The recent rainfall filled the little pond near the house, so I’ve been letting the ducks out to play. If only they’d stay at the pond instead of wandering along the creek to sample every pool deep enough to paddle through. If only they carried watches with little alarms to remind them when it’s time [...]

Goose Goose protects ‘her’ ducklings with impressive ferocity. I’ve tried for weeks to get a decent photo, but of course, she spots me and the camera and turns into a sweetie. So this is as good as it gets.

When geese go into protective mode, they stretch their necks straight out, holding their heads low while [...]

Hickory at age 10, the last living member of the barn cat trio of Hickory, Dickory, and Doc
Born: Spring 1997Adopted: Summer 1997Died: Monday, April 9, 2007
When one spends a great deal of time with a community of animals, certain things become apparent. Personalties, hierarchies, likes and dislikes, and occasionally the odd alliance between unlikely companions. [...]

Behold the new fence for my herb & perennial garden. My genius husband unearthed and moved many large rocks while digging those postholes. Here at the edge of the Ozarks, we grow rocks really well. The fence needs another coat of stain and some chicken wire around the bottom to keep the chickens out, and [...]