A Few of My Favorite Backyard Things

Day 5- Looking a little more like birds now. I know I need to go back to work and get a life! I sure am enjoying my time off.

The fish pond is my very favorite thing!!

I posted these pictures last night, but was too tired to write. I have mentioned how much I am soaking in the beauty of nature this summer....I couldn't start to tell you what all I see in my backyard. You have seen the new baby birds--well, there have been two healthy looking squirrels running all over the backyard recently......along with birds of every variety --scissor-tail fly catchers, cardinals, a red headed woodpecker, humming birds, blue birds and more. There are rabbits, turtles, frogs, deer and you name it. I have tried to capture some of these species on camera, but I just can't get close enough to do them justice.

I just have to share a funny/sad event that happened at noon today. The electricity went off....every thing gone...not even a sound of the freezer alert or computer backup. I checked with Katie and she had electricity..humm--BDB said that there was electricity at the barn...well humm--I called Cookson Hills for help and they promptly sent someone out. During the wait I checked outside around the utility pole and found.........OH NO! One of the squirrels lay dead under the pole....yes, he was the culprit. My 31/2 year old grandson Andrew was here with me during all of this, and I try to use events as teaching moments. I explained about electricity, the dangers, and what happened to the poor squirrel--telling him not to mess with electricity, etc. He seemed to be listening and I thought he might be sad, when suddenly he said, "grandma the dead squirrel looked like this"-- he then stuck his tongue out and to the side, stretched out his arms, and rolled his eyes back --stating that one of the squirrel's eyes were sticking out further than the other. I am sorry, but it was just hysterical....wish I had a picture to post....can't describe the look to do it justice, either.

Daily Watch

Okay, as promised in an earlier post........the babies are hatching. I have carefully checked the nest, almost every day! I had decided they were not fertile eggs. Today, to my shock and amazement a little one had it's mouth wide open, with another resting beside him (or her)....who could tell? I can still see at least one egg remaining, maybe two. The baby birds are pitifully ugly little things at this point. I will keep you posted on the progress. One would thing that I do not have enough to do. I really have plenty, but I have been enjoying my outside surroundings lately. All around the beauty, I see more weeds to pull, lawn to mow, flowers and vegetable garden needing attention........it seems I should at least soak up the beauty of things around me, as I go...don't you think? Sorry, you can't see the detail more clearly in these pictures.

Bedded with Webkinz Pets

Too cute! Tuesday night we needed to be gone, so Katie kept the kids. Upon returning, it appeared Josh and Andrew were in bed for the night and already asleep. As we were leaving, Andrew started to cry for Gillan to stay.....and then cried to go with us (he is so pitiful when he is sad), so of course, I said...."come on". Then at that moment Josh raised up, to say, "I want to go too"...well, of course.... grandma could not say "NO". They promptly went to bed when we got home, and this is how it ended.....all piled up together in the same bed (their idea) with their Webkinz pets.

If you don't know about Webkinz pets, you can see them at http://www.webkinz.com/ - it is the latest fun thing to consume your child's time on the computer. I think their parents are upset with my purchase, since they all want to play on the computer ---all the time. It is pretty fun and the activities are somewhat educational (well, RDB - they are). Sorry parents.....they love it. Of course, I agree that computer time and TV needs to be monitored and limited.....so I guess I will close. Love you kids!

More On Monday

The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks is so neat. We experienced a day of fun, enjoyment, and learning. There are creatures in Oklahoma lakes that I did not have a clue about. If you enjoy aquatics, this is a must see. We are so fortunate to have this facility in our state.

We had all of them in one spot for this shot. Hey, if anyone can tell us how to avoid the flash in the glass....we would love to know. I know there is some setting, but we can't seem to find it...maybe we should read the instructions???

Seeing double? I love the picture above of Gillan and Josh with the reflection in the glass. It looks like the fish are swimming through them. Katie and Andrew were enjoying the shark tank. It is awesome!

Photo Shoot

Just a little talk with the cows!

Sunday provided a photo opportunity. Katie is creative with finding new ways to photograph the kids. We like outdoor shots around the yard or farm. Note the Jersey cows in the background, getting into the scene. Gracie is always patient and willing to pose for a picture.
Gillan probably does not enjoy it as well, but does cooperate. He is a very sweet boy.
Josh really has a sweet smile here, but he would rather be running, playing, or finding some mud to get in. Andrew missed this photo-op....he just was not in the mood. Who could blame him? I am so blessed with grandchildren. Like any grandma feels, they are each special and precious in their own way. Love 'em all! As if you can't tell how proud I am of them.

Fun in the Sun

Saturday started days of fun with the grandkids. Honor Heights Park, known for the beautiful azaleas and Christmas lights, now offers more family fun with covered picnic areas, paddle boats, playground equipment, and a great sprinkler. The kids had an enjoyable time.

Bird's Eye View

I just had to share what I discovered in one of my Yaupon Holly trees...actually my only Yaupon Holly left....the matching one died from the ice storm/freeze it suffered. It was pulled up yesterday........so sad. I will be watching the progress of the beauty of nature closely, and I will report the events as they unfold. I found another nest in one of my rose bushes, but no eggs yet, just some dried up leaves. A bird has frightened me several times as it rushed from the bush....now I know what she was up to. As I mentioned in a previous post, I really enjoy outside beauty. I can really relax and escape from the complexities of this world. It is there that I have my best quiet times and talks with my Lord.

Hardy Daisies

The older I get, the more I appreciate the beauty of nature that God has given to us. This Gerbera Daisy was given to us at this same time last year, from my sister. David was in the hospital having a knee replacement and that surgery was followed by serious illness. I am so thankful this June to see him looking much better and walking without pain.

I planted the little plant in a small flower bed on the north side of the house and it flourished. Of course, it died off during the winter and I really wasn't expecting it to return. The poor thing endured the ice storm we had, and popped up as spring approached---growing rich green leaves and forming blooms...only to be killed by the heavy late frost. Now, here it is again, looking beautiful. I love it Carole and I love you too! Thank you and "Bob" for always caring and being here for us. Just like the daisy, David weathered a long and difficult storm.