I was outside watering all the plants yesterday when the sky turned dark with long, rolling rumbles of thunder. As I watched the storm roll in, I had such a strong memory of my childhood. Summer storms would come out of nowhere and we’d sit on our porch watching and waiting. As it began to rain, we’d play a little game with ourselves (my mom would do it, too.) The rain would start to hit the edge of the porch and we’d see how long we could remain sitting on those folding aluminum chairs as the rain crept in, closer and closer, before we started to get wet and had to run back in the house.
Such a lovely, carefree memory. I had that feeling yesterday. Of the magic and power of a summer thunderstorm and the games of childhood.
From yesterday afternoon, a finch in the birdbath. I use the telephoto lens on my older Canon. It works pretty well – it will do until I can get the lens I want for my current camera. I keep the older Canon on the kitchen table so I can grab it for moments like this one.
Can you see the drops of water as he shakes his little body?
Closeup of one of the larger bunnies. This photo makes him look larger than he is. Beautiful!
This guy tends to hang out in this little niche. Here, he’s cleaning himself.
He was dining while the finch was bathing. There’s lots of activity around here right now. I’m enjoying it immensely – there will come a time, later in the summer, when I won’t see as many birds and the community pool that is the birdbath will be woefully empty. That always makes me sad. So, for now, I’m trying to drink it all in.
I’m also sorting all the various pieces of my next project: The Fairfield dollhouse. I’m slowly getting ready to start in, as I read and research and gather supplies. Soon, I’ll just need to say, “What the heck – I’m going to jump in!”
Happy Tuesday.
Amazing photos as usual; I love these bunny shots. Wildlife clearly feels safe in your surroundings. Looking forward to the progress of your next miniature house! Have a great day, Claudia. I can’t seem to see the wild birds ever bathing in our two birdbaths; I’m wondering if the water isn’t shallow enough?
I don’t know! Are the two birdbaths fairly new? It can take a while for birds to discover a birdbath.
It might be the threat of cats. I have the ferals roaming around.
No, it’s not that. We have the neighbor’s cats around all the time. It has to do with the seasonal change and birds beginning migration
Your work area is clean and ready for you!
Now, if I could just get off my tush and start!
WooHooooo a new project, can’t wait to armchair travel along that journey with you.
I’ll try to document it as best I can!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bunny clean themselves…fantastic close-up! ;)
I see them cleaning themselves all the time. It’s really amazing, Donna!
Lovely pics. We have lots of birds and bunnies too. Since you are such a book lover I wanted to pass this on to you. My cousin drove from Philadelphia to attend the Westport CT Library book sale – he said it is the mother of all book sales – it was this past weekend but is held every July. They give you a map when you arrive as it is so large. Maybe next year!
Thanks for letting me know, Karen! I’ll try to get there next year.
That’s one big bunny! Gorgeous photos as usual. Anxious to see your new project started and the progress. Have a good week.
Judy
Not as big as he looks in the photo, Judy. That’s a real closeup!
Bunnies! (Every time you post bunny pictures that is my immediate reaction. ) My daughter has a job as a research assistant to one of her professors this summer and says the bunnies roaming about the campus grounds are huge this year. No doubt their usual fare is augmented by vast quantities of discarded potato chips and sandwich crusts. Go Fairfield! :D
We have at least 3 bunnies here – one big, one medium, one small. I really love watching them!
I remember when I was about four or five sitting on the curb in front of our house and it was raining like crazy across the street. Just sat there waiting to ge drenched.
Such great memories, Cindy!
I love your woodland yard and getting to see all your wildlife. Oh, and can’t wait for you to start your new dollhouse.
When I was a kid we had a very large street lamp up at the corner of our street and and larger street. (I grew up in the middle of Seattle.) On long summer evenings we would grab lots of stuff and run back and forth after it got dark to see what color the electric lamp would turn the colors of the things we brought. We never ran out of things to carry up there! All the adults would be sitting out in the yards on folding chairs, talking and drinking coffee. Fun memories.
What a neat thing to do! I also remember all the adults sitting out on porches, strolling back and forth to chat with each other.
I love it when good childhood memories flood over me! I really enjoy all your photos and the sweet animals that are a part of your homestead! Oh the new project will be fun!!
hugs,
Linda
Those memories take us back to a good place, don’t they? xo
No thunderstorms here but I remember the dark noisy storms of the summers of my youth, spent in eastern Canada with grandparents. Just fog every morning until lunchtime, then a few hours of sunshine until the fog rolls in again. Nice to see you begin to immerse yourself in a project, Claudia. Do you punch out the house pieces and sand the edges, or do you cut them out with a craft blade?
I think you punch them out, but I have a feeling I’m going to have to be very careful doing that.
Exciting to begin a new project. I don’t know, but this heat really wears me out!! I have been doing watering and dead-heading in the early morning, and just re-filling the bird baths later in the day, and checking potted plants to see if they need a 2nd drink. I don’t think I would have the energy to take on a project, so it will be fun to follow yours!!
Have a wonderful day, kiddo!! Stay cool!
Well, I did a lot of work outside today – trimming and cutting back, etc. so I definitely don’t have the energy to do anything on the project today!
I finally got to work on a new watercolor yesterday. Whew! It seems like it’s been a long creativity drought! Now, off to the post office. Love your birds and bunnies. But the birds around here would rather drink from the lake, I think—except for the occasional hummingbird and robin. And there are no bunnies, it seems, so I’ll just have to admire yours.
Good! Glad your creativity is making an appearance again!
Dear Claudia, We Certainly are Blessed! -Judy A-
We are indeed, Judy!
Love the wildlife photos. That bunny one is precious! We have a lot of baby bunnies in our backyard and around the neighborhood all of a sudden. My cats love watching them out the window. Their tails whip back and forth and my female kitty chitters! Very cool that you’re starting on a new dollhouse – fun!
Thanks so much, Melanie!