Wednesday, April 30, 2008

There's room for everyone

More Baltimore Orioles arrived this morning.



I will need to get more grape jelly.



These new arrivals are hungry .



They are not shy.


The back Ash tree is filling up with jelly bowls, oranges
and Orioles.


Tuesday, April 29, 2008

The party continues

A pair of Orchard Orioles came in.



I set up another jelly bowl.

There are two male Baltimore Orioles and two females.



The female Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have also arrived.
I have not take their photos yet.



I am packing up April's treasures and cleaning the house.
I am making my notes and my plans.


May Day is just around the corner.
Tomorrow I will make my May baskets.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Paradise



I am in Heaven.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Party Time


I am filling jelly bowls and fixing fruit trays.
It is party time at my house.



The female Baltimore Orioles have arrived.



The males are sharing the oranges.


Yesterday I saw the male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.

So happy they remembered me.
I am looking for the ladies to come in today.

I also saw my first male Ruby-throated Hummingbird at the feeder.
I put a crimson Mandevilla on the deck.
I think the ladies will like it when they come.
Chipping Sparrow is back too!
My favorite Sparrow.

A Monarch butterfly floated across the backyard as I was refilling the jelly bowls.
I am listening to the stories of the Tropics.
It is good to see my friends again.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Thursday, April 24, 2008

White Lilac

When I raised the window shade this morning
I saw the White Lilac was in bloom.
I opened the bedroom window and closed my eyes.
I did my morning meditation to its
heavenly scent.

The White Lilac grows on the east side of my house.

A fellow gardener gave me a tiny slip from her bush 18-20 years ago.

I left the window open.

I cut a couple of sprays for the house.
I cut one for my hair.
The smell of White Lilac is intoxicating.

Raindrops on Tulips

Thunderstorms swept through the area

leaving 1.5 inches of rain.

The bird baths are full

and the gardens are watered.
I checked on the tulips.

These are special tulips. They were saved from the trash by a girlfriend. She did not get them planted in her yard so they laid in her garage for a few months.
She brought them to me. She thought I would be able to magically make them grow!
Mother Nature did save two out of 100. I nurture these two pretty little tulips. Not fancy but special. My gardens are full of stories. Mother Nature grows the flowers and I care for the stories.
These are my Ali tulips.
Today is her birthday.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Sitting in the grass

I sat down in the grass.



I watched the morning dew.



An Eastern Tailed-blue joined me.

Mr. Baltimore Oriole came back for jelly.


I am expecting the females to arrive this afternoon or this evening.
He is singing and calling.
I am rejoicing!

St. George's Day

Today is St. George's Day.
St. George is the patron saint of England.
I look forward to this day each April.
I dressed quickly this morning and took my coffee to the deck.

In my gardens St. George's Day means the return of the
Baltimore Orioles.

I was writing in my journal when I heard his call.

The scout had arrived right on schedule!


He found the oranges!
After he had a few bites he flew off.
He will tell the rest of his flock where the oranges are.
When they come back they will find grape jelly and fresh nectar!
I am very happy to see the Baltimore Orioles.
Happy St. George's Day!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Bird Report

My husband and I sat outside
on the deck after supper.



The White-throated Sparrow likes these leaves on the side patio.
I just might leave them for another week.

The Purple Finches have mated.

The Cardinals have all paired up too.

Mockingbird has a mate.
He sings and sings and sings!
The morning chorus is divine as is the evening serenade.

Earth Day


In the garden I am reminded
to look beyond my corner.



I dust my crystal globe
and think about clean air and clean water.



Each of us needs to be a responsible
Earth Citizen.



May everyday be Earth Day.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Full Pink Moon

It is Full Pink Moon Day.
My world is filled with pink blossoms.




I am stepping out into Spring.
Time to mow the grass and chase butterflies.
Happy Full Pink Moon.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Prioritize

I have so many things I want to do.
So many places I want to go.
So many things to see.

I want to know everything about the birds
and the bees and the butterflies and the trees.
I want to know about the clouds and the stars and the Moon.




I have questions!


So today I am prioritizing!

I can take my daily walks and live my Ayurveda Way
and still have plenty of time for flowers and bees and butterflies and trees.
I just need to remember to breathe!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Daffodils

The cooler temperatures
have given the daffodils a long bloom time this spring.





Buds and Butterflies

An Eastern Comma was sunning in the backyard
when I came back from my walk.

I am so pleased to see her!

The Red Bud is budding.

The French Lilac is in bud!

On my walk I saw for the first time ever
a Goatweed Butterfly!

My heart is beating fast!
The butterflies have emerged!
'Tis a joyful day at my house.