tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57107766873289690822012-02-05T18:49:56.598-05:00Nature in a suburban backyardRustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.comBlogger3951100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-32317609715680462862011-12-24T09:54:00.003-05:002011-12-24T10:00:41.117-05:00

First a touch of freezing rain, then a day later about an inch of snow. Today it's very cold -17C or about 0 on the farenheit scale. Just in time as christmas is only a day away.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-82357224146458973602011-12-24T09:50:00.002-05:002011-12-24T09:54:42.572-05:00

It snowed last night, and Mr Squirrel is complaining about the bird food.. (Which he will at least sample).

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-17306152493099129392011-12-24T09:46:00.002-05:002011-12-24T09:50:40.383-05:00

But with a light freezing rain - no snow. The trees and shrubs seem covered with diamonds as a new day arrives with a clear sky.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-3975985988591126992011-10-17T15:02:00.003-04:002011-10-17T15:12:50.524-04:00

The proposed move to the north country has been put on hold until next spring. This photo is about where the 'Retreat' will be relocated - hopefully by early next May. The main house is just out of sight off to the right. The small river is straight ahead and just in view. It should be a great spot to watch all sorts of critters. (Including bears - i'm not sure I'm too keen on them). Grin.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-62567195190001086192011-10-17T14:58:00.002-04:002011-10-17T15:02:35.477-04:00

The flowers have faded. Halloween will soon be here.,

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-38558411337953788052011-10-17T14:46:00.003-04:002011-10-17T14:58:21.798-04:00

The sun will be setting just behind the church about November 11 or so. The winter cold will start moving in again. But can spring be far behind?

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-17420438938991784572011-09-26T12:08:00.002-04:002011-09-26T12:12:32.216-04:00

Gizmo has been storing up reserves for the coming winter.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-61334590011004522912011-09-02T18:58:00.002-04:002011-09-02T19:03:01.698-04:00

And almost ready for winter.This little fellow is becoming quite content and seemingly happy.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-55757410749965490702011-08-21T11:32:00.002-04:002011-08-21T11:41:39.639-04:00

This friendly youngster is quite willing to clean up anything that has been left by the daytime birds or Gizmo Hogg. Thankfully this one is almost completely odorless, at least for now. :))

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-32549647704865421762011-08-20T12:20:00.002-04:002011-08-20T12:25:13.138-04:00

Gizmo is wondering why I have not left his breakfast out.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-71392967999560466632011-08-11T16:38:00.004-04:002011-08-11T16:45:55.184-04:00

Gizmo is ever alert and ready to scram for home. I must move very slowly and quietly. This has to be the smallest groundhog I have ever seen. But I'm happy he seems to call my backyard home. Being a vegetarian he has a taste for the bird food I put out.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-12004508317445380352011-08-07T12:36:00.003-04:002011-08-07T12:42:27.953-04:00

Much to my surprise this time. But that's antoher story. Now these two seemed to know me, perhaps a pair of kits from last year. Or - is this a mom and one quickly growing kit? I have no idea.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-68985117730402061812011-08-07T12:35:00.000-04:002011-08-07T12:36:28.093-04:00

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-49225398731834400952011-08-07T12:33:00.002-04:002011-08-07T12:35:48.740-04:00

In spite of the miserable spring weather, the summer heat has done wonders for many of the plants in the garden.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-64933348806965765012011-08-07T12:28:00.003-04:002011-08-07T12:33:37.433-04:00

Now I know who was making all the noise under the retreat. It was not a young skunk, but this little groundhog. Though very shy, he (or she) keeps coming back. Yes, I call him (or her) Gizmo. I have no idea why that name seemed to stick - it just did.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-59718559048539627842011-07-30T11:34:00.002-04:002011-07-30T11:37:59.980-04:00

Of (I hope) the Retreats new location by this fall.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-82216107382000697092011-07-10T18:34:00.003-04:002011-07-10T18:40:56.295-04:00

Though things were late in starting,the new blooms are doing great. We are still getting ready for our big move. I hope to be able to show you the great place that will be the new home for Rusty's Retreat - deep in the Laurentians, with a small river within feet of the front door.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-25938835682366232582011-06-12T16:00:00.003-04:002011-06-12T16:20:23.486-04:00

Quite a difference from the picture taken back late in the winter.It's been too long. Computer problems were part of the problem in keeping things more or less up-to-date.However there are some very BIG changes coming to Rusty's Retreat. True, things are going to be slow until the Fall, but wait and see.ATB! Rusty

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-4014623986393283302011-05-15T12:31:00.000-04:002011-05-15T12:33:16.046-04:00

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-21209220678362414152011-05-15T12:25:00.001-04:002011-05-15T12:29:06.686-04:00

There are quite a few of these birds around but I don't have a clue what they are. Though fast moving, they don't seem to mind me sitting just a few feet away.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-88332047603681198342011-05-15T12:18:00.001-04:002011-05-15T12:21:33.924-04:00

And boy, does this character give me whatfor until I put the bird food out in the morning.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-65272052994939427432011-05-15T12:15:00.001-04:002011-05-15T12:18:05.828-04:00

This young squirrel seems to think he has the motherlode of food. It seems just a little too big for him to drag away - but he is trying.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-14173469028544144902011-05-15T12:11:00.002-04:002011-05-15T12:15:21.526-04:00

Isjust starting to bloom. I'm going to have to divide this beauty later this year.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-71714105693430294682011-05-15T12:06:00.001-04:002011-05-15T12:11:54.715-04:00

Taking time out to find her breakfast.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-22786418624838819182011-05-15T12:00:00.003-04:002011-05-15T12:06:22.108-04:00

I seem to be getting a very strange look. She probably wants a change in diet. No peanuts in this particular bird feeder. Though it's illegal to feed any wild critters here - including certain birds - squirrels and raccoons refuse to read the signs on the bird feeders. :-(

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-26101847898812947752011-05-15T11:55:00.001-04:002011-05-15T12:00:12.485-04:00

We had a few clear days - temperatures up to near normal. But after this was taken the rain returned.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-40005654199864952162011-05-09T21:40:00.003-04:002011-05-09T21:44:55.190-04:00

Nice fresh mint popping up where a tomato plant will be later this month. The black cloth is a method of mulching. I find it works very well.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-25806339620825102302011-05-09T21:32:00.002-04:002011-05-09T21:36:42.760-04:00

By late summer this plant will be over seven feet tall and covered in bloom. It amkes a very good screen - but it can be invasive.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-43949529178514206932011-05-09T21:30:00.001-04:002011-05-09T21:32:05.076-04:00

I could drive myself crazy and think of it as a weed - but......

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-90028537159001067952011-05-09T21:27:00.001-04:002011-05-09T21:30:04.323-04:00

I see I have to get to work and divide all of them this year. It looks like a four to one dividend on all plants.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-17854552038343058462011-05-09T21:25:00.001-04:002011-05-09T21:27:18.528-04:00

Who knows where this came from, but I enjoy seeing it.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-61758457527842242812011-05-09T21:22:00.001-04:002011-05-09T21:25:25.538-04:00

Even the lilac tree seems late this year. But it looks like there will be a good crop of flowers.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-10235719098015695192011-05-09T11:55:00.000-04:002011-05-09T11:58:55.841-04:00

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-45763878054819406692011-04-30T21:56:00.002-04:002011-04-30T22:01:18.727-04:00

But at last we have some bloom. Perhaps the month of May will be better.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-1689133217029031732011-04-30T21:49:00.004-04:002011-04-30T21:56:23.414-04:00

Again in the same spot. A new nest has been built. Now we wait and see. This is the third year on top of this spotlight. I think it was the same pair that built their nest two years prior to that on top of a fixture by the front door. This spot is much more private, protected - and safe from just about anything on the ground. Naturally this light is simply never used while the nest is

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-25269753459769710112011-04-09T13:35:00.001-04:002011-04-09T13:37:57.526-04:00

I took down the robins nest from last summer. Now I'm waiting to see if they decide to set up housekeeping in the same spot this year. It's surprising how clean and well preserved the old nest is.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-27248111596938446552011-04-09T13:31:00.001-04:002011-04-09T13:34:54.515-04:00

The Bleeding Heart is the first up again this year. Though it's in a raised bed on the north side of the house it probably gets some additional warmth from the basement wall. It won't be long before it's in full bloom.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-6999312105551266732011-04-07T11:24:00.002-04:002011-04-07T11:28:53.722-04:00

Napoleon is pretending he knows nothing about bird feeders. He is waiting quietly while I put seed out for (HA) the birds.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-76975477391264000742011-04-04T17:16:00.002-04:002011-04-04T17:23:25.691-04:00

When Nappy lands on the feeder it's all his, except perhaps for a little chickadee he will share with.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-34232597976203419372011-04-04T17:09:00.004-04:002011-04-04T17:26:41.620-04:00

Still quite a bit of snow on the ground, but I heard a couple of Robins today for the first time this year. Otherwise it's a typical April day - chilly and wet. These photos were taken a couple of days ago when it was bright though cold.I expect I will be seeing more of a few old friends of the raccoon persuation. There is a new skunk in the area. On the small side and quite distinctive as it's

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-91420272886046326282011-04-04T17:06:00.003-04:002011-04-04T17:09:12.542-04:00

Yes, this is Napoleon.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-30314587489589450802011-04-04T17:03:00.000-04:002011-04-04T17:06:12.878-04:00

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-76183777144674350902011-03-25T13:26:00.001-04:002011-03-25T13:27:56.384-04:00

Well this little plant continues to surprise me. These photos were taken a couple of days ago - and even more blooms have opened since.I thought I had detected the start of a double crown, but after very close inspection it looks like I was wrong. Anyway, a double crown seldom detracts from a plants flowering capability, though it will destroy the symmetry of the plant.I’m going to let it

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-81931125191530575272011-03-25T13:24:00.001-04:002011-03-25T13:34:27.754-04:00

No green thumb needed. If I remember correctly I killed two violets many years ago. I was on a third one - which was also looking ratty, when I decided to try putting it under a small desk lamp that was beside my computer. It worked! The plant prospered. Given enough light, and care in watering they will continue to bloom year after year. (Well, you will have to groom and repot but thats a

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-65308357451402212812011-03-25T13:20:00.002-04:002011-03-25T13:23:57.995-04:00

...is lots of light, and just enough water. The light is supplied by a single 23 watt CFB for about 12 hours a day.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-91880556421635316792011-03-25T13:19:00.000-04:002011-03-25T13:20:48.846-04:00

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-75517803187175762482011-03-25T13:14:00.002-04:002011-03-25T13:19:13.719-04:00

OK, it looks like AV growing is still in my blood. When I was out looking for the size of pot I needed - I stopped to look at the display of African violets in a place where I normally would never buy plants. (Based on finding the plants I bought from them years ago were infested with pests). For the most part the display Was miserable. The plants had been raised in a very cramped environment.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-57920075648800183142011-03-23T17:05:00.002-04:002011-03-23T17:09:01.470-04:00

A healthy looking bunch. The black line on the edge of the door is eight inches long. This friendly young raccoon is probably just under a year old. (They grow fast).

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-2707067361030212412011-03-23T17:02:00.000-04:002011-03-23T17:04:53.311-04:00

The only light out here was from the camera flash.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-49958465168797397072011-03-23T17:00:00.002-04:002011-03-23T17:02:35.144-04:00

Healthy and friendly youngsters!

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-2005694312057011872011-03-23T16:57:00.001-04:002011-03-23T17:00:02.440-04:00

I can't be certain, but I suspect they are from Kimmie's gang. They are just about a year old now.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-18612058910293931482011-03-23T16:54:00.002-04:002011-03-23T16:57:05.389-04:00

He seems happy to see the snow vanishing.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-25599942107719675142011-03-22T11:45:00.000-04:002011-03-22T11:45:12.055-04:00

I removed all the flower stalks Feb 15th. Many new flowers are now opening. This is one very strong little plant. More photos later.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-19451263821166836622011-03-22T11:40:00.000-04:002011-03-22T11:40:17.413-04:00

The snow was slowly melting but the first day of Spring arrived after this was taken with an additional three inches of very heavy snow. Looked beautiful - but I have to admit I'm fed up with winter...

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-50602061585202206962011-03-14T11:51:00.002-04:002011-03-14T12:01:10.494-04:00

I removed the blooms on Feb 24th and added very diluted fertilizer to the reservoir. The result was surprising. Four new flower stalks have appeared. Technically I should remove them once more as part of the grooming process - but I think I willwait and see how things develop. I was worried that thre might have been a mite ready to destroy the plant, but now it seems it's quite healthy and

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-51729186457113475332011-03-14T11:42:00.004-04:002011-03-14T11:48:12.716-04:00

At this point I'm not sure what to do next. The plant looks like it should be moved to a bigger pot, but it also needs a bit of grooming. There are (I think) two too many leaves in the outer row. (Three leaves to each row). I also realized it was getting too much light. A lower wattage CFB made a big change within a few days.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-10989832328922241152011-03-14T11:39:00.001-04:002011-03-14T11:42:47.183-04:00

A closeup of a single bloom stalk. It looks like there will be five blooms on this stalk alone - in time.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-83877267413662394262011-03-06T13:23:00.003-05:002011-03-06T13:26:31.064-05:00

Green was starting to show, there was a promise of an early spring...

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-30775090552053756232011-03-06T13:14:00.002-05:002011-03-06T13:21:16.092-05:00

By this time last year we had very little snow - it was to be an early spring.But not this year - this impending blizzard has us firmly in it's sight!

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-33298161883424107272011-03-04T20:47:00.001-05:002011-03-04T20:50:12.847-05:00

Pretty birds!

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-28754006361416372352011-03-04T20:44:00.001-05:002011-03-04T20:47:19.335-05:00

The weather is starting to warm up - a little. The Chickadees are hungry..They took over the feederfor most of the afternoon.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-21129538313509035762011-03-04T20:37:00.002-05:002011-03-04T20:44:05.166-05:00

But a few minutes later they landed! About 50 all at once.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-69959234081175711572011-03-02T15:44:00.002-05:002011-03-02T15:49:39.571-05:00

No doubt about it, this is one very happy raccoon. Seems to like cleaning up the seed the birds have dropped.Don't forget to check way down for the older posts. There you will see Kimmie with her family from last year. I wonder how many she will be raising this summer. We will probably get our first sighting in early June.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-79844180899953195902011-03-02T15:38:00.003-05:002011-03-02T15:44:20.215-05:00

This is Kimmie aka Big Momma. I'm not certain yet, but she is probably pregnant. Normally a raccoons tail is quite a bit thinner at this time of year - having used up much of their stored reserves. But both Kimmie, and the shy one have very fat tails.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-39063478032533177182011-03-02T15:32:00.002-05:002011-03-02T15:38:36.954-05:00

This raccoon is almost as big as Kimmie, but very shy. Still with a little time I think she will feel easier. This might be one of Kimmies youngsters from last year. How can I tell the difference between her and kimmie? She is slightly smaller and a very different nature - otherwise I can't. (Yet - but thats one reason for the photographs - this one might have a bit of brown fur on the end of

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-26351955714068201202011-02-25T08:42:00.001-05:002011-02-25T08:46:42.380-05:00

This is the first raccoon to appear this year. It's an old friend, Kimmie. She is looking extremely well after a hard winter.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-29779066859208678672011-02-20T15:09:00.002-05:002011-02-20T15:12:53.040-05:00

All those berries vanished during the winter. I suspect the Cardinals, (which I have yet to photograph) - finished them off by mid winter.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-91313676509556858232011-02-20T15:07:00.001-05:002011-02-20T15:09:31.598-05:00

Taken late last summer - they do enjoy feeding here.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-3057865628546340952011-02-20T15:04:00.000-05:002011-02-20T15:07:25.922-05:00

This stuff looks too good to resist.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-26670588878410855422011-02-20T15:03:00.000-05:002011-02-20T15:04:44.081-05:00

I'm outta here!

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-35110294235267691652011-02-20T14:59:00.000-05:002011-02-20T15:03:00.039-05:00

And we have LIFTOFF!

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-87581756989361960272011-02-19T16:26:00.001-05:002011-02-19T16:28:33.867-05:00

I'm an eagle on a mission - duck squirrel.....

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-32240415425099354342011-02-19T16:24:00.002-05:002011-02-19T16:26:39.078-05:00

...Control tower - get that birds number!!!

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-58732423391528901852011-02-19T16:21:00.001-05:002011-02-19T16:34:57.288-05:00

I ain't got no worries......Nappy is big enough to even defy the ravens...

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-64263256272862731552011-02-13T13:47:00.002-05:002011-02-13T13:59:20.821-05:00

African violets have very delicate, fibrous roots. They will not grow well,(if at all) - in heavy soil. They cannot be allowed to dry out completely for more than a very short time. They will also not do well at all if they are always soaked. They can be very fussy, it’s true.The type of potting medium is very important - but lets leave that alone for the time being. If you are just starting

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-37448496807577957392011-02-13T13:42:00.001-05:002011-02-13T13:45:01.184-05:00

Ready to add the wick to a pot. A short length of yarn, and a bit of wire with a loop at one end. (Don’t use wool)

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-9946817531066983952011-02-13T13:40:00.000-05:002011-02-13T13:42:03.464-05:00

This shows the wire passing through the bottom of the pot. Pull the yarn through to almost the surface of the medium, then pull the wire free.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-67836097560403616932011-02-13T13:38:00.000-05:002011-02-13T13:40:28.416-05:00

The wick is now in place.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-19292512855433332282011-02-13T13:37:00.000-05:002011-02-13T13:38:50.417-05:00

Showing a close up of the wick as it drops down into the reservoir. The reservoir was made by trimming the top of a plastic pill bottle.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-29240241230595015972011-02-13T13:33:00.000-05:002011-02-13T13:37:04.038-05:00

Pot and reservoir together. Water in the reservoir is almost up to the bottom of the pot itself. The wick supplies the right amount of moisture to the plant. The reservoir must be refilled about every third day. Start the wicking action by top watering the plant. Check every few days to be sure the wick continues to work.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-40278464631982881042011-02-11T20:10:00.004-05:002011-02-11T20:21:24.018-05:00

Where to start? Probably with the amount of light that African violets will thrive on. Winter sunlight is not enough. There is not enough, and a window is not always the best place.Violets do best with at least twelve to sixteen hours of light a day. That’s far more than we can get through a window during the winter. It’s much easier to supply artificial light evenly for your violet. Normal

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-83432044442608575882011-02-07T13:43:00.004-05:002011-02-07T14:02:37.315-05:00

It's a long story. I brought the violet outside for a quick series of natural daylight photographs. All to do with trying to find out why the camera sees the bloom as blue while I see it closer to magenta. Anyway - for the few minutes I was taking photos the Blackcap chickadees kept on flitting in - with no care at all for the stranger at the feeder. As for the color problem, I still don't

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-85399863283167246662011-02-05T17:15:00.002-05:002011-02-05T17:21:02.639-05:00

Yes, more photographs of Napoleon. It's a nice day out there but this squirrel is the only visitor at the feast. Napoleon is getting so tame I can bring the camera, (and flash fill)- within a foot of him and he simply goes on stuffing himself.It's time I got to work on the African violet stuff, at least until some other animals or birds show up. ATB!

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-64016610845335995572011-02-05T17:13:00.001-05:002011-02-05T17:14:56.340-05:00

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-63723332376469727762011-02-05T17:12:00.001-05:002011-02-05T17:13:25.825-05:00

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-31258316987078300352011-02-05T17:11:00.000-05:002011-02-05T17:12:25.112-05:00

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-62558323824183484692011-02-05T17:04:00.003-05:002011-02-05T17:11:12.891-05:00

One very happy and probably overfed critter.The birds have been staying away from the feeder today. It's clear and quite warm outside, perfect weather for taking photos but Napoleon is the only one willing to pose.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-85523486897178855932011-02-03T13:05:00.003-05:002011-02-03T13:19:55.467-05:00

The storm has passed, the new fallen snow is bright and clean. There is still a chill in the air but the birds sound happy.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-44611456975831983402011-02-02T23:03:00.003-05:002011-02-02T23:08:22.138-05:00

Indeed, our local groundhog cares not a bit for our human ideas about shadows and spring. He was staying warm and snug in his den - wherever it is. Obviously though no one saw any shadow today. But like the other local critters, who cares? Spring will come when it comes. ATB!

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-60029771452523363552011-02-02T22:59:00.001-05:002011-02-02T23:03:01.004-05:00

Not that much snow here, the wind and drifting was the main problem. Both birds and squirrels made good use of the feeder.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-39617560705562772332011-02-01T18:06:00.004-05:002011-02-01T18:16:06.980-05:00

Waiting for me to put more food on the feeder. He is stocking up for the snowstorm thats supposed to arrive early tomorrow morning. Even the birds seemed more excited. They kept me busy today. The weather is slightly warmer but still no sign of any raccoon activity this year. My bet is even the groundhog will be a no-show. (Grin). Smart critter!

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-26683290071400057982011-01-31T21:18:00.008-05:002011-01-31T21:41:51.461-05:00

Yes, this is our local groundhog. Now I wonder, will he see his shadow tomorrow? In fact it's so doggone cold here tonight I think Mr. GH would be wise to stay in his den, (wherever it is) - and keep warm. Last night was minus 21C outside the Retreat. This morning the sky was crystal clear. And yet, the clouds are moving in and the temperature may not drop as low. Hope springs,(wrong word

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-46921660016133530512011-01-27T15:35:00.002-05:002011-01-27T15:41:55.377-05:00

Yes, being a little fed up with winter I decided to but a new 'pet'. Many years ago I cultivated many African violets under lights. I even won a few ribbons - though never best in show. Still, though very short on space in the Retreat, I thought it was time to bring in some new color (or if you prefer, colour) grin. Except for the dim glow from the computer screen, and the surveillance camera

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-79136698089408141582011-01-27T15:32:00.003-05:002011-01-27T15:35:12.573-05:00

One of these days I will get a photo of these big birds at the feeder. They are very wary. This one is watching me while his pals fly off in the distance.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-3500077782767970212011-01-27T15:29:00.002-05:002011-01-27T15:32:30.699-05:00

But wait a moment - Big Nappy is up there - dare I jump in? Better not just yet.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-63575941120733159262011-01-20T12:47:00.001-05:002011-01-20T12:50:27.271-05:00

Notice the slight difference in colour. Interesting.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-83257828757927253432011-01-17T14:03:00.000-05:002011-01-17T14:05:49.930-05:00

And quite unafraid of people.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-17994914198949818602011-01-17T14:01:00.001-05:002011-01-17T14:03:36.469-05:00

But only about two or three inches of very light snow. This is what was left hanging on last summers bamboo.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-77655101000079875232011-01-17T13:59:00.001-05:002011-01-17T14:00:58.775-05:00

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5710776687328969082.post-8246874463573090432011-01-17T13:56:00.001-05:002011-01-17T13:59:02.399-05:00

He has to chase Napoleon away first.

Rustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15016141887399309190noreply@blogger.com0