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Taking a detour back from the village produced little in the way of images but I have been struck lately by fields of attractive blue grass.
Is it more lush this year? Have I just never noticed before? Is this the blue grass? How little I know about grass in general!
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In boarding school once, I was given detention for making faces out of a window at a friend in another classroom, which seems such a small offense, comparatively!
For punishment I was given the task of writing about the sound grass makes when it grows. I tackled it with enthusiasm, which I rather think caused the nuns further annoyance as I wasn’t supposed to enjoy myself!
But my knowledge of grass as such is nil. I appreciate it and that has to suffice.
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Apart from the blue grass and mist yesterday, I caught sight of a large bird on a dead tree which turned out to be an eagle.
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“What are you looking at?
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Sadly the light wasn’t good. But it was nice to see the bird.
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After Grant helped with the move to New York in 2018, he returned to Seattle to sort out the house there, leaving me to settle in with the 13 cats.
Late one afternoon as I stood with my back to the kitchen window, I was keenly aware of being watched and when I turned to look out, saw a groundhog staring at me from beneath the hedge.
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It was the first time I’d ever actually seen a groundhog but I realised what it was and I figured it was checking out the new tenant.
“Hi!” I said, telepathically.
“Pleased to meet you!”
It’s only polite.
It was the beginning of October, so shortly after that first meeting the groundhog retired to its slumber.
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Come the spring of 2019, we became well acquainted with groundhogs, discovering that they had a burrow beneath the hedge in front of the kitchen window – among other places.
It seems that the hill where we live is full of groundhog tunnels.
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Generations of groundhogs have entertained us, emerging from hibernation at the end of March and producing litters of adorable babies.
When you spend months asleep, it is necessary to feed yourself up and groundhogs dedicate themselves to the task!
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Quite successfully!
This was the end of August one year, with a full month of feeding still ahead!
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One of their favourite foods turned out to be phlox!
Interestingly, last year for the first time my flowers were untouched.
Whether is was because they were satisfied with the carrots I supply, or the peanuts I provide to wildlife, I don’t know.
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Peanuts were intended for Little Red and for the birds.
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And this cheeky chap.
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Soon, there were more mouths to feed.
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Dear Mrs Plod was deaf and blind.
When she turned up she was emaciated, but she soon filled out and kept going all through that summer.
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Because we knew she depended on it, we made sure there was always food for her and maybe that is how the habit developed of providing peanuts.
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Apparently, word went out among the wildlife, that peanuts will sustain you.
Next thing, a fox was eating them.
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So Grant called her Peanut.
She obviously does not depend on our offerings, but she does enjoy her nuts and who could disappoint a creature that is so sweet?
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I’ve always been a pushover for a cute face and groundhogs will lay a guilt trip on you.
They sit and stare…
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We just know they are looking at us.
Beseeching telepathically.
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Which reminds me….it’s time for their carrots.
By the way, this year there are 5 babies which you can just see here.
I love seeing all of the cute animals. They make me happy. Good eagle photos too.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you so much, Carolyn, for the wonderful photos of all the cute faces! I remember Garfield liking watching grass grow as part of his exercise! Your pictures make me happy too!
Joanna
They clearly practice hypnotism!
I really enjoy your pictures of your wildlife friends.
They are all adorable!
Thank you, so much, for sharing.
Catherine
I think of all your visitors, I like the groundhogs the most! Nothing against the other beautiful creatures, but the groundhogs are such entertainers! Great photos!!