Wildlife Gives me the Jealousy

First it was the disturbing robins and their "amour." And now the mallard duck are back and it seems a male has been chosen a victor by the female. I'm pretty sure I saw a consummation of their love just this morning. Or, they really like to dunk each other.

They seem determined to stay. I don't want them to, and if you squint, you might see Tilly back there trying to chase them away as well.

But if they are trying to take up residence here on the Gold Coast, they should at least have names. Take the poll now!

How Will My Garden Grow?

Some people have families, others careers.

I got a little carried away at the garden center this year. I planted a garden of 20 tomato plants, 20 heads of lettuce, 12 pepper plants and a variety of herbs - basil, cilantro, dill, parsley, and lovage (I think, it may actually be another kind of parsley as I lost the tag).

Getting all of those plants in the ground was one thing, complete with a little surprise that hopped out of one of the plastic containers of dill (honestly, how did he fit in there). Then there was the mulching of straw, causing my allergies to go ballistic. But for the rest of the summer - or 60-75 days till ripe - I'll be watering when weather conditions demand it. Thankfully, the pond is an easy and close source - algae is good for plants, right?

That's what I'm doing this summer. Watering, watering, watering. Stay tuned!

Happy Arfday

Yes, it's Lucy's birthday. She's 11! Can you believe it? She can't, but maybe that's due to people lying to her for years about how old she actually is. Then there's the whole conversion table of dog to people years.

How was Lucy's day? She got an extra big breakfast, then she and Tilly played like crazy. In fact, she didn't get yelled out immediately for her humping behavior. Hey, it's her birthday! Then, a long walk, followed by snacks of carrots (has to keep her girlish figure), and a big nap.

It's a dog's life.

Oh, The Places Plarn Goes!

Those of you who are aware of plarn and its mysteries from Sue's blog, know that plarn really gets around. It was a prominent feature during a brief foray to Cave City, Kentucky.

In fact, my first and only (as of now) plarn bag was born on the way to Cave City. One might even say it is a Mammoth Plarn Bag (MPB). It was destined for Big Things.

To date, MPB has gone to Emerald Isle, North Carolina, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and St. Pete Beach, Florida (twice). Most recently, it was saving endangered sea turtles and hanging out with the Colonel and a pirate in Grand Cayman. Then, Teddy Roosevelt said, "Bully for Plarn!" while the Sculpture Gardens of Washington D.C. also enjoyed a special accessory.

Soon, MPB will make a sojourn to Frankenmuth, Michigan. Yes, that was a shriek of delight you heard. Glockenspiels here we come!