Wonders never cease...

Last Sunday, my husband and I were sitting in the living room.  It was well past dark, when he thought he saw something moving on the bird feeder.  I turned on the outside light and lo and behold there was my flying squirrel.  I have tried to get a picture all week to no avail.  Luckily, my husband knowing how badly I wanted to share the news with my blogging friends set up his game camera.

The pictures aren't the greatest, but don't give up hope.  I'll get a good picture of him sooner or later.

He has been a regular every night.  It is pretty exciting to have such a special guest.
Speaking of special guests, we saw this handsome fella in Deadwood.  He must have been looking to spend a little money gambling.

Then the icing on the cake was a visit from this lady.  

She hasn't been around much and doesn't stay long.  I think she may have a nest not far from our bedroom window.  I certainly love where we live.  

I wanted to share a gift I received from one of my students on Friday.

A rock you say.  Not just any rock.  My student is interning at the Sanford science lab, which is located in the old Homesteak mining shafts.  This rock is a quartz from the bottom of the mine.  He got it for me because I have lived here for thirty years and never had a chance to go in the mine.  The best part, he took it out of his backpack and as he handed it to me he said it had never seen light until the moment he gave it to me.  Yes, I cried.  Do I have amazing kids or what?

On the flower front my irises are starting to bloom.

I can't help myself with the close-ups.  I am fascinated by the colors, depth, and intricacies of the iris.
I enjoyed some time on the deck yesterday.  The view was perfect. No, I didn't see the squirrel.

That is all I have.  This has been a perfect weekend.  I am a lucky woman.

What is the strangest animal you have seen?  What is one of the most unique presents you have ever received?