.
If there’s anyone who puts on a better show in a garden than a peony, I haven’t yet met them.
.
.
For a pure burst of color they’re hard to beat.
.
.
I have a few small plants in the front of the house, but it’s this old backyard beauty that was here when we moved in 20 years ago that makes the biggest statement.
.
.
Peonies can be fussy and hard to establish.
.
.
But if you manage it, they’re carefree beauty that will be enjoyed for decades.
.
.
I’m fascinated by insects.
My father used to swear he found a new one in the garden every year and I wouldn’t be surprised if that were true. They’re prolific little beasts.
Or in this case, not so little.
.
.
I have yet to see one of these jewels, but rest assured I’ll be looking.
.
.
This is one seriously impressive bug.
.
.
What’s not to love?
.
.
Okay, so I may have to hold my nose. It’s a small price to pay…
😉
.
The baby chucks are growing and feeling their oats.
.
.
Feeding time at the backyard buffet sees it’s fair share of squabbles these days.
.
.
Carrots and apples are clearly worth fighting for.
.
.
The little devils may wreak havoc in my flower beds… but I have to admit they’re fun to watch.
.
.
Case in point…. the husband keeps his old garden cart in our woodshed.
.
.
And the other day when I was out back weeding, I heard noises coming from that direction.
.
.
Chucks.
They’re everywhere.
P. S. … did you notice my fabulous astilbe, aka false goat’s beard?
.
.
It doesn’t look like a goat, but it sure loved all those dark rainy days.
.
.
.
We spent a nice evening with some friends recently. Drinks and appetizers were shared outside in the garden.
.
.
Which is where we met Dave.
.
.
Dave lives on the property and hides his peanuts in dead trees.
Can you see him?
.
.
Dave is an extremely spoiled chipmunk and quite well fed.
.
.
He’s so well fed he came out of hibernation almost a month later than the other chippies because his larder was well stocked.
.
.
Dave had no problem begging in front of company.
.
.
Shy he’s not.
.
.
And he does love his peanuts.
.
.
🙂
.
.
When it’s a wet and rainy afternoon you’re apt to find us in the man cave/Barn Mahal.
Sometimes alcohol is present.
.
.
I’m blaming the Jack Abbeys blood orange wheat for that Scrabble tile arrangement.
.
.
Red Sox game? Check.
Pizza? Check.
.
.
Sweet Thai chili wings and more beer?
Double check.
Life is good.
.
.
Looking out the window back at the garage, we saw a baby chuck perched on the woodshed’s extra room doorstep.
.
.
They’ve completely taken over this little storage area and have dug such a big tunnel the door neither opens nor shuts. Good thing there’s nothing in there we need to retrieve…
.
.
As we were leaving the A1 diner the other day we noticed a large group of people gathered on the bridge spanning the river next door.
.
.
It only took a moment of looking down to realize what they were all there to watch.
.
.
The sturgeon were spawning.
.
.
If you’ve never seen a sturgeon take my word for it, they’re a big strong fish.
As I was taking this video some young men were on the far bank fishing. Since the sturgeon are a protected species this is highly illegal and a woman on the bridge starts screaming at them to leave at the end of this clip. Keep an eye on the water, one of the sturgeon jumped near the end.
.
.
It was an interesting way to end the afternoon.
.
.
.
Just a few glimpses into our backyard.
.
.
Baby chucks are nibbling at an extremely rapid rate. But I’ve discovered they like broccoli stalks so I’m hoping I can keep their teeth busy for a while.
.
.
We had a cool and wet June so the Baltimore Orioles who usually take off for colder, more northern parts when it starts to heat up are still here.
.
.
And they’re devouring the oranges and grape jelly faster than I can replace them.
.
.
The young males fight and squabble over the best position… but they sure are pretty.
.
.
Cow!
.
.
I love that I can say this every time I step outside instead of having to wait for a road trip.
My husband informs me that my nomenclature is incorrect as this is technically a young bull. But squealing bull! doesn’t have the same resonance… so I am compromising with Mister Cow!
This earns an eye roll and a head shake which somehow makes it even more perfect.
😈
.
.
Here’s a giant field of lupine situated in an odd place.
.
.
Next to the local dump. Trash never looked so good…
.
.
The baby woodchucks are growing and seem to be everywhere at once.
.
.
One little guy likes to grab a carrot slice and eat it in privacy on the stone wall.
.
.
Which I must admit makes for some cute pictures.
.
.
Our momma fox is coming earlier than usual now and usually shows up by 4:00pm.
.
.
Chances are her babies are running her ragged and she appreciates the easy source of food.
.
.
Poor momma.
.
.
She’s so tired she eats lying down.
❤️
.
.
As I was cleaning the bird bath the other day I spied momma chuck.
.
.
She’s made under the Barn Mahal her home for the last few years, so needless to say she feels comfortable there.
.
.
She also seems to enjoy the porch.
.
.
Whether it’s taking a bath on the steps…
.
.
Or chilling on the deck.
.
.
I’d say comfortable is definitely the right word.
.
.
.
A storm was rolling in and made for nice background skies so I snapped a few iris shots.
.
.
I really should plant more of these.
.
.
They’re such a lovely pop of purple.
.
.
On the other side of the property ….
.
.
Momma chuck was hanging out on the barn porch.
.
.
Probably looking for some more marigolds too munch.
😖
.
River's world..... 