Robins feast - haiku

 

turning the paths soil

Robin follows my foot steps

tugging worms for feast

An Honour

I received an invitation to my Towns’ Volunteer Appreciation soiree. This was in appreciation for my horticultural work at a designated National Historical property in this town. I was shocked and honoured to be recognized.

It was a grand affair taking place in a glass enclosed building along the river, while we were under a Tornado warning. Good times with an edge to it.

A delicious meal was served, prepared by Town staff; followed with speeches by Town officials, gifts and live music made for a wonderful afternoon.

My enjoyment was meeting so many volunteers from various organizations. The one thing we had in common was donating our knowledge, experience, and time assisting this Town to make it a better place to live. Volunteering is the best gig.

loss - haiku

 

loss of a loved one

who now soars through the star-field

has left me scattered

Toodles you...

The Nursery

When I last left off there were three mum squirrels who were very pregnant visiting the bird feeder. Normally I quit placing seed out for the birds in May but after seeing these rather plump females with a voracious appetite I felt for them and continued with the seeds.

Two weeks ago I noticed a small herd of smaller squirrels appearing. They were following the mum’s to the garden and the feeder. Hhmmm, I researched when babies were born and read anywhere from February to April. AHA! Dems the babies!

Well the garden has become a home for furry circus performers, Cirque du Squirrela takes centre stage every morning beginning at 6 am and lasting til noon. I swear the babes are born acrobats; chasing each other in spiral formation around the Walnut tree; wrestling each other; and engaging in general mayhem. It begins again early evening after they’ve had their nappie. There are two grey babies with one mum; and four to five black babies following their two mum’s. I can’t keep track who is baby of which mum. It seems to vary day to day.

I set out piles of seed in various locations and am very happy to see siblings and cousins sitting side by side eating. There hasn’t been an argument or squabble yet. That in itself is remarkable as the adults always fought. It’s nice to see beastie cousins get along when human cousins aren’t as amiable. If only we would learn.

Research states if babes are born early enough there will be another litter in September/October. Heaven help me as they are already eating me out of house and home.

 

O to be a Chipmunk

Last Autumn I had a Black Locust cut down, well almost.  I know right, me? cut down a tree?  Well it was nearly 40 feets tall, slim and really rocked back and forth in the wind.  I instructed the Arborist to cut it down to 6' with intention of placing a bird feeder on top.  That hasn't happened yet... 

Low and behold Bissell rather enjoys hanging out on it so I'll leave him be.  He's safe from the #(*^&#^ cats that prowl my garden looking for a meal.   Knowing how BL's like to sucker I was happy to see this one start.  This will give me a chance to play Edward Scissorhands when more sprout.