Flash Black

Noah Today

2010-07-10T08:11:00.000-05:00

The kid has really grown over the last 8 months and is just getting cuter and more fun.

First Grandbaby

2009-10-20T10:07:00.004-05:00

Nurse, quit messing with me!

I want to sleep.

She's still bothering me.

Mama, soothing my feelings.

I'm still sleepy, but a bit more comfortable with Mama.

Here's looking at you, Mama.

Ahhhhhh. I can sleep again safe in Mama's arms.

NOAH

2009-10-16T08:38:00.005-05:00

Born Oct 15, 2009

5# 13 oz 20" long

Only 15 minutes old here and on the way to nursery for signing into this world with his daddy.

Oct 16, 2009

Mr. & Mrs. Woodpecker

2009-10-09T10:13:00.004-05:00

The big question: Hairy or Downy???

Here's the male with his mouth full of suet.

Now, it's her turn.

Enjoyable visit with these two.

They seem to be regulars and are always welcome.

Exciting Morning

2009-09-06T10:28:00.014-05:00

Exciting things can happen when enjoying a

beautiful morning on the deck with a cup

of coffee AND your camera.

We have three Pileated woodpeckers

in the woods behind our house but it's been

difficult to obtain photos of the family.

Here's the youngster, I think.

Today, it was different!

60 Second Flower Bed

2009-09-04T19:48:00.031-05:00

Well, it only takes 60 seconds on TV!
My inspiration for this actually comes from

watching the programs on the DIY network.

It looks so easy when they redo a whole yard in a day.
It ain't that easy!

Here's the view from the street. Mother Nature, alias SWMBO, decided she wanted a new bed to move some azaleas that are crowding the walkway. The azaleas are in the background on either side of the tree.

Here are the ones to be removed and

digging them out was not a fun job.

Probably been here for 15 years now.

My orders were to make a bed around this ornamental peach tree, four feet wide from the tree. Knowing Mother Nature so well, I decided five feet would be better than four. She did approve after it was done. With my handy tape measure, garden hose, and stakes, I made the outline of the bed.

Here comes the weed eater to scrape all the grass down to the dirt. Works like a charm. One of the best investments I've made over the years is this Troy-built with a 4 cycle engine. It starts on second pull every time and has many attachments for us

"tool guys."

Then it's just follow around the hose.

All is working well until I ran out of gas!!!!

Off to the store for more and believe me,

by this time I needed a break.

Finished up the grass removal.

Now it's clean up time with trimmings going to the compost bin.

Hole digging time and with another attachment

to the Troy-built machine, it's sooooo much better

than that old shovel and faster.

Note how quickly the landscape fabric was installed

and pinned down with little or no effort.

It just magically appeared like on TV.

One plant in, one to go.

Plants in and watered and now time for mulching.

Waa Laaa! It's done!!!!!!

And there's room for hostas

in front and back.

I know Mother Nature is already planning

what else is going in there.

Now, the after picture from the street.

Behind the scenes, this "little" project started with coffee at noon but quickly progressed to biiiig glasses of iced water and lots of breaks for this old guy to the finish at six o'clock. If you're thirty-ish or so, go for it. At my age, pay someone thirty-ish to do it for you.

MY MOTTO:

Dig a flower bed once.

NEVER mow that area again.

And then, I collapsed for the night.

The end....

Nope, SWMBO has already pointed out more azaleas to be moved into the new bed PRONTO!

And so it goes..............

HIGH LIMB ANTICS

2009-09-03T11:59:00.004-05:00

Sitting on the back deck,

something caught my eye.

It was this sight of a squirrel

feasting on the dogwood seeds.

I zoomed the camera in a bit

to see what was happening.

And, here it was having a meal

while hanging from

a limb with it's back feet.

It would swing over to the seeds

on the tips of the branches

with a few gymnastic movements.

Grab a seed or two.

And resume eating his feast of dogwood seeds.

Watchin' the Radio

2009-08-25T11:11:00.003-05:00

Shelling peas brings back memories from the past. While shelling, there is nothing distracting and other folks seem to kind of disappear not wanting to join in. Leaves lots of time for thinkin’ and plannin’ stuff. Not world changin’ things, but important stuff that’s hidden way back in your mind.

As I remember the “good ole days” of Summer, it meant sittin’ on the living room floor, windows and door opened, attic fan sucking in the cooler air of a warm Summer’s night, bowl between my legs, newspaper spread out for the shells and shellin’ peas. Mom on the couch shellin’ and Dad in his recliner just thinkin’ or whatever ole guys do, and all three of us just watchin’ the radio. What a radio it was, big Philco console with numerous bands where one could get stations that didn’t even speak English. Big antenna in the back that consisted of wires strung around two boards that rotated for better picking up the signals.

We’d get settled into our spots and begin shellin’ and watchin’ that big ole radio on a Saturday night. One could see Fibber McGee and Molly and Jack Benny live and in person. What a treat it was, just shellin’ peas.

The ole Philco did go on the blink now and then and Dad would go into the back and pull a tube or two for me to go to Crain’s Store to get a replacement tube. They had the big tube tester which also had drawers full of radio tubes. Even a child could operate it and find the tubes that needed replacement. What a trip, rode my bicycle the two blocks to the store and got to play with an electronic miracle, the tube tester. Sometimes it even took several trips to get the right tubes, a real treat. And when, after the trips to the store, with the right tubes replaced, we could gather in the living room, shell peas, and watch the radio.

What brought this on, well, I was on the back porch shellin’ peas and watching the radio in my mind.

Female Ruby Throat Hummingbird

2009-08-16T08:54:00.006-05:00

Sometimes, everything comes together in the right way.

These photos really surprised me

the way they came out with minimal

adjusting other than cropping.

The sun was right, I was sitting in the shade drinking my coffee and enjoying the show.

Happiness is a zoom lens and cooperative birds.

Thinking about it.

Going for it!

Resting

First look at this picture surprised me with the red on the tail.

Continue on and you'll see where the berry comes from.

The berry is to the far right.

Bird Feeder Episode

2009-07-29T15:40:00.024-05:00

My Blue Bird and small bird

feeder found on trip to SC this Spring.

Hard to find these.

Night one!

Animals brought it to the ground

and ate the seeds.

Animals - 1 Me - 0

Night two!

Animals brought it to the ground.

Animals -2 Me - 0

Note chewing on base board.

Already replaced this board once.

Night three!

Animals brought it to the ground.

Animals -3 Me - 0

Night Four!

Added red pepper flakes and chili powder en masse.

Animals - 3

ME - 1,000 degrees of heat!

Animals gone to Beaver Dam Creek

to drink for the next week.

Night 5

No problem!

Animals - 3 Me - Still basking in my victory

over the dumb animals

Night 6

Rare Tn Coonbird is back again

and raiding the feeder.

Think this is the one which adapted quite well

to a squirrel proof feeder.

Animals - 4 Me - 2

Now, I just fill it up during the day and the birds empty it so there's no surprise in the morning.

I did enhance the hanger so it's not easy to remove even for me now.

Final score!!!!

Animals - 4 Me - Back to - 1,000 again!

More than one way to skin and animal.

UPDATE!!!

At dusk yesterday, I caught a glimpse of the raider and confirmed my suspicion of it being the

infamous TN Coonbird in action.

Lawn Aeration Finished

2009-07-29T15:28:00.005-05:00

Never seen a mole up close before.

Just pictures as you're seeing now.

Diggers, not swimmers!

Found in skimmer of pool.

Head shot of the working end.

Claws/nails are awesome so it's no wonder

we have tunnels in the yard as we do.

Front vs. rear.

Earth movers extraordinaire.

Guess we'll have more worms for the birds now.

Sorry, guy.

THE BEES ARE HERE!!!!!

2009-06-25T16:51:00.004-05:00

All to often, the insects in the garden are ignored, but for them they know their job and they do it tirelessly. No bees, no seeds for the next crop nor fruit off the vine.

Bee on Bee Balm, naturally.

Cone flowers are a powerful attractant in our garden. They are blooming profusely now and attract all kinds of insects.

The seed heads later will become a feast

for the Gold Finches in Autumn.

And, the bees like it as well. Really almost a swarm of these are on the cone flowers all day.

This butterfly also enjoys the Bee Balm.

These bees had no concern for me sometimes 18 inches from them as I took these photos.

Other things on their mind, I guess.

They like the Liatris as well.

And, the beauty in the garden is truly amazing!

I was in the garden and thinking,

it’s like a woman.

Always beauty there,

always changing day by day,

sweet smells,

and it puts a smile on everyone’s face.

Flash Black

Daylilies In Red

2009-06-17T10:10:00.004-05:00

Critters That Visit Our Garden

2009-06-15T16:55:00.016-05:00

Some Wanted

Chippy

and some not!

It doesn't bother me but with Mother Nature,

that's another thing. Haven't shown her this picture, yet.

Tortoise

and

the

Hare

Pickles, greased lightning when running

and full of energy ALL the time.

Neighborhood Cat ~ not wanted.

Same with this one too!

They're everywhere!

Mama taking a break and getting a tan

in the street in front of our house.

She didn't let us interrupt her tanning.

These birds aren't afraid of anything.

In fact, they haven't moved in four years.

TENNESSEE COONBIRD

And here it is, the TN Coonbird!!!!

Only one in existence and right in our backyard.

Squirrel proof feeders but the Coonbird has no problems at all.

Along with these, deer, turkey, possum, and even a bob-tailed cat have been occasional visitors.

Back Home in the Garden

2009-06-14T19:53:00.006-05:00

Easter Lilies a bit late but worth the show.

We've been away to a wedding in Alabama for a long weekend and it's so nice to get back to our hill in TN. The daylilies are really spectacular and it was hard to get down to a manageable amount of photos after taking 81 shots of different bloomers. At least that amount are yet to bloom.

Daylilies Make the Day

2009-06-09T11:46:00.012-05:00

OK, I know the first ones aren't daylillies, just pretty plants.

Two pots of caladiums on each end of the deck.

Clematis by the pond climbing up the deck.

Coneflowers along the walk way.

Now, for the real show, the daylilies. It seems the rains we had in abundance this Spring have enhanced the output of the daylilies this year.

Practically all are loaded with scapes and buds. Ought to be a long time blooming.

This one is a result of my growing from seed. It's around 5 years old now and I only have several fans. Proud of this one as it was started in MS and finally has bloomed in TN for the last 2 years.

Just look at the buds on this one.

I love the red ones and most of the red ones came for free. While Mother Nature was buying her "pinks" I would long for a red one and tell the grower. Most of the reds came as gifts to me while Mother Nature spent big bucks with the growers.

Today in Flowers

2009-06-06T14:02:00.012-05:00

Life without flowers would be dull.

These are just today's bloomers in the yard.

Hostas will be blooming soon as well.

So much beauty around us and tomorrow, it will all be different for a new day.

Enjoy today as you'll only get it once.

Indigo Buntings

2009-05-04T16:31:00.004-05:00

A pair of Indigo Buntings showed up in the yard a week or so ago. Brilliant blue coloring with black markings are striking.

Hard to distinguish sometimes as they will show up as black birds if the light is not right as the bird on the left shows.

These are the same two as above, but the light is right to enhance their blue colors.

Summer Tanager

2009-05-04T10:31:00.007-05:00

The Summer Tanager looks so much like the Cardinals, you will miss them at times.

A closer look shows the differences between it and the Cardinal. Truly a spectacular bird.

"The only entirely red bird in North America,

the Summer Tanager is a bird of southern forests.

It specializes in eating bees and wasps."

Flying Squirrel

2009-04-20T15:30:00.006-05:00

Not flying just yet, but getting enough energy to try.

Here's a long shot, he's sitting on the back of a metal crane in a flower bed.

He's just munching away. Glad he's eating this nut instead of planting it in the flower beds to sprout later.

And, then!!!!

He spots me and takes off flying from the crane and headed for the woods.

Blue Birds Working the Nest

2009-04-19T07:24:00.009-05:00

Some secrets behind these pictures.

This nest is full of babies and the parents are working furiously on feeding and cleaning. A nest like this is a birder's paradise as you know they'll be coming and going. Just a matter of waiting, camera ready. These were shot from my pickup truck. Yup, camera on a tripod sitting in the passenger's seat. I moved the truck to several different locations to get different angles for the shots. Focus was manually adjusted for the hole in the box. Using a remote and multiple shot setting, I sat, drank coffee, and waited. As the birds approached the box, I shot away. Then, it was just a matter of picking the photos I liked and processing them. Here's what happened:

Click on the picture for exploded view!

Coming in loaded with fresh food.

Preparing for landing!

Quick check around the perimeter to be safe.

Fortunately, my truck doesn't count as a threat,

it's always there.

Then, it's takeoff time to start all over again.

Now, it's clean up time for the babies.

Taking out the trash.

Just like a Pamper for birds.

Away in a flash!

I just liked this one, looked like a painting to me.

As a side note, looked at the babies yesterday, very large, and today (Sunday, the 26th) they're out and about. Hope some stay around nearby.

Photos From an Easy Chair

2009-04-16T12:04:00.006-05:00

These photos were taking while sitting on my deck at the back of the house, coffee cup within reach. Lots of patience and coffee required to capture these photos. Ok, a couple of cigarettes as well. Spring is here, I hope. At least it is with the birds turning to their brilliant colors after the drab Winter ones.

A look across the deck shows the splendor of the Dogwoods that are abundant in our yard. Over 35 mature Dogwoods all in bloom right now for a white wonderland without snow.

Feathers and Fat

2009-03-02T12:24:00.009-06:00

All of these pictures were taken through a bedroom window facing the feeders. Just too cold to do it outside so I'm able to do them in the comfort of the house.

Red Bellied Woodpecker starting on a fresh suet.

Male Downy Woodpecker feasting.

Goldfinch just resting while awaiting a place at the other feeders.

Black-Capped Chickadee taking it's turn.

Even Mr. Wren gets his share.

Last call with a female Downy Woopecker.

Carolina Wrens

2009-02-04T07:57:00.003-06:00

Mr. Wren (pictured above & below) and Mrs. Wren set up houskeeping several years ago in a Wren Condo on our back deck and are still there. He has no fear of me and will walk around my feet or under my chair while looking for insects or whatever. He's also LOUD!!!!

They usually produce a couple of families each year in the condo or one of many flower pots and other interesting places under the deck.
These, unfortunately, were hatched in a flower pot only to be discovered by a squirrel.
Mr. & Mrs. Wren just moved to a higher pot sitting on top of a water fountain and raised another batch that did survive.Last one out but certainly not a rotten egg.

Needless to say, they are my favorites of all the birds just because they're always around and close.

2009-01-29T07:05:00.000-06:00

Woodpeckers are abundant in our back

yard and the woods behind the house.

Keeping a watchful eye on the suet feeder below.

Waiting again for a space at the suet feeder.

Going for the sunflower seeds

just like a ground feeding bird.

Snowy Morn in TN

2009-01-28T12:10:00.001-06:00

Purple Finch waiting his turn at the feeder.

Pileated Woodpecker looking for insects.

And, then they were all gone!

Here's why.

Coopers Hawk overlooking the feeders.