Looks like a good tomato year.

And the Moose Came Back...

Risky indeed, between a few local cats that pass by now and then - and the raccoons, this little fellow still dashes out to grab small bits of whatever food is available. The surprising part is this tiy critter seems to be more active in the daytime.

The Moose Under the Hoose! ;)

Caught his picture! Normally I only see this tiny critter at night as his eyes shine like headlights in the IR camera light. He moves fast - I suspect if the raccoons ever saw him he would be a fast dinner for one. This is the first time I have seen this mouse in the daytime. He was falling all overhimself trying to drag that bit of bread back to his home under the retreat. At least that gave me a few seconds to grab a few pictures.

Hey, what about my breakfast!

This character reminds me early every morning to put out the bird food.

Just the Local Gossip!

Kimmie (Big Momma) dropped in to tell me how her day went while the youngsters scrambled to find something to eat.

Don't Rock the Boat!

Though Ms Skunk was a trifle agressive, the young raccoon was not backing off. In fact there were three of Kimmie's kits close by. They all ended up sharing without any real complaints. The black line on the tile gives some sense of their size - it's a foot long. Was I worried? A bit, but I had to get some photographs. Ms. Skunk seems to have become quite used to my very near presence.

Another unknown flower -

There are a few stalks of this somewhat pretty flower in the 'forgotten' area by the fence in the shade of the neighbours lilac shrubs. I have no idea what it might be called but it's too interesting a flower to get rid of. Anyone know what it might be called?

Perhaps you can tell me what it is?

It's an interesting, low growing plant that resides in a forgotten corner. I have no idea what it is.

Just a little editing fun..

A different way of looking at things. (GRIN). It's the baloon or moonflower vine in a 'different' light.

However - Tomato Futures are great!

And they seem to be early this year. And unlike last year there is no sign of blight on the plants. Yum, I am dreaming of those tomato sandwiches right now!

A few for desert

For some reason it's a poor year for the raspberries.

Meet Charley...

Out of her (Kimmies) five kits - two stand out. The most interesting is Charley. Smart, inquisitive, not in the least afraid of me, gentle, (though still a wild animal) - and loves to play tag. Charley (I'm sure thats what he said his name was), is the only raccoon I will allow this far inside the retreat. The fan is right at the door - running full blast to try and keep the temperature inside here less than 90F! As a comparison for size the grill of the fan is 20 inches across. These baby raccoons grow fast! You will probably see and hear a lot more about Charley over the next two months.

Kimmie poses with her son.

The photograph speaks for itself. Proud momma!

I think I can fix this.....

Oh yes, nothing like a little renovating. Raccoons do love to do it. In this case the weather stripping on the retreat door seemed to catch his interest.

A Passing Storm in the Evening

Balloon Flower - a day at a time.

It's Summer

Starting to bloom

This should give me a chance to photograph some butterflys before too long.

Kimmie and gang came for supper

Kimmie was in a very relazed mood. Her youngsters were in a very playful mood - all behaving very well and practically setting up the entire photo session by themselves.

Kimmie Supervising the Antics of her kits

You can see how relaxed she was last night. I was right up close to her, and her youngsters were all around me looking for food. My main problem was how to swat mosquitos while taking the photographs.

Getting Told Off!

Well sometimes things do get a little out of paw (hand) - but mom is quick to check the situation.

Smile Mom!

Smug - or just ate too much?

I can't help but think this little guy looks like a politician. It's quite surprising at how fast they grow. By the fall they will be almost full grown.

Singing For His Supper.

Or perhaps just laughing at me swatting mosquitos.

Finding the treats

But not too busy to give a cute pose. This is one of Kimmie's wilder kits.

Chloe Returns With Her Family

Chloe came by last night with her entire family. It seems she only has two kits this year. As usual they all seemed very healthy and easy to get along with. (Unlike three if Kimmies youngsters who are 'grabby' and one might say bratty). It was hard to get a photograph of the little ones as they wanted to check out the camera or climb up on my knee to beg for a treat.

One of Chole's kits - with good manners.

Somehow her youngsters are always easy going. They are inquisitive, and accept treats slowly and carefully. There is little risk of getting scratched by her youngsters.

Mother Chloe

Chloe has all her new fur, has put on a little weight, and is looking extremely well.

Afternoon Shadows

Now In Full Glory!

Big Momma, aka Kimmie.

Just a couple or 'portraits' of Kimmie that I took last week. Though Kimmie is very big for a raccoon, she has a very passive, almost friendly nature. A beautiful critter.

Kimmie Speaks Out...

Actually thats not true. Kimmie is simply chewing on a bit of dry dog food.

Tell you more later.

The First Day lilly Bloom

Perhaps it was the very heavy rain we had yesterday as the extreme hot weather got pushed out. I don't know for sure, but the first day lilly bloom appeared. I'm a little confused though. I moved this clump from where it was being overshadowed by a big cedar two years ago. I'm sure prior to moving it was just a very common yellow flower. Do these blooms change color depending on their enviroment?

Some call me a weed.

It's late in the day and this bloom is almost finished. I think this delicate blossom is the 'Moon flower', a cousin of the Morning Glory.

already harvesting

The zucchini are producing!

Waiting for halloween!

The giant pumpkin has begun to bloom. If these are true to claims we are going to have a space problem by the end of august.

Friendly Critter

Ms Skunk is a beautiful animal. Her tail is almost pure white, and her rich coat has a glossy sheen.

Coming Along.

Wow, what color!

The heat has brought these on quickly.

A Different Variety

I have about five different varieties of hosta - all blooming at slightly different times.

More blooms.

The very hot weather is bring out the blooms all over the place.

Hey Ma - Who Is This?

Imagine my surprise - a few minutes ago Chloe showed up with two of her youngsters - along with Ms. Skunk - right at my open door. (Open trying to keep things cooler in the retreat). Thankfully there was only a slight 'discussion' about who was going to get to eat - and they all sat down together like old friends. To add to the fun Kimmie and her five showed up a few minutes later. A busy night!

Real Soon Now....

They love the heat!

Looking Bright

Of Things to Come...

Future sandwiches?

Cauliflower doing well.