Saturday, July 28, 2018

Gone

They are gone.  All that remains is this nest.  It was still occupied on Thursday evening...
Early Friday morning empty. 










This photo was taken late Thurs. afternoon.   If you look close on the far right midway down this wee one was peeking out.

Upon reading about cardinals - discovered that the fledglings leave the nest about 10 - 13 days after hatching.







Once the nest is abandoned it will not be reused.  The mother and father move onto a new place to begin another brood.   

What an amazing design - the bottom is made up of leaves and some small dried twigs and such.

Very small inside - no wonder those babies leave so soon. 

Well the nest may be empty but I am looking forward to seeing those youngsters at the bird feeders.

Hope you will stop back again soon.   Have a blessed week.

Hugs Debbie

Sunday, July 22, 2018

Wonderful discovery

During berry picking I stumbled upon a wonderful discovery.












Hidden in this briar patch something special was found.












a nest












 with two baby birds and an egg waiting to hatch.

As of this morning the egg was gone and there may be three hungry mouths to feed.

I will keep you all updated on this special discovery.   They are cardinals so it will be fun to keep a check on how they change in color. 

P.S. - From last week's post many of you didn't recognize my thief - he is a groundhog.  They dig huge holes to burrow in.   Generally they are spotted on the ground but do occasionally climb trees.

God Bless Debbie

Sunday, July 15, 2018

Thievery and other Happenings

Friends I am sad to say that in the midst of  the lovely month of July I discovered a thief.












For quite some time this peach tree has been losing its lovely fruit.
In the spring it was loaded with the bountiful promise of an abundant harvest.
In my dreams I was baking fresh peach pie...savoring golden sweet jam on my morning toast and having plenty to share with family members.

Alas it isn't happening.  Today on my usual walk  I spotted the cause of my disappearing fruit.

Right in broad daylight and not in the least upset getting caught - here he is!  I ask you do you think that face looks the least bit ashamed? 

So it is off to the berry patch I go.
Better hurry before that little rascal decides he wants some berries with his peaches.










By the way I am still doing some painting this summer.


Over at Doodlewash they are celebrating #WorldWatercolorMonth.  Am not participating every day but whenever I can will be posting a bit of art.   It is not too late for others to join.

Well until next time have a blessed week.

Hugs Debbie



P.S.  Watch out for those thieves.   They may appear cute but don't be deceived they will steal your best fruit! 









Sunday, July 8, 2018

Variety of Visitors


The  summer garden brings a variety of visitors.   Some are plain...












Others are quite colorful...





Some jabber loudly...












while others are more subdued...














and some are
 so tiny they might be missed.












No matter the color or size though all are welcome.

So glad you stopped by for a visit too.

Hugs Debbie

"He has made everything beautiful in its time."
Ecclesiastes 3:11a (NIV)
 











.

Sunday, July 1, 2018

The Farm at Walnut Creek

Hubby and I visited "The Farm" at Walnut Creek, Ohio two weeks ago.   It is about 40 miles from our home.

We had heard about the place from some of our  friends.  It sounded like a wonderful way to spend a day.

It is not your typical Amish farm...although one would never guess it at first sight.  General farming goes on...hay making, planting gardens, etc.

It is only when you climb into the horse drawn wagon and begin an hour's ride that you believe you may have moved to a far away spot.

These Elands from Africa came to greet us at our first stop.

Fallow Deer from Australia and New Zealand were everywhere.











Aoudad from Algeria posed perfectly for the camera.












This Giraffe from Africa was more than happy to eat from our buckets of grain.

The Grevy Zebra from northern Kenya was just a bit shy and didn't come to say hi.












A Dromedary Camel from the Middle East was at the gate as we finished our ride.

Afterwards we were free to tour walkways that showcased exotic birds from faraway places .

My favorite was the East African Crown Crane.

    I am sure no movie star could be dressed as pretty as this proud one.

Well friends this is just a handful of the wonderful animals we got to see and touch.   Thank you for letting me share these photos with you. 

Hope everyone has a beautiful July.

God Bless

Debbie 

P.S. Will be around to visit all of you soon.  I've missed you! 










Sow

 It is the time of the year when I begin to sow seeds for the coming season.  Discovered a different method on You Tube...they call it "...