THIS IS MARGOT.....

She is shy........

TODAY'S DISCOVERY.....

Our very own Robin nest right here on the garage light. Apparently Robins prefer to build on or very near buildings as a safety measure against crows and other larger birds. The things I am learning.....This will be fun to watch!

A BEAR.....OH MY!

" So this bear walked into a bar......" Actually, THIS bear walked right up our driveway yesterday evening! Isn't he (she?) fabulous? He ambled up the long driveway, stopped momentarily at the edge of the parking pad, looked around and saw us standing in front of the french doors, and then slowly ambled back down the driveway. It was amazing. So now, we can add "a bear" to the ever lengthening list of animals and birds who visit us.

HER NAME IS "MADDIE"....

ANOTHER "FACE" HAS APPEARED......

Dear readers; tell me what you see? Male? Female? Androgynous? I can't decide....

THE EVOLUTION OF MY "FACE" DRAWING

I was fortunate enough to have two hours of instruction on this face painting technique with my Aunt from Albuquerque. I have admired her work for so long, and I am totally happy with this first effort. She is a fabulous teacher! The next piece is on the easel and in process.

AND DOWN CAME THE TREE.....

Today was the day to remove this once lovely very tall blue spruce tree from my Mother's yard. This tree was originally purchased in the 1970's as a live Christmas tree which was subsequently planted. Sadly, the past few years this once beautiful tree has deteriorated. You can see how thin the branches have become. And it was a dangerous tree situated so close to the house. Here you can see Mother discussing how to best handle the stump. She decided to have it cut off very close to the ground. The extensive root system remains in place to stabilize the driveway.

Removal begins.....

Mother and Tammy watch progress from the outside deck.

The split trunk was a surprise! The tree crew estimated that the tree is probably about 70 feet tall. It seems taller to me.

The top is about to come down!

And then the rest of the trunk comes down, piece by piece.

Finally, the very bottom is cut, leaving just a short bit of trunk.

This tree has been an important part of the landscape since before the house was built. Even in its thinning state, the many birds who frequent the feeders used it as a home and landing place all year long. We will all miss this tree.........

MORE DISCOVERY...

As it turns out, we have a strawberry patch! And, it is covered with blossoms. I am hoping for lots of fresh strawberries for on my cereal.

There is a pergola off the back side of the porch, outside the kitchen door. Lat fall we aggressively pruned the wisteria vine that was choking everything in sight. It has begun to bloom now and I am so glad! It will be beautiful!