.
Morning brings the baby chucks in a group.
.
.
They squabble a bit now and then but as long as the apples and carrots are plentiful they usually munch side by side.
.
.
Momma has been leaving them alone more often now.
.
.
It won’t be long before she boots them out of the den altogether.
.
.
Work began on the perennial bed stone border recently… though not without incident.
.
.
The existing bed measured 10×20… and when I first discussed the project with my husband I told him I wanted to expand it by at least 4 feet due to the apple tree that took up residence a decade ago. He heard me, but clearly didn’t care.
.
.
Because when I looked outside the other day and saw him staking off level lines at the edge of the dirt… I said something.
Big mistake.
Huge.
.
.
He heatedly explained the stone needed to be laid on flat earth and if I wanted him to do it, they would be laid inside the bed border. Period. End of discussion. Numerous hours of anger to follow.
Ladies? Never doubt the existence of male menopausal mood swings. They’re real.
.
.
His way means I lose a good foot on every side, making my garden bed 4 foot smaller instead of larger. Not what I wanted. Not what I’d planned.
.
.
But apparently what I’m getting.
.
.
It’s hard to argue when I’m clearly not the one doing the majority of work. And I’m sure it will be lovely when completed…
But it would be nice if just once, we could come to an agreement without acrimony.
.
.
Lord Dudley Mountcatten is an odd bird. His latest quirk is stealing a few sips of my husband’s coffee in the morning.
.
.
I thought he was attracted to the cream, but pouring him a bowl of that of his own earned me nothing but a turned up nose.
.
.
This is his favorite hosta. Every time we go for a walk he’s determined to find something to chase in there.
.
.
The cat knows how to chill, no doubt.
.
.
Until the dreaded vacuum is turned on. Then the ears go back and he beats feet to hide under the bed and dream of vengeance.
.
.
‘
The visiting pair of mallard ducks hasn’t been spotted at Casa River for a few weeks now… so I figured it was getting too dry and they’d moved on.
Until the other day when I was out mowing the front lawn and saw this:
.
.
Momma duck and 13 babies!
.
.
She sashayed across the lawn and headed right for the road … in front of an oncoming car which had me ditching the mower and running into the street waving my arms like a crazy person.
.
.
She tried crossing three times and three times I had to stop traffic only to have her duck ( pun intended ) back on the lawn.
.
.
Fourth time was vehicle free.
Momma and babies made it safely across.
.
.
All kinds of critters are showing up for the evening buffet at Casa River.
.
.
Some of them a tad more odiferous than others.
.
.
I wish it was still legal in Maine to de-scent a skunk and have one for a pet. A friend of mine did that back in the day and the little fluff ball was wonderful. Affectionate, playful and litter box trained. More than I can say for some of my friend’s husbands now that I think about it.
.
.
Baby chucks are always the first to pounce. Carrots, apples, lettuce, melon and blueberries? Love them.
.
.
Spinach, celery and strawberries? Won’t touch them.
.
.
We have one young lone deer showing up for grain a few times a week.
.
.
We probably won’t see the herd back until fall.
.
.
Admit it. You have nothing better to do right now…
.
.
Seeing that our yard/property is covered in flowers instead of vegetables and the pear tree, apple trees, and blueberry bushes aren’t ready to harvest yet ….
I’m going to have to go with woodchuck.
.
.
Kidding!
( But with all the fruit I feed them, they’d probably be sweet. )
So what’s on your dinner table tonight?
.
.
This week at the Casa River gardens…
.
.
Pink Astible. Guaranteed woodchuck proof, they hate it.
.
.
A new hot pink bee balm I just planted. Dark red and purple are common, this one is as bright as a peony.
.
.
My little rose is hanging in, but not quite as full as previous years. Fertilizer is on the shopping list.
.
.
The geraniums are wonderful this year. Our local nursery is about to have a half price sale. This could be dangerous.
.
.
A line of Stella Doro day lilies. Smaller than other varieties but still a nice burst of color.
.
.
You never know what combination of critters will show up at the nightly Casa River buffet.
.
.
Last evening?
.
.
It was a skunk and a fox.
.
.
Happily observing Covid protocols and dining six feet apart.
.
.
Remember when I posted this mind blowing fact a while back?
.
.
Upside down guitars! You can’t unsee that.
So now…. continuing in that vein of astonishment, I bring you Kentucky Fried Chicken.
.
.
Colonel Sanders has a tiny hangman’s body! Why did I never see that?
And speaking of never seeing –
This popped up on my FB feed recently.
.
.
And while I pride myself on being the queen of double entendre, I admit it took me a few moments to visualize this one.
How about you? Do you see it….
😈
.
.
If you’re tired of woodchuck photos feel free to skip this post. I’m sure I’ll have something equally as ridiculous tomorrow.
.
.
Can I get an awww?
.
.
So much cuteness I can hardly stand it.
.
.
The little guys sure do enjoy their buffet.
.
.
As evidenced by the little junior bellies they’re beginning to sport.
🤣
.
River's world..... 