Tag Archives: photos

Flutter on by…

.

Lord Dudley Mountcatten was perched on his viewing platform, totally absorbed by something.

.

.

Thinking it must be worth a look, I stepped outside.

.

.

And spotted a beauty.

.

.

An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.

.

.

We used to have a lot of Monarch butterflies in our yard but they’re few and far between these days so this little guy was a welcome sight.

.

.

So pretty.

.

.

So delicate.

.

.

They really are wonderful.

❤️

.

Balancing broccoli is tough.

.

Momma Chuck and two babies showed up for broccoli yesterday.

.

.

The little guys look so funny trying to maneuver their veggies.

.

.

They watch mom sit up and eat so they try to mimic her stance.

.

.

One little fellow holds his broccoli too high…

.

.

Which throws him off balance.

.

.

His brother says to hell with that and just sits.

.

.

But baby number one is determined.

.

.

And more than a little crooked.

.

Baby chuck discovers the deck.

.

I’ve only seen three baby chucks this year which is unusual as momma tends to have four or five. But one of them is brave and has been scampering off on his own.

.

.

Right up on our deck.

.

.

After a rain shower.

.

.

He was a bit damp and bedraggled.

.

.

And stopped for a quick drink.

.

.

Before heading back home.

.

.

They’re so cute when they’re young and uncoordinated.

💕

.

First baby sighting…

.

Just when I was getting worried we hadn’t seen any baby woodchucks?

.

.

One brave little guy followed momma out of the shed.

.

.

At first he didn’t know what to make of the carrot buffet…

.

.

And wanted mom to feed him.

.

.

But momma chuck isn’t exactly a hands paws on parent…

.

.

And let him figure it out for himself.

.

.

Before long he was happily munching alongside her.

.

It’s a colorful time of year.

.

They’re baaaaack!

.

.

And the minute I spotted my first Baltimore Oriole of the season I ran outside with oranges and all natural grape jelly.

.

.

In no time flat …

.

.

The feeder was busy.

.

.

They’re such beautiful bright creatures.

.

.

Only here for a short time to take nourishment for their annual migration to Canada….

.

.

They’re always a welcome sight.

❤️

.

Sliding squirrels, creamy shrimp and disgruntled chucks.

.

Our grey squirrels are determined fellows. As evidenced by the never give up attitude of this little guy during a recent rainy morning attempt at reaching the bird feeder.

.

.

Wet poles be slippery.

🤣

.

.

If you like shrimp?

Give this recipe a try.

.

.

.

In a large stainless steel skillet over medium heat, melt 1 Tbsp. butter. Pat shrimp dry; season all over with Old Bay.

Arrange shrimp in a single layer in skillet and cook, turning halfway through, until translucent, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a plate.

In same skillet over medium heat, melt remaining 1 Tbsp. butter. Add shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, 2 to 3 minutes .

Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until garlic is fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.

Add wine to deglaze skillet, scraping up any browned bits, and cook, stirring, until liquid is almost completely evaporated,

Stir in broth and bring to a boil over high heat.

Stir in orzo and return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until orzo has absorbed most of the broth and is almost cooked through,

Add cream and cook, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened and reduced,

Return shrimp to skillet along with any accumulated juices.

Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice; season with salt. Top with parsley.

.

My tweaks – I didn’t have vegetable broth but used low sodium chicken broth and it was lovely. I used salted butter, so I left off the salt at the end. And since my husband isn’t a spicy food lover, I ignored the red pepper flakes. There was plenty of flavor so I think that was overkill anyway.

Use large or jumbo shrimp. You won’t be disappointed.

Yum!

.

.

Mother Chuck is back and her runt from last year’s litter is still here.

.

.

Though not for lack of trying to kick him to the curb.

.

.

There are daily squabbles over food and squealing arguments over bolt holes.

.

.

Momma isn’t subtle, but Junior refuses to take the hint.

.