my strength to lift that grate and lower myself into the pit if no one else would help. But I wanted help. I sent an e-mail to three people and while I waited for replies, I watered the lobby plants with tears in my eyes, wondering why I always find myself rescuing birds and worrying like this? And why am I so damned teary about it?! Bluebirds, Mockingbirds, anything. Maybe I’d be better off living my life with blinders on. But then, I’d miss soooo much love and life – and this is why.

Within a few minutes, Doug came looking for me. I knew it wasn’t a good day for him and he was knee-deep in work issues but he found me. He’s my retired cop buddy and closest friend at the college. Doug doesn’t look sweet and soft-hearted but he is! I didn’t get a photo of him but he looks exactly like a BOB:

I took him to the scene and while we were figuring what to do, the housekeeping ladies, who were finishing an outdoor lunch, came to inquire. They didn’t understand how I knew a young bird was trapped, nor did they know a Mockingbird from a hawk, but they were concerned and happy to fetch a broom, dustpan, and shovel. Yvonne ran to us with a grabber thingy that you’d use for picking up lawn trash. It was the perfect tool.

Sweet “Doug E. Fresh” lifted the grate and gently and carefully raised the little Mockingbird to safety - unharmed. She fought a good fight but he won. With Mockingbird Mom looking on, I chased the baby away from the area and let her rest under a shady tree.

They asked me to take their picture:

Their hearts were full. One lady commented, “I can’t wait to tell my son what I did today!”

We had a five-minute party.

We celebrated!

Their radio was playing Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab” and I said, “Crank that baby up!” We danced cha-cha and slow jam with arms in the air. We were smoooooth.

Then we got too hot and all agreed to get back inside and do some work.

Life was good. We saved one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Since Wednesday, I've had two hours of internet time. I don't know how long it will last. I'm keeping fingers crossed to be in touch with everyone :o) My withdrawal will be a subject of another post.

An interruption in service...Ya!

I’m posting from work.

Time Warner Cable is pushing me right over the edge because I haven’t had e-mail or internet connection at home since Wednesday night. Even our phone service disconnects during a ten-minute phone call.


Last night, on the phone with TW:

Me: “My e-mail and internet connection is lost since Wednesday evening. I’ve been having this sort of trouble all summer.”

TW rep: “Ya!”

(I think, what in the hell does YA mean?)

TW rep: “You are in the Charlotte area where there are a lot of interruptions in service for the past few days.”

Me: “No. It’s been happening all summer long! One clap of thunder is all it takes. This time, there's no weather factor.”

TW rep: “Ya!”

Me: “When will the connection be restored?”

TW rep: “They’re working on your area now.”

Me: (speaking kindly with jaw clenched) “Before I change providers, can you give me any details about what TW is doing to prevent these problems from happening in the future?”

TW rep: “Ya! New underground cabling in certain areas of Charlotte is needed. Over a few years. No need to change providers.”

Me: “Ok, thank you.”
(thinking: Stick it up your ass, buddy.)



Thanks for your nice comments the other day. If you don’t hear from me, this is why.

Have a great weekend!

Hello August

July consistently gave us hot, hazy evenings. What will August bring? More of the same, I'm sure, but hotter than hell, so they predict. I'm not quite fully cooked but August will take care of that!

Another day has passed without an idea for a post. Boredom strikes again and this trend is turning into a bad habit. Think Mary, Think! Hello? Where are you? In lieu of a lot of meaningless chatter (typical on this blog), I’ll share some photos I’ve taken during the past week and add a few brief comments. If you like photos, stay with me. If not, hit your back button.

I screwed up, allowed the fence to get in the way, and consider this to be an example of poor photography. I love this shot anyway. Female Cardinals are so strikingly elegant!

A few brief downpours and my hand watering have kept the flowers and shrubs from dying so we planted some hibiscus along the fence near the pond. They’ll wrap themselves around the rails and turn into a solid mass of eye candy for the hummingbirds.

Speaking of hummingbirds, they put me in a trance. I have never witnessed such frenzy! Ten to fourteen at a time chitter-chatter and hover in front of my face which makes me instinctively duck for cover. I sit for long periods and watch the magic.

Where are the males? Can someone tell me why I've only seen females in the last week or two?

A new visitor came to call while I was washing dishes so I went outside to introduced myself and to also make sure his intentions were good, as he was actually trespassing on our property. The pond had him mesmerized and he said, “It’s breathtaking!” I wanted to ask him if he has a blog. What nine-year-old boy refers to nature as being “breathtaking”?

Chloe and Bella made a new friend. I'd hire him to play with them but it's too hot for their running for more than ten minutes.

The dragonfly population is growing. After taking about fifteen photos, I found a decent one. It looks like a Common Whitetail without the white tail.

A very cute and clever smart-ass. I grit my teeth and laugh at the same time at this brazen little creature.

The Pokeberries are ripening and the patch has grown to about eight feet round. At least something is growing well... They are new this year.

My lifeless Canna plants are looking a little better. The beetles are still tormenting, though.

Does anyone want some free pond plants? I need to thin the celery every day. I'm not complaining but I'd like to have room to sit on the edge and cool my bare feet.

On to the "Dog Days":

"I'm... too sexy for my toys...too sexy..." Mr. Biggins. What a man!

Do Boston Terriers need teeth to carry things? Don't think so...

Eeeeeks! Poor thing. That face... Chloe’s face is one only a Mother could love.

Tomorrow I will THINK.