MIGRATING BALTIMORE ORIOLES IN MY GARDEN 2014

MIGRATING BALTIMORE ORIOLES IN MY GARDEN 2014

These are the migrating baltimore orioles that I got to see this year.  And, a few more flock members, but still no vibrantly beautiful orange and black patriarch.

For many years, I had lots of orioles and one or several adult males.  I don't know if the drought has changed their flight path or what is going on.  I really miss seeing the flocks like I used to.  I will be looking forward to them again next year and hoping they remember my yard.

That little cardinal is there to greet them.  She was fascinated with the visitors.

This is how I can usually get good pictures of the migrating birds in the fall and a few in the spring.

I very carefully take these pictures through my blinds.  Well, not so carefully this time.  I was in a hurry to get the pictures before they flew away.

For several days now we've had really good rain.  The weather man said we will be having good rains for the next several days, too.

Certainly hope he's right.

I'm so thankful for any rain we get!!

"SONGS OF LIFE"

ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SONGS THAT 

NEIL DIAMOND 

COMPOSED

"SONGS OF LIFE"

(cover)
From
"The Jazz Singer"

Last night I watched "The Jazz Singer".
It brought back memories from a long time ago.
I love this song!

IT'S ALMOST SEPTEMBER 11. ARE YOU PREPARED, JUST IN CASE?

Not to be paranoid, but I'm going to be prepared.

It's almost September 11, and I remember how scared and confused I was back then on 

September 11, 2001.

I eat mostly fresh and frozen vegetables, fruits, nuts, etc.  Rarely do I eat anything out of a can, except tuna.

But starting in 2001, I began storing a good supply of canned goods and non perishable food in the back of my pantry, just in case.

As I'm putting the cans in the pantry, I always use a marker to write the date on them.  After a few months, I give all the food to someone before the expiration dates and start buying and stocking my pantry, again.

Oh, and a good supply of water and bathroom tissue are very important items on that list of supplies. 

If something were to happen (ever) I think we would only be isolated for a very few days and I feel that I am prepared.

Are you?

Do you even think about it?

BUTTERFLY WEED FOR THE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES & LIFE IN MY GARDEN

BUTTERFLY WEED FOR THE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES & LIFE IN MY GARDEN

This is butterfly weed or asclepias.

I grow it every year, specifically for the monarch butterflies.

Around late July or August, I start feeding and taking really good care of it so it will be healthy and have lots of flowers for the monarchs as they are passing through on their way to Mexico for the winter.

Other butterflies are attracted to it, too.  

For several days now, two monarch butterflies have been fluttering around the blooms.

A few weeks ago, I stopped at a nursery that was having a plant sale.  Butterfly weed was one of the plants on sale.  They weren't doing too well, but I knew I had a plan for them and I could make them happy, again.  I bought 6 one gallon size plants and paid under 3.00 for each one.  

THAT was a good deal!!  

I'm ready for the migrating monarch butterflies.

This poor little dove.  She has been sitting up there on my martin house since she first built her nest in the spring.  But, she never hatched any babies.  After several months, she's still there and I've come to the conclusion that she might be hurt.  Like a wing or leg or something.

I do see her flying straight down for water in the bird bath.  And, she's very close to the area where I feed sunflower seeds, so I guess she's ok with food and water.

Poor little dove.

My bronze fennel is doing really well for summertime.  I was thinking it dies back in the heat of the summer, but maybe not bronze fennel.

Anyway, it's really pretty right now and attracting beneficial insects.

And, here's sweet Punkin.  

Every morning, she's on the front porch where it's cool.  And every afternoon, she's on the back patio.  I'm sure the a/c in the house keeps that little corner cool.  

Also, if by chance she's not there, I'll spray water on those rocks so they'll be cool for her when she starts napping.

It's been a mild summer, so far.  

They're saying our drought might be over by the end of the year.  A lot of rain is expected between now and then.  

CERTAINLY HOPE SO!!

For the sake of nature, hope you and your countryside are getting a decent amount of rain.

WHEN THE DOG STAYS HOME ALONE...MOM SETS UP A CAMERA TO WATCH

THIS DOG IS NOT SUPPOSED TO GET ON THE BED.

CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SHE LEAVES

MOM SETS UP CAMERA

PROTECTING MY CANNA LILIES WITH BIRD NETTING

These are some of my favorite cannas because I just love the color.
They're in a tall pot in the middle of pinks, yellows and purple flowers.  They look so pretty.
When they first started blooming like this picture, one day I looked out and the blooms were broken.
Obviously, a large bird like a grackle had tried to land on the stalks.

I was trying to figure out what to do and remembered I had some of this bird netting in my garden shed.

If you look closely, you can see it on top of the blooms.

It's a great deterrent because the birds can see it and know they might get tangled in it.

My only concern is that a butterfly will get up under the netting and won't be able to get out.  So, I'm keeping a close eye on it.

Ever since I put the netting on the flowers, there have been no broken stems.

All I did was cut a small piece and laid it across the top of the flowers.

I do have to keep adjusting it because a bud tried to develop through one of the holes and when I tried to remove the netting, it broke the bud.

So glad I remembered to use this bird netting.  

It's perfect!

FRI:FloralFriday,

TODAY IS POTATO CHIP DAY

Today is potato chip day. 

 I've planned this calorie splurge for several days now.

I stood at the window drinking tea with my potato chips.

This big bag is almost empty now and they still crunch good, but not so tasty anymore!

Potato chip day is OVER!!