I was chatting with Don yesterday morning andI mentioned that I hadn’t seen any sign of a groundhog this year. Had Henry passed on? He’s been around so long that could well have been the case. Later in the day, after running errands, I happened to look out the window to see a groundhog in the corral, eating grass.
I ran for the camera and stayed inside to take some photos. Groundhogs are notoriously shy and any hint of movement will send them back to their lair. As it was, I could swear he was looking right at me.
Yes, the shed needs painting and you know what? I don’t care! It is what it is. Weathered and worn.
Back to Henry. Or is it Henry II? Seems a bit smaller than Henry, but I can’t swear to that.
I can’t tell you how happy this made me! I immediately texted a photo to Don, who, about a half hour later, called me back. He was relieved, as well.
This might be my favorite photo. I’ve never seen him do that before.
Yay! Welcome back after your winter of hibernation! There’s lots of grass to dine upon. Have at it! (Just stay out of my garden, please.)
It’s been raining off and on for a few days now. It rained all night last night. We are waterlogged here. Will the sun make an appearance? Fingers crossed.
I’m just about finished with my book, but I had to break away to write this post. I haven’t been reading as much lately simply because I’m finally able to work outside and that’s my priority. This rain gives me the perfect excuse to indulge in reading and I’m grateful for it.
I snapped up this galvanized tray yesterday at Target. It was in the garden section. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it, but I like that look – within reason, of course. Too much is too much.
Anyway, here’s what I ended up doing:
I set it on top of the cake plate, which has a much smaller diameter. It provides more room for the succulents. And it contrasts nicely with the white of the table and the cake plate.
One photo was taken yesterday, one today, which accounts for the variations in the light.
I like it.
Two more days until I head into the city for the opening of Anastasia. It’s hard to believe that after all this time, it’s finally opening on Broadway. I sure wish Don could attend with me. It would make all the difference in the world. He, in fact, considered flying in to surprise me, thinking he might be able to wrangle a day off on Tuesday. But, the show is moving on stage on Tuesday and tech rehearsals are starting and he absolutely has to be there. I completely understand.
But, oh how I’d love to have him by side. Sigh.
Happy Saturday and Happy Earth Day.
Nice to see Henry back! I am always looking for the deer outside and love to see when the new babies come out to play. I so wish Don could be with you for opening night. Enjoy it and can’t wait to hear all about it. I’m being good and resting a lot this weekend. I’ve got to get rid of whatever is wrong with me so I can get busy outside. Hugs!
Oh, so happy to hear you’re feeling better, Linda! Stay in and relax.
Your Henry is a happy sight, indeed. Just makes me smile. It seems like there should be ground hogs in our woods, but I’ve never seen any. I’ll trade you a few snakes for a Henry.
You can’t have him!
Happy you’re happy that Henry is back. There’s a skunk digging in my front yard. Apparently, from talking to the neighbors, it’s going from yard to yard at night…an equal opportunity digger.
He’s spreading joy wherever he goes!
Ah…Henry! Glad he is back…cute pic of him leaning against the shed….peering into a crack, perhaps? He makes me laugh! ;)
Maybe! Maybe there’s something there that only he can see!
Hi,Claudia! What is it about four-legged creatures standing on hind legs that make them so damn cute? Thanks again for your neighborly chat and all the best for opening night.
I don’t know, but you’re right, Annette! So darned adorable! Thank you for your good wishes for Monday!
Hey Claudia,
How darling!
I have never seen a groundhog this close up before. You are quite good catching your subjects in the photo!
Love him!
News for you….I finished my book and wow! everyone needs to read “Wilde Lake”! If you like a good thriller that you find hard to put down, Lippman wrote one that I am passing on today to a fellow mystery reader.
Thank you, Claudia. I have truly enjoyed this book and I gotta say..it has some surprises.
The new long range lens I have helps a lot! It makes such a difference catching a shot of Henry who is actually at least a 100 ft away from me in this photo.
So glad you liked Wilde Lake. I did, too!
I love the photo of Henry up on hind legs, whenever you see a ground hog you never even think he has legs! So very low to the ground. The house before this ( with ex) had a big barn that needed painting too, we always said we were waiting for all the paint to naturally fall off first. I also had a large vegetable garden ( I was younger, more energy ) I could never keep up with the weeds. I made a sign outside the garden that said “URI ( university of Rhode Island) experimental weed project, do not touch weeds!!) It always got a few double takes. Hope opening night does well.
He was facing me, also, when he was eating and he was sitting up – like a prairie dog.
We were looking out the window into one of the gardens this morning as I was telling my husband what needed to be trimmed up, and there was a bunny in the garden. He/She proceeded to dig with its front paws and then laid on its side like it was taking a nap. I’ve never seen a bunny do that, although the squirrels do it frequently. The gophers this year are more than abundant. Time to get the live trap out and then we take them over the river to a nice wooded area. I have visions of them walking back over the bridge w/ little backpacks to get back “home” again. The lawn is being mowed right now and the smell of grass is so wonderful.
I wish Don could be with you on Monday, but I know you will have a grand time. Did you decide to go with the shoes you have, or did you go out shopping again? Have a wonderful Saturday and I hope you have some sunny skies to enjoy after the rain!!
Come to think of it, I’ve seen a bunny do that – I remember being concerned something was wrong, but he/she was just resting.
Love your image of the gophers heading back home!
I decided to go with my comfortable flats. In the end, it’s just a few hours and I didn’t want to spend a lot of money for something I might not wear again. Plus, I hate shopping for clothes and shoes. Used to love it when I was younger, but no longer!
The photos of Henry are wonderful. I really like the color of your shed (weathered patina and all) it makes the perfect backdrop for Henry.
Watching everything turn green this spring has made me absolutely giddy. I think my level of gratitude for the good things in life has been heightened in contrast to the gloom and doom I feel in regard to world events.
Looking forward to hearing about opening night. How exciting!
I know. I feel the same way! I am appreciating spring more than ever – if only for the distraction it provides!
I can understand wanting to have Don with you for Anastasia. It’s always nice to share such an experience with someone. I’ve been a few places by myself, having some sort of ‘experience’/moment/view and, while not discontented by any means, felt wistful that I couldn’t feel twice that joy and make a different kind of memory. We readers are poor substitutes for Don, but do tell us everything next day and we’ll share it with you!
I’ve never seen a groundhog. Sorta looks like a dog (good-size little guy, isn’t he?); I wonder what he was going for in the shed, up on his hind legs like that? Got a whiff of something he liked? Again, reminds me of a dog…when they stand up like that to look out a window!
Speaking of Target, what’s happening with the loft doll house? I recently saw it for sale on their site (and the little dolls/plastic furniture which are intended to go with it for the little kids’ playtime…with you, of course, it’s a whole other scenario with those perfect, intricate pieces you’ve arranged which have elevated the house to such a degree of adult creativity!). I can’t recall; did you finish it? I’d like to see it again. It seems like it’s a good companion for the studio. Do you display them together? I know you’re at a premium for space in the cottage.
It’s my strange new thing of actually starting to like mid-century modern when I’ve always otherwise sniffed my nose at it. The clean lines have begun to speak to me…maybe because in my own human world, I’m living with ‘way too much clutter!
Hope you’re enjoying your Saturday afternoon. I need to go run an errand and it’s too warm again for me; remnants of the Santa Anas; about to hit 90 degrees here in SoCalif just after 11am PST. Otherwise, we’re taking it easy, staying out of the heat. My husband did too much too soon after his surgical procedure earlier in the week; he hit the wall, Day 3 (which ‘they’ say is kinda typical; has been my experience as well). He needs to rest; went back to work when he should have just taken the week off. It’s not like he didn’t have a legit reason! Sigh.
I haven’t been in the mood for miniatures for several months now. I just trust that it will come back. I’m often that way about something I’ve been passionately into. I get a bit tired of it rather suddenly and I know from past experience that I can’t push it. When it’s time to work on them again, I’ll know it.
Maybe you got a bit of doll house/miniatures burnout. You’ll get the spark for it again when the mood is right. Until then, you’ve got an awful lot that’s keeping you busy!
xo
Happy that Henry is back. He must give you and Don quite a bit of entertainment. Have a great week end.
Marilyn
He’s awfully sweet! I just wish he didn’t get spooked so easily!
So glad Henry is back. He is so cute! I don’t ever recall seeing a groundhog around here. We have prairie dogs tho. LOL Good luck in NYC.
Travel safe.
Judy
He is adorable. I guess I’ll call every groundhog I see ‘Henry’ – though he may indeed be Henry II!