Captivated by Nature

This is fast becoming one of my favorite times of year. The yard is alive with activity! The raised vegetable garden beds are looking good and everything is growing well...so far. Even the pumpkin and watermelon seeds I planted a couple weeks ago have sprouted and are developing new leaves. If they all produce, we'll have lots of pumpkins for carving (and canning) and an abundance of watermelon to eat come early fall. I'm hoping the cucumbers do well as I really have a taste for grandma's pickle recipe this year.

Besides the garden, watching the birds has been a joy. A couple weeks ago the baby Eastern bluebirds hatched and just last week, one day, I was late for work as I spotted the little ones perched on the crossbar of our clothesline post just as I was about to head out the door. It was captivating to watch as one by one each little one took flight...all but one, that is. This little straggler needed some encouragement from Father Bird. But eventually he (or she) made a short but glorious flight. I have found it both amazing and delightful that they are still sticking around so long this year. Each evening I watch as they come out from hiding and flutter around the yard. I can't remember them ever staying so long after leaving the nest. I Imagine Mother Bird will soon be laying her second batch of eggs in the little white birdhouse. And then I can start all over keeping watch. The hummingbirds are coming around enmass. Their antics are delightful. Early this afternoon I saw a doe standing on the road and the gopher that resides way too close to my gardens greets me each morning as I leave for work. For living out in the middle of nowhere, so to speak, there sure is a lot going on!

Late last week we got an over abundance of rain. So much so that nearly the whole yard was flooded three times in one night! Luckily there was only a tiny amount that seeped into the basement and the sump pump didn't even have to start up.

Been working on a few stained glass pieces - they're in the slideshow. Health things have keep me busy...or not. With all the wet weather and higher humidity, my RA has been acting up. Add to that increasing osteoporosis and a battery of tests. So far nothing too serious. And, I've been running with Dan's aunt to doctor appointments as well.

Be sure to check out the newest pictures of Miss Amelia on my photo album site. She came for a visit yesterday and was quite the socialable little lady!