Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / life / Bees, the Groundhog, and Ruby

Bees, the Groundhog, and Ruby

July 21, 2025 at 8:59 am by Claudia

More bees and coneflowers. Lately, I’ve seen a hummingbirds among the zinnias, a monarch flitting around the wildflowers, and bunnies dining on the clover and grass.

Yesterday was the best, though. It was very hot and humid and Don had a gig. I had already done all my watering and I was walking into the living room from the den, As I walked by the front door, I saw our groundhog stretched out on the welcome mats that are by the stairs that lead up to the door. I startled him, which I regret, and I didn’t have my phone with me, darn it. I was very frustrated by my reaction. It would have been so great to capture that moment. This guy is mischievous, eating the zinnias, trying to dig in one of the front garden beds, hanging out on the porch. He reminds me of one of the babies from a few years back, always getting into trouble, but adorably so.

Mama is patiently sitting on the nest. Yesterday, I was on the porch taking a picture and I guess I overstayed my welcome because Papa started his warning call. I quickly finished and told him I was leaving.

Today is cooler and the humidity has gone, so I’m going to do some chores outside.

This is one of the pictures I took right before Papa Catbird shooed me away.

Ruby playing Princess.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.

Filed Under: life 16 Comments

Comments

  1. kathy in iowa says

    July 21, 2025 at 10:33 am

    that all sounds nice. it is nice. happy for you.

    i do wish you could have been able to take a photo of the groundhog relaxing on the mat, but the best part is you got to see him doing that and so have that photo in your mind. :)

    happy, safe monday to everyone.

    kathy

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      July 21, 2025 at 6:29 pm

      Oh, I really wish I could have captured that scene!

      Thanks so much, Kathy,

      Stay safe.

      Reply
      • kathy in iowa says

        July 21, 2025 at 6:44 pm

        he did it once. maybe he will do it again. i hope so … and that you see him on the mat again and have your phone/camera in your pocket when you do. :)

        kathy

        Reply
        • Claudia says

          July 23, 2025 at 9:06 am

          xo

          Reply
  2. Debbie in Oregon says

    July 21, 2025 at 8:24 pm

    Ruby’s adorable red nose always makes me think she’s fighting a nasty cold. I always feel the need to say, “I hope you feel better soon, Ruby”💗 And her dress is so cute! I’m glad you had less humidity today … we’re fortunate to not have to deal with much of it here in Oregon.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      July 23, 2025 at 9:07 am

      She has allergies like me.

      Thanks so much, Debbie!

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  3. Kay Nickel says

    July 22, 2025 at 7:31 am

    Thanks for the beautiful photos. Interesting how much wildlife there is around us if you just watch and listen. Sorry I don’t comment often but I do read your posts. I am not much of a writer.

    Maybe I need to use AI.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      July 23, 2025 at 9:07 am

      Oh, don’t use AI. That’s the worst solution!

      Thanks, Kay.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  4. jeanie says

    July 22, 2025 at 1:03 pm

    No pun intended — she’s a dolll!

    What a bounty of nature you have in your world right now. Bees, birds, the groundhog. All lovely! Happy week!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      July 23, 2025 at 9:08 am

      Thank you, Jeanie. I hope you’re doing well. When is your ear surgery?

      Stay safe.

      Reply
      • jeanie says

        July 23, 2025 at 9:10 am

        Ear surgery is August 7. August 8 we have grandkids for the weekend. No options on timing. I hope it’s a simple procedure!

        Reply
        • Claudia says

          July 23, 2025 at 9:53 am

          I hope it is, too. Hang in there, Jeanie.

          Reply
  5. kaye says

    July 22, 2025 at 7:37 pm

    Hi,
    I finished “The Last Remains,” and I am glad that it had a cheerful/happy ending. I liked that all the characters in the books are all reasonably happy and settled. I am curious how would you describe Ruth Galloway’s looks?

    Wishing you and Don well,
    Kaye

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      July 23, 2025 at 9:08 am

      I wouldn’t be able to do that now. It’s been so long since I read the last book.

      What are your thoughts on that?

      Stay safe, Kaye.

      Reply
      • kaye says

        July 23, 2025 at 8:43 pm

        I’m so excited! I saw Don in another episode of Law and Order. It was with Angie Harmon and Diane Weist. He looked very handsome, he has a great voice.

        Kaye

        Reply
        • Claudia says

          July 25, 2025 at 7:41 am

          He does have a great voice! And, because of my profession, a good voice is a big deal.

          Thanks, Kaye!

          Reply
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Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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