Sunday Squirrel Saga - Annie vs Squirrel

The only bird watching today is out the patio doors.

Northern Mockingbird

With the wind riffing through I just couldn't bring myself to sit on the patio despite the glorious sunshine 

It is one of those times when your are thrilled to have snow cover for your garden. It has been incredibly cold here for some time. I think Ole Man Winter is making up for the past couple of warm winters. 

Mourning Dove

The poor birds have it rough. They can't get to what little seed/feed is under the snow. 

Blue Jay

In our garden they have to contend with the grey squirrels. This morning we had 10 squirrels at our feeders. I guess they have to make a living too but 10 seems to be a few squirrels too many. Annie on the other hand thinks this is a perfect time to see if any of the squirrels want to play.

How disappointing. I came out to play and the squirrels took off. As did most of the birds despite the fact I don't chase birds.

I guess I will just lay down for a bit to see if anyone comes back. 

Hmmmm, is someone up there?

Not up there but I think i know where one might be.

Yes! Helllloooo up there. 

Would you pleeeese come down to play. I won't hurt you...on purpose. 

Do you think I am crazy?

Pleeeeese, I promise to be gentle.

Nope. I am going to ignore you until you go away. 

Well, I am not going anyplace soon. I will just wait until you decide to join me down here.

Wait....what was that?  Oh Mom called me. See ya later.

Such is the saga that plays out in our garden over and over. You can see why I can't much to grow under this tree. Around and around they go. 

Annie is difficult to get a picture of in the garden. She blends in with everything but with the snow cover it made it easier to take her picture, from afar. She also doesn't like her picture taken so I have to be sneaky. 

On that note I will leave you with a bowl of sunshine on this cold Sunday morning.

Lemons from our Lemon tree. I hope you all are safe and warm.

*No squirrels were harmed during this saga.

Dog Days of Summer

Yes, the garden is going to the dogs, literally. We are dog sitting for my Sister's dogs, Sonny and Cher.

The ever present Annie keeps an eye on the little rascals.

One never knows where they might get off to and what they might do in the garden. They like to go up and down and around the paths in the garden.

Not a whole lot blooming in the garden right now but if you look around there are spots of color. The Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea, Rudbeckia and hostas are thrumming on.

If you look really close you can see a few more colors. 

We have been so rain deficient that the holly hocks haven't grown tall nor have they many blooms on them. The poor monarda has absolutely flopped over. 

The Limelight Hydrangea scoffs at the drought. 

The turtlehead is another plant to consider if you need late summer early fall color. This is a hybrid 'Tiny Tortuga'. It doesn't get as tall as the straight species and isn't quite as aggressive but it can and does hold it's own in any weather. 

We have had lots of butterflies flitting through the garden. I think the only way I was able to get a shot of this Tiger Swallowtail is because it was worn to a frazzle and took a rest on a sunny Witch Hazel leaf. 

We herd the dogs to the park daily for a good walk. While there this week I spotted this HUGE fungus growing at the lower 2feet of this tree. 

It is huge as you can see with my hand being there to compare. I don't know what kind of fungus this is but it is a beauty. 

It also is in layers. If you know what this fungus is I would appreciate any information you can impart about it.

I hope you are enjoying the Dog Days and your garden is thriving not just surviving. 

EDIT:  I found out what kind of fungus this is, Dryad's Saddle.

Chipmunk Chicanery

About four years ago a Chipmunk tried to move into our garden. It wasn't here very long. I don't know if the Gray Squirrels chased it away or if Annie made it's life so miserable it decided to move on.

This little guy seems to have little fear. You can see the draw to the little rascal. All the dropped bird seed. He loves to tear through the potted plants looking for goodies.

He doesn't seem a bit intimidated by larger birds such as the female Redwing or the more to scale House Sparrow.

He fills those chops and then high tails it to his burrow.

Not so cleverly hidden right beside the hose hanging on the house. Now if I know it is there, we know that Annie knows it is there.

While Annie can look like the picture of tranquility she can and will dig a hole to China attempting to capture a burrowing creature. 

Add to that Annie's friend Jack is coming to visit this weekend. They make a formidable hunting pack. Jack doesn't know the words 'give up' or rest.  There will be excitement in the garden this weekend.

Hope

I am hopeful that with the sun and warmer temperatures

Snow will soon be melted 

Peas will be planted 

Annie will have warm toes 

And crocus will be found in the lawn. 

It won't be long now...I hope.

Cleon's Visit

The winter storm named Cleon has been visiting our area. The snow began yesterday afternoon and has continued all day today. They say Cleon will be here until midnight.

My Dearly Beloved shoveled a path out to feed the birds this morning.

Of course Annie had to be out to help him. 

She had to keep watch in case a rascally squirrel decided to attack. 

She tries to communicate with the squirrels. "Don't be afraid furry little beast. I wouldn't hurt you." I don't think she meant that last part. 

She sat patiently in the snow for some time. The birds come in to the feeders. They know who she is after. They also know to stay out of the way if a squirrel is about. 

Did I help with the snow removal.  Of course I did. My DB took a picture of my hat as I was removing my boots. You can see snow accumulation on my hat. It hasn't stopped coming down. Luckily it isn't all ice. 

I hope you all are staying warm and safe.