Buds & blooms

While we are back in the coolish weather, the buds are doing their thing! This is the horse chestnut tree:

lilacs

The trillium are in bloom in the forest. Tulips and Grecian windflowers are in bloom.

More good news, the lily bugs are awake. I shall have to dig out my bug collector.

The Forsythia is at its peak.

The pileated woodpecker is doing a number on the tree. I haven't noticed it but I have heard it.

Aster and a beginner's driver's licence! She drove part way home!

Saturday's Critters

Having fun with the new trailcam, I threw out a bread crust. The crows dispatched it. The one on the left won! 

Coyote:

Fred:

Phoebe has 5 eggs, which should hatch next Friday. They sit on the purple pencil, swooping down to catch a bug. I hope they don't poop on the trailcam!

I cleverly lowered the camera, as the skunk just missed! Love that tail!

MiniFred was sent to back to her burrow (which Momma Fred dug) in no uncertain terms!

   

 Momma Fred took umbrage and resorted to doggy digging under the deck. 

   

 The phoebe is still sitting on the nest. They like my purple pencil. 

   

 Busy spot, coyote at night, deer and Fred in the day. 

 

Saturday's Critters # 647 for more critters, visit Eileen's blog.

Trip home from Ottawa: those skies

There is nothing like being home! Except when you are harassed. Google has been asked to provide the Trump Administration with the name, address, and banking info of a Canadian who is loud and antiTrump. SERIOUSLY!  Isn't this ridiculous? I guess Canadians can't claim the First Amendment?! No freedom of speech for us.

No one is safe from DHS
It's under a paywall...

 We had a lovely trip to Ottawa, a great concert, and a lovely birthday celebration with Aster. The drive home was amazing for the birds and clouds.

Richmond has built home right on the main drag. 

I love this water treatment!

After a lovely time, we drove home. This is real time. I couldn't believe him. The noise was awful. 

The daffodils are thriving.

I mistakenly (#1) left some leftover pizza out in the garage from the night prior to our trip to Ottawa. I should have put it in the fridge! Then, mistake #2 we left the garage door open over night. I hope the raccoons enjoyed it!

Trip to Ottawa: the birthday celebration!

 Aster turns 16 today. We brought some surprises on Sunday when we visited after the concert.  

These require some explanation! Grampa didn't know what the emoji meant. I explained when it arrived, and we all thought it just a hoot. "Holy 💩 I'm 16! " 

Next present was a kit to grow greens. She has a green thumb and grows several plants.  I've sent the same package to our kids in Vancouver for their birthdays. What do you find that is new for people who have everything?! 

Also, I gifted her a pair of earrings we'd bought at a local artisan's show. They kept sliding off the cardboard. I wrapped it in a piece of lace I found. This came from her dress I'd made back in the day, 2014. I am surprised how fast the years went. Faster than when I noticed in my own children. You turn around and they are writing their G1 driver's licence, or going to university!

We said our good byes, and toddled on home.

We joked about height, and she stood on tip toes. 

I wrote Aster a poem!

It is such an epic stage of life for us. We've been so involved with the kids with Gramma Camps, and having them over for week-long visits. Having Jordan off in his own apartment in Kingston really helps it hit home. I am verklempt!