The Good, the Not Too Bad, and the Chilly

This morning I mowed the lawn while wearing an old winter coat (!) because it’s that cold, and the dampness doesn’t help. I’m crossing my fingers that all my vegetable plants survive.

Tomato and pepper plants hate cold;
some crops do well, at least,
such as carrots, lettuces,
cabbage, & broccoli...

I made sure to have plenty of sugar water out for our ruby throated hummingbirds. Perhaps they are in torpor due to the cold but it’s available either way.

Since they are so territorial I decided to purchase more feeders from Amazon; they’re just plastic yet very affordable. One broke several years ago after decades of service.

Unfortunately, two out of four arrived broken. Amazon customer service gave me a refund without even requesting the photo I took. A similar situation happened when I received a hand held extension cord caddy. The all important hand grip was missing. I accepted another refund and plan to shop locally.

It’s no big deal. Oh, and I solved a different niggling little nuisance regarding hummingbird feeders. It’s easy to lose track of when they were refilled, resulting in mildew. Ugh… This spring it occurred to me that filling each with a small amount forces me to change out the solution virtually every day.

Not only is cleaning less a chore, it also reduces wasted sugar. I call that a win/win. Now I only hope consistent high winds relent and temperatures rise a bit.

Are you experiencing unseasonable weather? If so, what type?

-

Anticipation

Our nearby aquarium is a place I’ve wanted to revisit for many, many years. A trip was my birthday wish and I was willing to wait for a new exhibit. It’s scheduled to open later this next month.

I forgot my chosen date falls in late April. ~sigh~ However, I had picked the least busy weekday and earliest time slot to avoid both crowds while also saving some money. Loads of children are painfully noisy and also heat up the space unbearably.

My dear husband not only came through with this gift, earning my silly happy dance that morning, he also recalled the proper date. Fingers crossed, traffic through Cincinnati won’t be terrible that day.

This is a cool place...

Do you enjoy watching aquatic life? Have you ever walked through such a tunnel?

-

This Woman Groomed the Tiniest Poodle in the World

This video is not short but I couldn’t resist sharing. Feel free to just enjoy the opening.

Do you tend to notice that men often walk the tiniest pooches while women often have more massive pets? Do you think it’s a security issue for a lone female out walking?

-

Giraffe Chiropractor at Oakland Zoo

My husband found this amazing video I need to share. Sad to say, his brothers didn’t bother opening the link he sent them.

How can anyone be too busy for such a short, adorable video? I think they missed out, don’t you?

-

A Teeny, Tiny Flying Gem

This morning I did some garden chores and spotted this damsel fly. What a lucky discovery; most folks (my husband included) would never spot such a tiny creature.

Here is a photo, as well. I apologize for the blurriness.

Doesn’t that blue color pop? Can you imagine being such a minute yet vibrant and valuable being?

-

Busy, Busy

I apologize for falling behind on blogging to the point of failing to publish comments. ~hangs head~ The reasons are good, though, as my husband has been staying up later so we can enjoy Youtube videos and even a movie. Before all that, I spend time daily with vegetable garden preparations and miscellaneous yard work. Planning to relax while my husband napped, I found this cutie...

Starting seeds has proven successful, too. We hope to see large crops of peppers, tomatoes, and (fingers crossed) those expensive dusky blue pumpkins I saw last fall.

And there’s more good news. My husband is doing so much better that we went to the gigantic international grocery store Jungle Jim’s. As long as we kept moving his remaining pain/tingling in his left thigh wasn’t a problem. In fact, I was ready to check out when he suggested it.

Yet it wasn’t due to my annoying little pains. They have pretty much vanished (!) which I think in part is due to his ability to help out more. Driving had been irritating my shoulder blade - not today, despite forty minutes behind the wheel.

I plan to get caught up reading others’ blogs within the next several days. Meanwhile, posting comments on my own remains a struggle. Oh, well. At least we still have the platform. I’d miss the virtual friends made over the years.

Can you think of a way we could stay in touch when blogging platforms are gone? Should we each set up a sort of newsletter and email them to one another?

-

Giant Rubber Chicken Makes a Donkey's Day - Credits to ViralHog

This makes me smile every time I watch. And the jokes kind of write themselves. Heh...

Have you ever seen a happier donkey? Do you think the honking toy makes this social mammal feel less alone?

Numerous Flights & My Latest Kitchen Failure

Hearing a raucous sound outside my house, I knew this couldn’t be children on a playground despite the instant comparison. We live a mile or so from the nearest school and temperatures ranged far, far below freezing that day. The volume increased more and more. At last the individual honks could be heard.

The previous day I saw large Canada geese flocks heading south. This has to have been the biggest yet. Those birds no longer migrate from Ohio so they must have had enough of the cold. I don’t blame them.

My latest failure happened in the kitchen. A YouTuber we respect shares store-bought food breakdowns and recipes he deems either budget friendly or healthy. We were excited to try his version of egg foo young. Well, I didn’t detect anything but bland eggs, mushy vegetables, and salt. And the mess… well, you can see for yourself.

The gravy would not thicken with my cornstarch slurry,

then boiled over; other surfaces and pans were equally a mess. Ugh...

I think frozen peas would have been fine but not the cubed carrots. And I should have used a cast iron pan for consistent heat plus more oil for the desired fluffy texture. Some turned out undercooked, others rather burnt, and the mixture lacked enough eggs. Oh, well. Today my husband ate some crappy leftovers, declaring it fine. I’d rather stick to the easily ordered oily restaurant kind. It’s not like we eat this more than a few times per year.

Did you know these Chinese style omelets were created by 1900’s era Cantonese immigrants for American palettes? Are you a fan of any ethnic foods tailored to your regional tastes or do you prefer more authentic cuisine?

-

Missed & Matched

Today my husband treated me to lunch at our favorite Chinese restaurant. After the delicious meal we received complimentary fortune cookies with our (very reasonable) bill.

His is the top slip and I couldn’t resist sharing because he is less athletic than I am; which is not saying much. Not that I believe in these little notes but it would fit if he betted on sporting events and won.

Mine, as you can guess, fits. Current events bring me down and nothing lifts my spirit more than art (and animals). On that note, my guy shared this story of a woman finding an opossum in her Christmas tree. The attached video is unrelated, by the way. Meanwhile, I found the following on Youtube.

What would you have done in her situation? Do you know the difference between possums and opossums?

-

Squirrel Highway – The View from My Desk

Did you spot the little creature? Can you believe our white squirrel population is growing?

-

Another Walk in the Park

My smart phone has become a true boon. Following an errand I sought a new park to explore and the map application led me to Bull’s Run Nature Park and Arboretum.

One of my first views along the path...

However mysterious its name, this sanctuary displays how Middletown shelters Ohio’s enduring beauty amid much drab, industrial, middling poverty. The space looked glorious on a sunny autumn day.

It amazes me that some bamboo species thrive here...

A deer sighting would have been nice. Birds and squirrels scavenging amid fallen leaves made up for the lack of larger mammals.

I cannot recall what tree grows these pods,
each one long as my hand...

The unseen geese and/or ducks delighted me. I don’t know if they are wild or contained. Please excuse my breathless wheezing.

Neighboring houses my prior post featured have me wishing to return and walk around taking more photos.  Not many Middletownians (?) are so fortunate. I hope nobody there would mind.

I find some beauty in natural decay
(Just not my own... LOL)

Would someone photographing your home disturb you? Are you familiar with the Japanese esthetic of wabi-sabi?

My Suburban Views

I am tired of fighting with blogging software, so here is my simplistic post. Best wishes to all; I hope you enjoy. ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

Can you see the tiny insect on my hand?

-

A Wild Time with Wildlife

I know many folks do not like snakes, at all, so if you are among them, skip this post. I am serious. Be well, those about to click off, and please stop by another day.

For anyone sticking around, I learned that rattlesnakes apparently live here in Southwest Ohio. Rattlesnakes. Should there be rattlesnakes in Southwest Ohio? According to a little research, they live in the eastern part of the state.

Okay… And I thought they were only in the Southwest United States, not my home state.

Here is the story. When I saw a baby snake on my back patio earlier this week and decided to take photos and video, my ignorance could have gotten me killed. And I don’t say that lightly. Adult pit vipers know how to control their venom. Their offspring will just throw everything into a strike.

Below is my photo of what I idiotically assumed to be a harmless, literal garden variety reptile. If you want to see my idiotic video, keep scrolling. Only during a later viewing did I realize this little creature wasn’t just pretending to be tough. ~rolls eyes~ Now I ask myself, why would a non venomous snake fake a rattlle if there aren’t any living in the area to imitate?

Minding its own business...

~slaps forehead~

If the following clip isn’t proof that I have a guardian angel or several, I don’t know what would. My friend Scars suggested I not only be more careful but also check if local hospitals carry antivenin for the Eastern Timber Rattesnake. I think I’ll reach out to my doctor’s office. But honestly, I doubt we’ll cross paths again as they prefer avoiding people. It’s this dummy wanting to get closer that escalated the encounter. Furthermore, my identification could be wrong. This could, in turn, be an escaped pet. I am just so, so blessed not to have been bitten.

Do you know the Eastern Timber rattler is endangered? Would you, like Scars, have killed it regardless?

-

Fruits and Nuts

Yesterday I popped into my local grocer for a few items. Since fruit is such a big part of my breakfast these days I always look for sales, and seedless green grapes were quite the bargain. The pistachio sale was not worthwhile but by the end you will understand my reference to nuts.

Some of these grape sizes rival mandarin oranges!

Since I was right there the day after Halloween I had to swing by the seasonal section. Without a price marked, this wreath was expected to be beyond my budget. To my delight it was over half off (!) after I scanned my loyalty card.

It looks prettier than my image shows...

After showing my husband the wreath I laid it down on a sofa arm. And of course Terra, my nutty cat, found it immediately.

Aren’t housecats the silliest creatures? Have you seen how often the big (wild) cats act much the same?

-

A Lighter Post to Celebrate September

There are plenty of beautiful and/or silly things I could blog about and today seemed ideal after my downer regarding our precious pets. First off, I found cheap flip flops to replace my disintegrating pair. The strap across my foot hurt but the softer edged, sturdier orange plastic off my old ones fixed the problem. I just adore ocean creatures.

Liz and I share similar tastes :D...
She is talented with textiles...

Today I bundled up some branches and found this adult praying mantis. It’s always a pleasure to see them as babies in spring and then successfully grown up. 

This handsome creature watched
my movements very closely...

Before shaving my legs in the shower this morning I saw something that made me think of Pam. She’s another artistic blogger I enjoy following and sometimes shares inanimate objects’ faces.

Extra blades for my razor come
in this smiley faced box...

Do you like my sandal fix? Can you spot the mantis?

-

Strays – A Movie Review

When my friend Scars and I went to see “Evil Dead Rise” (which I enjoyed immensely) the cinema showed a trailer for a live action/animated film called “Strays”. I laughed and laughed, vowing to go see it. Scars wasn’t available to go this morning, but my husband agreed.

This is from a Today Show clip...

Well, I laughed myself stupid. But I was alone. My man almost fell asleep and an older couple actually left a short way into the film. I’d rather have waited for Scars or even gone alone.

This does prove my theory that I have a seventeen-year-old boy’s sensibilities residing in an aging woman’s brain. lol The raunchy humor, despite overly excessive swearing, suited my inner child.

Do you have a juvenile side? Have you ever attended a film screening solo?

-

A Fowl Day?

I saw what I guess to be Canada goose feathers drifting outside a home improvement store today. No other shoppers seemed to notice.

This drift, trapped along the curb...

I hope no bird got hit by a car. There was no sign of an injured animal.

Is this something that would draw your attention? Do you think the store workers perhaps cleaned out an abandoned nest?

-

A Big Win, One Loud Scream, & a Gigantic Squee Over a Teensie Weensie Itty Bitty Critter

Our heating and cooling service offers gift cards via raffle in exchange for reviews. Winning a twenty-five dollar (US) for Kroger purchases delighted me. Imagine my thrill upon learning the stakes were higher. Instead of several small awards, the company owner decided a single $300 card would be offered. No doubt you know who won this time around.

Woo hoo!

My husband has been napping every midday, which leads to my second title point. He fell into a deep sleep until Polly ran under my feet. I shrieked upon feeling multiple kitty legs underfoot. Thank heaven she did not get any broken bones, nor even cry out in pain. How I kept my weight off her without falling is a mystery.

Referring to my critter encounter, a garden perusal led me to finding a few pickling cucumbers and the tiniest amphibian I’ve ever seen. This creature would fit fine on my thumbnail.

"I am huge in my sphere."

Do you think this tiny animal is a frog or a toad? Have you ever heard the song ‘Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Polka Dot Bikini’?

-

Eagles and Daffoldils

Reading Strayer’s latest adventures in cat rescue/neuter/release endeavors, I was happy to see her photographs of American bald eagles. I understand they do live in Ohio but seeing vast numbers in Alaska are the only sightings I can confirm. What a joyful memory.

Photo Credit: Chrissy Lou
on Pexels.com...

After approving of and paying for yesterday’s landscape work, I stopped to smell some flowers. Yellow joyfully shouts ‘Spring!’ to me and was the color of my mother’s most fondly remembered sundress.

Did you know that Benjamin Franklin was not a fan of this choice for the United States’ national bird? Do you enjoy live nature camera feeds?

-

The Buzz on Buzzards

Sorry about the title; I couldn’t resist. I also couldn’t resist expounding on the subject of these often maligned raptors.

Our neighborhood most often sees the social red headed turkey vulture. Their black headed kin are more solitary and aggressive. They will happily gather to take down a vulnerable living animal. ~shudder~ Meanwhile, I’ve joked to visitors that they should keep moving if they go outside.

These North American natives have always piqued my curiosity. I watched them circle and soar above farm country roads along the way to visit family in mid Ohio. The city of Hinkley, located roughly between Cleveland and my childhood hometown, hosts a ‘Buzzard Day’ every spring to celebrate the birds’ return. Though I never saw a single one on that particular date back then, my favorite Cleveland rock station had a buzzard mascot. Check out the rock n’ roll hair on this bird…

An Excellent, Nostalgic Read...

Fast forward to us moving here in 1994 and spotting huge flocks became normal. Sometimes they even overwinter; those birds might be migrants from further north while our summer residents head south. It’s impossible to know for sure. Either way, I believe the reason we see so many matches the old commercial business wisdom: location, location, location.

The Great Miami River is scant miles to our west and a major highway about the same distance eastward. Both rivers and freeways provide thermal updrafts for often effortless soaring over long distances. This makes them major migration routes while also providing plentiful water and, ahem, food for nature’s janitors.

And our home sits atop a large hill. Advantages include earlier access to the sun’s warming rays as well as a higher take-off point. Large flocks roost overnight in what are called wakes due to the fact their hunched appearance evokes Victorian people wearing traditional heavy mourning cloaks. The kettle reference is due to the way bubbles rise in a boiling pot of water.

Thankful as I am to view them, I am glad there are no big trees on our property. I understand that their droppings are both noxious and corrosive.

Do you suffer from invasive natural pests? Have you ever required a professional removal service?

-