I looked out my sliding doors this morning to find our new neighborhood fox standing alert in the pathway between the yews and the burning bushes that protect my patio. I held my breath even though the door was shut and he could neither see nor hear me! This fellow is new to our neighborhood. I don’t want to scare him away. He made his way toward the backyard, but stopped to drink out of the container of water I have set out for the birds. Then he marked his spot in my spiraea before trotting to the back of the yard and disappearing beneath the yew hedge. He’s a skinny one!
I have a pretty good grasp of the critters that live in my neighborhood. For the past many years that huge stand of yews that border the yard on the south and east has been home to a pair of cardinals, a pair of robins, and a pair of bluejays. I mean all at the same time. It’s a big hedge! For the most part they get along.
The cardinals bring their young to my feeders when they are big enough to get about. Last year from those same sliding doors I watched as the male fed his son. The kid was bright red, a size bigger than his doting parent and very insistent! This year the mom accompanied her young daughter to the feeder. The young lady figured it out right away and eagerly fed herself. Now she comes on her own, no chaperone needed!. This morning she was high in the burning bushes calling for a mate! Quite independent!
I planted sunflowers very late this summer. It was at least mid July! After I finished cutting back and tearing out the white phlox that had already bloomed I found pack of seeds someone had given me back in April and I thought, “What the heck!” And some of them grew! As have the phlox and some new cannas. I have been meaning to take some photos, but with sunflowers for the photo to be memorable the sun must be exactly right. This morning it was! I circled and debated and squatted in the garden to get the just right shot. I needed more of that blue sky and none of the house! I didn’t notice the monarchs until I had nearly finished crashing my way through the sunflowers and driving them away! They had been feasting and I interrupted their dinner. I’m sorry. They returned as soon as I moved away, thank goodness.
I love the little piece of heaven I call my back yard where every day I am witness to the fact that life does indeed go on. Aren’t I the lucky one?
Wonderfully written Ardy and the picture just makes a person smile.
Cindy, thank you for your kind words. They mean a lot to me. Love…
You are so eloquent with your words. It draws me to want to read more!!
Mary, thank you for your kind words. They mean a lot to me. I hope your trip is going well! Love…
Ardy, you can make a heaven anywhere. I’m glad you are their hostess. Aww, the simple pleasures you have always and will always find. Blessed you are and I am for knowing The Honeylambs. Love to you, Sista.
Ann! let me know if you are ever this way again. Thank you for your kind words. They mean a lot to me. Love…
Hi Ardy,
I loved reading all of your posts.
We had our 50th Ryan High School Reunion last night. It wasn’t the same without Jim. We did dedicate a song for him…
“Mac the Knife”. We all listened and sang along. It was a happy but sad night.
Missing you and hope that you are doing well.
❤️ Jeanne
Jeanne, Thanks for all the good photos! I thought about coming to the reunion but it was just too much! I’m glad you had a good time! maybe I’ll come for one of Jim’s girls lunches some time. love…
Inspirational words Ardy , we can picture the whole scenario in the back yard ! You have a great way with words , maybe you should write a book 😍👍xxxxxx
Maybe you should come here and help me write a book!! Love…
Ardy, I love the way you observe, and your ability to attach words to what you see and feel. You are my word person. I love the succinct and definitive way you express yourself. Your words often help me shift my awareness and enhance my perspective a little bit. I’m so happy you’re doing this blog and sharing your gift.
Karen! You always say the sweetest things! Thanks for your kind words. Love…