Attack of the happy mob...

Aunt Bonnie was very happy this weekend, because she got to be Aunt Bonnie.  My brave sister and brother-in-law packed up the family and drove 5 hours with four kids to visit.  It is a long drive and sanity was sacrificed.  Thanks guys, you are my heroes.  I so look forward to these visits.  I crammed in everything we could think of. 

The little one kicking back enjoying the Days of '76 Parade.  The girls were excited that Uncle Kelly led the parade.

• Watched the Days of '76 Parade
• Swimming at the Recreation Center (the girls are little fish)
• Feeding the fish and ducks at the Spearfish Fish Hatchery
• Homemade Ice Cream
• Watched the Days of '76 Rodeo

No photos were taken as no cameras were remembered.  A phone also was lost during this time. 

The grand finale was the kickball game of the century.  The Olympics have nothing on us.

The Cutie Kick

High stepping

Can you say organized chaos?

The Baby took after the balls when nobody was looking.

Dad's secret plan to wear out the girls before the 5 hour drive home.  Good plan and it worked.  We all had great fun.  I wish we lived closer, so there was more Aunt Bonnie time.  I admire my sister and brother-in-law's patience and understanding.  Four kids are a lot of work (I took a long nap after they left) and they make it look easy.  I appreciate that they made the trip.  I hope Becky appreciates I did not take them camping:)  Thanks for the fun.

Something old is new again, but only for Ella...

Sunday my peaceful puttering was shattered by Ella's frantic barking.  Now those of you who follow know that the first thing running though my mind is LION.  I come full bore armed with a stick to rescue my dog from the jaws of death.  Only problem is...  no lion...

Instead my brave dog was being harassed by...

a bird house...


Yes, I said a bird house.


Not a new birdhouse, mind you.

One that has been on our property for 10 years.

It has been in that spot the whole time.  I guess she never noticed it until today.

Quite the vicious looking birdhouse huh?  Kelly's dad made it for us when we first moved here.  It is out of PVC pipe, a funnel, and topped with a golf ball.  Maybe I'm not using my imagination, but I'm having a hard time seeing the threat. 

I took it down so Ella could get a closer look.  It took her five minutes before she even touched it.  After that, she sheepishly acted like she was clearing it for possible chipmunks.

Guess we are all a little jumpy lately with these lion sightings, but a birdhouse?  I think I need a braver dog.  On a positive note, if she gets this excited about a something so simple there is hope she will actually scare a lion with all of her ruckus.

Will wonders never cease?

Meet my newest garden buddy.  I fell in love with him immediately and can't wait to find the perfect spot for him in the garden.  Isn't he just adorable?  He makes me smile every time I look at him. 

About once a year I'm honored enough to see a tree frog in the yard.  This poor fellow was just trying to take a little stroll and here I come with my bucket.  Actually, I was worried Ella would find him and see if frog legs are all they are cracked up to be.  After snapping a few photos, I set him free in the ferns. 

I really didn't want a photo in the bucket. I was hoping for a serene outdoor scene, but he was too fast for me. A couple of blurry shots later I stopped harassing the poor guy.  He can't be too mad, because I hear him singing to me right now.

 My birds have taken up gardening.  They seem to have planted a sunflower seed in this birch tree.  I've been keeping it watered for them and can't wait to see the results of their endeavor.  I liken it to a woodland windowbox.

There are all sorts of wonders if you look around.  I went around the back of the greenhouse and found this pumpkin hiding on the roof.  I never noticed him until today.  I hope he doesn't get much bigger.  What is keeping it up there is beyond me.  

 

Ella is remaining diligent about keeping her eyes open for mountain lions or is she looking for chipmunks? We have another photo on the game camera. This time at 4:00am. Although I don't like the idea of a lion around, I'm happier that it is not in the middle of the day.

I hope you are all seeing the wonders around us be it happy garden art, a little frog, things growing in interesting places, or even the wayward mountain lion.  Have a great weekend.

Ahh you give me the raspberries...

If heaven has work, I hope I get the job of picking raspberries...
          If I get the job I hope the raspberry patch looks like this...



The patch belongs to our wonderful neighbor, Roy.  As long as he gets pie and jam, it is mine for the picking.  Thanks Roy!  Guess there is a little piece, or should I say patch, of heaven here on earth.  Happy picking:)

Here kitty kitty?

Ladies and Gentlemen this is not a kitty cat.  Our game camera caught a glimpse of this mountain lion at 3:00pm.  It was a 90 degree day less then 100 yards from our house.  I'm really glad Ella's kennel has a roof.

A day in the life...

Oh deer!

We have a camera by our mineral block in the woods.  Just so we can see what is out and about while we aren't around.  I thought I'd share our little crop of fawns. 

Hope you enjoy looking at the little buggers as much as I do.

Something old is new again with Saturday projects...

Yesterday was really cool and cloudy.  A nice respite from the hot days we have had.  We took advantage of the weather and dug out behind the greenhouse for additional garden space.  Again we used the recycled posts from a highway project.  Though it doesn't look level in this top photo; I promise it is level.  I even rechecked after taking the photo.  Now I just need some fill dirt.

The next project involved some cow waterers used on dairy farms that Kelly's parents gave us.  I was determined to use them for something.  Volia a bird bath/peanut feeder combo. 

Last but not least, I thought I'd show some photos of my giant tomatoes.  I got these heirloom seeds from High Country Gardens and are they something else.  Also the pumpkins are on the run again.  I just harvested the chamomile from the planter in front for tea. 

So much for a quiet relaxing weekend.  Hope your weekend was as productive.  I think I'm taking some lemonade to the porch.