Except for snow, we had a bit of everything around here yesterday. The day started out with rain. Thunderstorms were predicted, but the sun came out for several hours and the weather forecast changed to no storms. Then in the late afternoon, the sky darkened and I checked the weather app. Oh. Severe thunderstorm watch. And we got a doozy. Thunder, lightning, torrential rain, and hail. Then the sun came out. And then, at about 10 pm, another thunderstorm.
Whoa, Nellie.
From the day:
I recycled. I weed whacked. I pulled weeds. I ended up mowing the entire front lawn on a very humid day. We don’t live in an area where there are orderly plots of land with orderly grass that grows in an even, orderly way. Nope. We have different kinds of grass, weeds within the grass, buttercups in the grass, etc. So when it starts to get out of hand, it looks uneven and messy. So after all the rain, I was itching to mow the lawn. And I did.
After I took a break and showered, I went outside to take some pictures. I love a freshly mown lawn!
The dead nettle is blooming
As I was taking these pictures, the sky started darkening and that’s when I realized we were under a severe thunderstorm watch – which became a warning.
Back in the house.
After the rain, birds were everywhere, looking for worms.
This female northern flicker was in the corral.
My lonesome dove had clearly been caught in the rain.
And spotted way, way off in the woods:
A baltimore oriole.
This morning, as I was waiting for my coffee, I saw a hummingbird and a bunny rabbit within inches of each other. Alas, no camera.
I’ve seen two young mourning doves resting on the porch railing on two different occasions. Newly fledged, I imagine. And after the storm yesterday, I saw four mourning doves together, looking for food. So I’m surmising that the two young doves are the progeny of the pair of doves that live on the property.
Now, if only my lonesome dove could find a mate. The pair chases him/her away. Breaks my heart.
Happy Thursday.
The weather has been crazy but it’s good to see the birds coming out and you enjoying them. Another busy day for me and then I hope a fun weekend. I found the sweetest pink pottery planter yesterday for my collection. I needed a little ‘reward’. Hugs!
Oh good! Another piece of pottery (said the pottery enabler!)
Our weather was similar to yours yesterday. Though I don’t think we got hail. Last Thursday we did. I have one in the freeze to show my husband after working that night. Today is beautiful. Your porch looked so inviting. I want to come up to have a cup of coffee. Concerning the mourning doves, it is probably their offspring and they are trying to get it to fly. We learned this when we thought the doves were attacking a baby one and we took the dove to vet and that is what we were told. The doves were taking care of and feeding it. Seems they all get involved.
I think it was the lonesome dove they were pushing around, but I could be wrong. Hopefully, I am! Thanks for that info, Trina!
Yup, crazy weather all over the place! Beautiful Baltimore Oriole – we rarely get them in my neck of the woods. And the dead nettle is very pretty.
I rarely see them either, in fact I thought it might be a goldfinch, but it was an oriole. I see them once a season, if that.
Hi Claudia. I’m a keen bird watcher here in Western Australia and I love that you are too. Always interesting to see what’s visiting you at the cottage. Love Julie
I bet we watch very different kinds of birds! I’m always fascinated by birds in other parts of the world.
That was quite the storm yesterday, no doubt! Today more than makes up for it, sadly I am in the office when I’d rather be out in the garden. Your property looks wonderful, great photos!
Sorry you’re in the office. It is beautiful – time for more mowing and a bit more planting. Have a great day, Debbie.
Here in RI no storm yesterday, just overcast and muggy. I had an Oriole ( we call them Northern Oriole not sure which one it was) once. I got excited put out oranges on a special feeder thingy and of course never saw it again! Too early here yet for “the hummingbird”, my daughter in NH has them like we have sparrows all over the place. Fun to watch they get very cranky and fight with each other too. Your yard looks very nice, it sounds like hard work, I like my city garden. If you have ten minutes to spare you can cut the grass! Have a nice weekend, I am off to NH tomorrow morning, right in the middle of black fly season, ugh!
I rarely see orioles. I wouldn’t have seen that one if I didn’t have my special lens on the camera! Have a great trip to NH!
Brown towhees and mourning doves only in my yard. There are too many crows. They chase all the other birds away. There is a hawk nearby, as well. We see it around the golf course, and also on the light poles on the bridge. You did a lot of physical work, Claudia! The lawn looks great. I pruned the tree in the front yard, but couldn’t reach the upper branches in the middle, even when I was on the ladder. Will try again today, as well as prune the one in the back.
I mowed even more today! And potted some plants. I’ve showered and I’m done for the day.
“We” mowed this morning as well. Love that smell!! And it looks so pretty when freshly done.
Today is a very sad day for us. Our 17 1/2 year old cat, Mo, will be put to sleep this afternoon. The vet is coming to the house, and we know it is time. It is never easy in any way shape or form. ugh. Oh, how I dread this. It is also one of our Greyhound’s birthday today, she is 9 ~ and the other one is 3.
This along with the craziness in the news and I am beyond exhausted. I hope you have a good Thursday, Claudia.
Chris K, I’m so sorry to hear about losing your cat. I lost my guy at age 19 and I still look for him underfoot, his soft tail wrapping around my legs, trying not to trip over him. It is so hard to make the decision yet there comes a time, when you know it’s time. And that you’ll be there with your pet, where it’s quiet and peaceful, sending him on his way with love and kindness and protection…well, what could any of us ask for, were it ourselves…so, I’m thinking of you, and sending healing thoughts and prayers for you, your family and your dear kitty. Deepest sympathy; I’m so sorry you have to go through this today…it is so very hard to lose a beloved family pet. They ARE our children…
Thank you, Vicki. It was a tough day. I always swear I will NEVER go through this again….. and then it happens all over again. They are so worth it, but the pain is so terrible.
Yes, I can remember when I was a kid at home with my parents and our beloved beagle got cancer. In those days, there were no treatments. And the day my folks decided ‘today is the day’ of course she was at her most chipper although it might have just been ‘the rally’ which people/pets sometimes get right before the end; who knows. But it was so upsetting to me to see my father crying so very hard, bringing her home and burying her on the property. He came in and said, “That’s the last dog; I am never going through this again.” Poor Dad. She was his girl. Ten years later, another beagle came our way. And, yes, we went through it all over again. They steal our hearts with love, loyalty and companionship.
My old kitty at age 19 was so brave; valiant; doing his best. But the struggle was too great.
I wish I could take away your pain, Chris K.
You are lucky I have never had a cat live such a long life. It is always a difficult decision but when it is time a responsible pet owner knows it. Sad for you today.
Our last one was 16 years old. It was a very hard day on the family, but it was absolutely time for her….. just not for us.
Oh, Chris, my heart breaks for you. I’m so, so sorry. Scoutie was about the same age, and though we knew it was time, we were devastated – still are. I’m sending you a hug. It’s never easy, doesn’t matter how old or how young a beloved pet is. They are family and making that decision is unbelievably hard. Much love to you and your family. xoxoxo
It is a difficult situation, but you just know when it is time. I keep thinking I hear her meowing. She had a big personality for such a little Tuxedo cat. We called her our littlest Greyhound as she truly thought she was more a dog than a cat. We have been through this too many times in our 44 year marriage…. and I know she won’t be the last. I HATE that da#* Rainbow Bridge!!
I do, too. It’s simply heartbreaking. I’m so, so sorry. Holding you and your family in my thoughts, Chris.
My daughter is trying to set up a Twitter trend for #AnyonebutTrump2020.
Small consolation I know but our British politicians are proving shallow and vicious in this campaign and we are still leaving Europe…..such folly. I have posted my application for Irish citizenship. Britain may leave Europe but they shall not take me with them!
Siobhan
It feels like the world has gone mad.
Glad you are able to enjoy your abundant wildlife…it is fun, isn’t it? Thanks for identifying Dead Nettle for me. I couldn’t figure out what that was…and google was no help. I have quite a lot of it…and while it is pretty, it can be quite invasive. We are busy packing today…leave tomorrow in the morning…so staying in hotel tonight close to airport. If I’m not around much you know why! Enjoy your day! ;)
I’ve had it in the garden for 11 years and it hasn’t become too invasive. Maybe all the other invasives, like the crown vetch, are keeping it in line! Have a fabulous trip! I bet you’re very excited!
Seriously love your wraparound porch. It is just too cute. Isn’t it the worst to be out and not have your camera with you? I was sitting on the patio the other day when ruby-throated hummingbird decided to check out the bleeding heart plant next to me. I could have cried.
And you know, with a hummingbird, time is of the essence. I knew running for my camera would be futile!
I wish I could send you one of my doves. Sometimes I count as many as 20. They really crowded out my little birds although I have THREE bird baths. I did ultimately make that hard decision to stop feeding the wild birds and it still breaks off part of my heart although I know, in our environment, they have a varied habitat of over five acres planted with all kinds of plants/bushes/trees/bare ground & hillside where they can naturally feed. I love how you can identify your birds, Claudia; I see birds and often wonder what they are…I don’t know my birds although I know a lot of my plants.
Your yard looks so beautiful; so pastoral, is that the right word?
Not a lot of fun to sit through a fierce storm by yourself. You are one industrious and courageous, sensible person, Claudia!
When we lived in San Diego, we built a feeder and it wasn’t uncommon to have 30 or more doves there at a time. It was just incredible.
I can identify the birds because I have a bird book right here in the den with me and I look every unknown-to-me bird up.
Yes, I miss Don’s presence when there’s a scary storm. I called him in the middle of it so he could soothe my worries!
I agree that nothing looks as good nor smells as good as a freshly mowed lawn. I finally broke down and hired a young man to mow for me. Just got too much for me. Then my lawnmower broke down and I didn’t feel like investing in another one. John had just bought a new riding lawnmower the summer before but I left it at Tiffany’s because my old yard was very big and I figured with the girls it would be easier to get it done. Anyway…..
Our weather has been very unpredictable also. Never know what’s going on next.
Have a good weekend.
Judy
Is it getting hot there, Judy? I know it often does this time of year. I know we are way, way overdue for a phone call. I’ll try to call you in the next couple of weeks! love you.
We too have had some upside down weather including hail storms. Temps are up & down. Unpredictable.
Your grounds always look so nice. You work hard out there & it shows.
I can’t remember the last time I saw an oriole. Birds are so fascinating.
I’m glad to read that Don is doing well. I know you two miss the hell out of each other. But your time apart will only make your bond stronger.
Take care,
Monica
I guess it does, but to be honest, sometimes it is just plain awful being apart. We do our best, but this separation has been a tough one. I’m grateful it’s at this time of year when I can get out and work on the lawn and the gardens. Helps keep me occupied.
Beautiful pictures of your beautiful home, with your description an added bonus
Perhaps you could write to Donald and explain how keeping to the Paris agreement will let your garden grow and stay beautiful……
Siobhan
I would but he clearly can’t comprehend anything that doesn’t have pictures and several mentions of his name. I’m so depressed by the way he has, in four months, completely done away with anything and everything that is right and good.
Your lawn looks lovely and your house is gorgeous.
Marilyn
Thank you, Marilyn!
Crazy unpredictable weather seems to be more common these days…I feel so bad for the wildlife that we, who live in this beautiful country, enjoy seeing and sometimes interacting with…Mostly it makes me sad to think about what is causing it….How can we help these precious little creatures if we can not be allowed to help ourselves?
I totally agree, Nancy.