Monday, June 27, 2011
Big times with little people
While the California crew was in the area, we took them to Little Blake to introduce them to Sidetrack. So, they are now the 4th generation to enjoy the place.
Well, the little one did enjoy most things. Just not the picture taking.
It's a lake, so one of the diversions was a boat ride. The old battered boat not only has dents, it's sprung a leak in the stern. Luckily, the old guy could row fast enough for a ride before the boat filled up with water.
The place was brand new to the youngest, so exploring was on the agenda.
There is the plaster deer family in the yard next door. (They almost were crushed by a tree that fell after being hit by lightning.)
The yard next door also held the wonders of a tree house.
There was a "Big Wheel" (actually a "Medium Sized Wheel") in the tree house that was ridden on the neighbors' deck.
The Hammock was another place to explore.
Of course, for the youngest, everything is unknown territory to explore.
The biggest hit at the lake was making bubbles.
We started out small.
There was a fan of those little bubbles.
Then we went on to really BIG bubbles.
And there was a fan of the big bubbles, too.
It was so much fun, that we attracted the neighbors (who played well).
And, almost before we knew it, it was time to leave.
Here's my invitation to the 4th generation: COME BACK!
Well, the little one did enjoy most things. Just not the picture taking.
It's a lake, so one of the diversions was a boat ride. The old battered boat not only has dents, it's sprung a leak in the stern. Luckily, the old guy could row fast enough for a ride before the boat filled up with water.
The place was brand new to the youngest, so exploring was on the agenda.
The yard next door also held the wonders of a tree house.
The biggest hit at the lake was making bubbles.
We started out small.
Then we went on to really BIG bubbles.
And there was a fan of the big bubbles, too.
It was so much fun, that we attracted the neighbors (who played well).
And, almost before we knew it, it was time to leave.
Here's my invitation to the 4th generation: COME BACK!
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Lazy weekend
It really was a lazy long weekend at Sidetrack. It rained off and on, but we really had no "to do" list either. We did have a great breakfast at Cafe Wren on Sunday, but otherwise we just looked at the wildlife.
The one accomplishment was feeding the hummingbirds. I'd seen some flying by, but there are hardly any flowers for them.
I filled the feeder with sucrose water fortified with calcium (for egg production). I'd like to say I splurged on that special food, but it was the only stuff available at the Ace Hardware store.
About 4 minutes later, the tiny birds were showing up to eat. I have no idea how they found the food so quickly.
From pre-dawn to post-sunset, even in the rain, they showed up to eat. Now, some of them were intent on mating as well. So often, a female would show up and then have to race off pursued by a male (I assume). But both of them had to eat sometimes. Constant entertainment all weekend. (Coloration of the females is different from the males. The males are more colorful, but when they fly by on their courting missions, it's not possible to notice the coloration.)
I hope I left enough food for the next couple weeks.
The one accomplishment was feeding the hummingbirds. I'd seen some flying by, but there are hardly any flowers for them.
I filled the feeder with sucrose water fortified with calcium (for egg production). I'd like to say I splurged on that special food, but it was the only stuff available at the Ace Hardware store.
About 4 minutes later, the tiny birds were showing up to eat. I have no idea how they found the food so quickly.
From pre-dawn to post-sunset, even in the rain, they showed up to eat. Now, some of them were intent on mating as well. So often, a female would show up and then have to race off pursued by a male (I assume). But both of them had to eat sometimes. Constant entertainment all weekend. (Coloration of the females is different from the males. The males are more colorful, but when they fly by on their courting missions, it's not possible to notice the coloration.)
I hope I left enough food for the next couple weeks.
Labels: Hummingbirds
