Blue, my 9-year-old Australian Shepherd, waited patiently by the pond yesterday while I snapped flower photos. I couldn’t resist taking one of him and his reflection. Photo by LauraP

Since it’s my daughter, Jennifer’s, 20th birthday today, I thought I’d post a picture of her from my file of favorites. As I browsed through, I realized most of my pictures of her include a dog, cat, or goat. Here’s one of her from several years ago with Sparky, one of the pups she helped
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I know, I know. Thistles are noxious weeds. Still, the flowers are so beautiful. This isn’t a bull thistle or that troublesome and prolific outlaw Canada thistle. The leaves are prickly, and no doubt it shouldn’t be growing in my pasture. Eradication plans remain on hold until positive identification is accomplished. Which I hope will
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That’s me in the middle, with the skeleton of the deer stand around me. Thunderstorms are forecast for the next few days, so today’s probably the last chance this week to play with shadows. Photo by LauraP

Deer stand extraordinaire–built by one of the farm’s previous owners. We had to do some heavy trimming in the overgrown cedars underneath to open access to the ladder. Well worth it, I think, since it’s a great place to hang out, take deep breaths, and think about nothing. Photo by LauraP

The view to the west from the deer stand. Isn’t my neighbor’s pasture lovely? Photo by LauraP

I haven’t named this new bunny yet. I need to get to know her a little better first. Little No Name here is an American Chinchilla rabbit — not to be confused with the rodent known as the Chinchilla lanigera, which you frequently find in pet stores. The lanigera type is of South American origin,
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Not happy to be here. Photo by LauraP

Eeek! These two junior American Chinchilla rabbits came from the same rabbitry, but apparently they weren’t buddies. They spent the rest of the evening, hugging their respective corners Photo by LauraP

My favorite seat at the kitchen table overlooks the hummingbird feeder. The hummingbird skirmishes heat up in the late morning after the morning glories along the fence close their blossoms against the rising heat. They’re most active between the time of our evening meal until dusk. The neighbors, with their well-established feeders, may have a
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