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En-route to Salem yesterday to obtain pre-surgical clearance from my doctor.
A very minor matter involving the removal of a troublesome salivary gland in my neck.
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After several unfortunate experiences with primary care physicians, I was much relieved to find a very nice lady that I am completely comfortable with.
Over the past year I’ve been realising what a very great difference it makes when medical appointments are not confrontational.
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By the time we turned to come home, storm clouds were rolling in.
One of my favourite subjects.
Empty roads another.
It always impresses me that this fairly major North-South highway is so often free of traffic.
And even when it isn’t, we hardly ever see a single person other than behind the wheel.
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Despite the promise, we received but a very minor rain shower. I took a photograph of the clearing sky but didn’t notice the rainbow until I downloaded the image.
The grass is drying out which we presume is what precipitated a large migration of earthworms across the driveway, something we’d not witnessed before.
This tiniest groundhog seems like a late bloomer or the runt of the litter. There was one like it last year and we can only hope they manage to feed up enough to survive winter.
Yesterday it was sporting a leg injury, poor little scrap.
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Breakfast is a busy time. Four foxes and a skunk came to the patio this morning. I was brushing my teeth and by the time I got the camera activated one had moved off.
They are in constant nervous motion but I got a couple of nice poses.
Torn Ear and kit.
Soon another kit came around the house and popped out from under the hedge.
Or maybe it was the same kit. Unlike the skunks, we can’t tell them apart.
The foxes generously left a few nuts for others.
And Zoomer the chipmunk tackled a nectarine stone.
“How can I get my gob round it?”
It’s amazing how much they can manage. We’ve seen them pick up large lumps of carrot and rush off with them, returning minutes later for more. Grant found a bit of carrot in a gutter yesterday!
This poor creature didn’t get to solve its problem as another chipmunk turned up and they chased each other away. A moment later one came back, grabbed a bit of pear and rushed off with that.
Teddy was here again yesterday, so we are having to be careful not to encourage him/her.
I’m much more inclined to open the door and invite everyone in.
But that is not realistic.
I suppose you have to be extra careful with the bear. I remember an American blogger telling me years ago that they used fireworks to scare bears away so they would not become too bold around people, or try to enter their house. That might scare off all of your friends though. I hope the little Groundhog manages to survive the leg injury and can get enough food for hibernation.
You are right about confrontational doctors. My last one in London was of that ilk, deciding to just lecture me without looking up from his computer as he ranted. Since moving to Norfolk in 2012, I have been blessed with lovely, caring doctors. (All female)
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Carolyn, for the beautiful photos of the clouds and empty roads! I love the update on all your visitors, including the bear. I do my best never to go to see a doctor, but not everyone can rely on diet alone to be free of medical incompetence.
Joanna
I suppose all animals can be dangerous, given the wrong circumstances, but bears do look so cuddly, don’t they!
Carolyn, your photos are so beautiful—I love how you capture everyday wildlife moments. And you are so right; welcoming them in would be lovely, but as you say, that’s just not realistic!
The foxes look as if they are enjoying their treats in your garden. It’s actually wonderful to see so many different animals in your garden – I mean, a bear! Imagine you are setting a table in your kitchen and inviting everyone for a late afternoon tea … just like Alice in Wonderland 🌞.