Animals with whom we share

One of the more interesting things about where we live would have to be the wildlife. Growing up in the city I never saw wildlife.

Even after 9+ years of living here I take notice of the newly hatched goslings in Spring.



And, am astonished by the beauty of Whitetail deer.

End of year activities

As the school year winds down, activities pop up. This evening was the annual Girl Scout bridging ceremony. Only the littlest girls -- the Daisies -- and the Brownies cross the bridge to the next level. Daisies become Brownies. Brownies become Girl Scouts. Since Arianna has been a Girl Scout for a couple years already she was not "bridged". Nevertheless she participated in the ceremony -- and even got to carry the United States flag into the gym.



I. Arianna and Bridget receiving their patches from Mrs. Boldt





II. Arianna as the letter 'O'




III. Arianna and her friend, Bridget

Baseball

Grandpa may lay claim to having gotten Arianna (mildly) interested in playing baseball. On a warm Spring evening, after supper, we'll all enjoy a bit of activity in the yard.



I. Arianna in the batter's box . . .






II. Arianna takes the pitch . . .






III. Arianna swings . . .






IV. Arianna hits a long fly ball and runs to first . . . .

Lupine Redux

I. Lupine rise above the echinacea

Recorder Concert

Arianna has been learning music at school. In an attempt to pique the interest of children to perform in the school band, 4th graders are given a recorded and taught how to play.

Since we already had a recorded in the house I've been Arianna's 'recorded buddy'. Most evening I practice with her; she teaches me the fingerings and together we read through and then play the exercises and tunes. It's been fun. And, Arianna is a quick study. Whereas I am forever getting A and B confused and botching the tune / exercise.

Today was the end of year band concert, which is preceded by a performance of the St. Catherine of Siena Recorder Ensemble. Happily, because this occurred on a Wednesday, I was able to attend.




I. Arianna and friend waiting for the brass band to finish its last minute rehearsal





II. Arianna and Ensemble take their seats




III. Arianna and Bridget




IV. The St. Catherine of Siena Recorder Ensemble

Despite her having a knack for site reading and learning the recorder fingering, sadly, Arianna has expressed a vehement disinclination to joining band next year. And so -- sans our playing a duet of Jingle Bells at Christmas -- Arianna's musical career is nixed.

Jays vs. Robins

Last Fall I took down the robin's nests around the house. Robins won't use a previously built nest. As expected, this Spring the birds were busy to locate themselves under the eaves.

Blue Jays are notorious for stalking robins. They attack the birds and their nests. Who says nature is benign?

Yesterday, I found this . . . .

Lupine

I've planted a number of flowers based on a capricious whim. And, I've paid the price.

You like the way a plant looks. So, you introduce it in a bed. Maybe it starts to grow -- even flowers. But, it doesn't survive the Winter.

Lupine was such a plant. I bought seeds and sowed them in the Fall of '08. Last year exactly one bloom appeared. This year numerous blooms are poking the heads up out of the green of their leaves. -- In both locations!

I imagine these plants will be short-lived, due to how heavy our clay is here in northern Kane county. However, since I let blooms self-seed, I'm hoping to be surprised.

Year II - Rock Wall Garden

I'm impressed with the performance of the Rock Wall Garden. The natives are likely to be bigger than last year, now that they've gained a foot hold in their new home.



I. Radishes just beginning to pop





II. Agastache 'Blue Fortune' drift






III. Looking down at the leaves of Blue Fortune






IV. Early blooming Golden Alexander with Feather Reed Grass in the background

May Day

April was unusually dry this year. And cool. But, this give me an opportunity to tidy the beds. My goal is get 'everything done' by June 11 -- the weekend of the school play. If successful, I'll be able to spend Saturday's with Arianna.

Here's a view toward Lake Sharon. The Ostrich Feather ferns under the Service Berries always thrive in Spring and early Summer.