At my front windows

I've mentioned the peacock that lives in our neighborhood a few times on this blog. Lately he has taken to visiting us every morning. He nibbles at a few of my plants in the backyard, then travels to our front door. After awhile, he just paces back and forth on our walkway looking into the windows at us. He is beautiful, and my poor cat doesn't understand why there is a bird bigger than him looking in.

Garden Mulching

We've been working on cleaning up the garden a bit now that it's too hot to do a lot of gardening. Plus, with all the rains it seems the weeds are winning some type of battle against us. We ripped up a ton of grass and weeds and put a layer of heavy cardboard down. We then mulched fairly heavily. There is a lot more work to be done including putting some type of boarder to separate the grass from the mulch line.






One of my favorite parts of our garden is the multiple honey bees and butterflies who visit. They especially love our porterweeds.

Quirky

One of our crazy squirrels stealing something to eat. Normally, I wouldn't post this. But, the noises he was making were too cute not to share.

How to Catch a Rooster

It's been a rough week around here. We were awakened a little over a week ago to breaking glass, smoke and fire trucks. Our next door neighbors house was on fire. Thankfully, no one was at home even their new puppy. No one was hurt, but their house is a disaster. The home can be salvaged, but there is a lot of work to be done.

They aren't staying at the house obviously, but have been coming every day to work on it and take care of their bunnies and chickens. They also have a rooster. While out in my lanai this morning I heard him crowing, as usual. Except, no only did I see him crowing....he was also running around. I walked over, but the neighbors weren't there.

We have helped when the puppy and bunnies got loose. But, a rooster? I don't know the first thing about catching a rooster. Once he realized he was free of his corral, he was very excited. I took a few pictures, and am anxiously awaiting my neighbors arrival. He doesn't seem like he can get out of their fenced in yard, unless he realizes he actually is able to. He sure is cute though.

Visiting Snake

It seems funny to write about this since one of the books I have out from the library is Climbing the Mango Tree.

My son has been climbing the mango tree in our side yard. It is huge and strong, and we love the mangoes that we eat right from the tree. Now that my son is older, he is able to climb quite high. High enough that I usually get extremely nervous and make my husband climb up too.

A couple days ago while my son was up in the mango tree, my husband reached up and pulled my son down from the tree. I was watering the garden, so I was at a distance. My husband showed me a snake in the tree. He was coiled very tightly, and looking at us. My gut feeling was he wasn't venomous because he would have had plenty of opportunities to attack my son. So after consulting with some lovely gardening people, it turns out it is a yellow rat snake. Very good to have in your yard, and not venomous. They are fairly laid back, and not likely to bite.

Here are some photos of him. Please excuse the quality, I had to switch between two cameras.

Loving Florida

I wouldn't have been able to convince myself that my new dentist and staff were going to be as wonderful as they were. Never in a million years. But, I'm relieved to say they are wonderful, gentle and funny.

As for loving Florida, this article, just reminds me how close to nature we are getting. Especially during Alligator mating season, and with the over building that is going on. The pictures are worth clicking on. I don't live near the woman in the article, and I'm thankful I don't live in that neighborhood. I'd never sleep again.

Bald Eagle Nest

We are very lucky to have a bald eagle nest not too far from our house. We've been keeping an eye on it over the past few months. My husband spotted the babies not too long ago. It's just exciting to see, and of course the Boy loves it.

Times like this, I wish I had a better camera. Actually, even a stronger lens would suffice. So, I apologize that the pictures are not better. I tried. I've noticed that every time we go out there to stare at these beautiful birds, we are not alone. Everyone is so excited, sharing binoculars and stories about "our baby birds". It's a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Spring is here

I'm still not used to Florida seasons. But, there are changes. Lately, we've been enjoying the not so subtle spring changes here. Our tomato plant has a lot of tomatoes on it, and the largest one is just beautiful. The bell pepper plant that was attacked by the peacock is now filled with teeny tiny bell peppers. And, the birds are nesting. Something I have always enjoyed, and am especially enjoying sharing with the Boy. Along with spring here, comes the mosquitoes. This fact is not something I enjoy. It is a long battle with mosquitoes here, because we are a deet-free family. I won't end on an unhappy note though. The plants are just thriving right now, and that is something I can enjoy even through the windows.

Here and There

There are many times when I find myself debating between sharing the good and the bad in my life on this blog. So, sometimes it is just easier to wait until I have a moment of clarity, and don't feel like I'm going to become a blubbering mess here. I find it is easier to focus on all sorts of things at once, stressing about them and trying to find solutions, then to actually deal with what I really do need to focus on.

So, moving on from that, I wanted to share the visitor in our backyard this morning. It was beautiful, and inspiring. Also, some photos of my hibiscus before our visitor decided they were quite a delicious breakfast.

Breathe

There will be rain. And, though it will be pretty stormy weather, we need rain. So, the Boy and I headed out to pick up the plants I had spotted Sunday. Perfect time to plant, and I'm ready to get working in the garden again.

The are where I planted is looking pretty bad at the moment. It is the area where our local "Flame Throwers" like to sneak through. We have a temporary block that my side neighbor is participating in. Soon, we will be putting up something permanent.

The Boy and I raked up mulch that was probably there long before we moved in. We rotated the soil a bit, much to the chagrin of the palmetto bugs that were living back there. Then after ripping and cutting at a vast array of roots, adding some nice new soil, and trying to center everything, our new plants were home.







They are Red Sister Cordyline Terminalis. I have a lot of work to do in that back corner of the yard. Including lots of weeding, which will lead to ripping up the rest of the mulch I suspect. The bird bath needs to be scrubbed out, and possibly relocated. More to come, soon.

Birdhouse

The Boy has always liked putting things together. Actually, taking things apart seems to be even more enjoyable for him. I think he takes after his father.

While running some errands this past weekend we took a trip down the toy area of Target. The Boy immediately noticed the different boxed kits they had. I had my eye on the knit sock monkey kit, but it looked a bit complicated for a four year old. That is when I saw a box stuffed behind some other toys. It was a birdhouse kit. We decided to try it out. If we had the tools necessary to make a birdhouse from scratch at home, I would have much preferred it.

Here are some pictures. The final resting place for the birdhouse was after trying out almost every tree in our yard. We settled on this one because we can view it from our window, and in particular the Boy's window.

Color

I am always amazed at all the wildlife here in Florida. I always have plenty of creatures to take pictures of, which I love. So, about a month back when we saw a man running with his camera phone pointed at something that resembled a peacock, right in our neighborhood, I was upset that my camera batteries were being charged. I figured it was a once in a lifetime sighting.

Until this morning when my husband was leaving for work and called to tell the Boy and I too look out our front window. Before looking, I grabbed my camera because there was no way I was missing a chance for a picture. By the time I looked out, the peacock was in my neighbors back yard. He was picking at their orange tree. I couldn't get a picture, but he must reside around us.

After researching a bit, I learned wild peacocks do live in Florida. They are a protected animal, but can be a nuisance to home owners. I am keeping my camera ready now because I want to post a picture. I am still in awe at the beauty of nature.

Please check out the video! That is not me nor my home in the video.

Fairy House

The last week or so has involved the Boy and I working in the yard. Some of it was normal kickball, garden work, running or even a nice picnic. The biggest events of the week was a continuation of my previous entry. He was very excited to build some Fairy Houses.

It was really fun to watch him search through our yard, and even in the local parks, for natural items to use. It didn't show up in the pictures, but he even found a dime to stick in one of the houses. His favorite item was some little red berries, because fairies get hungry you know.

Here are some shots. I let him create himself because it was fun to see him so inspired.

Neighbor cat

There are quite a few animals who roam around my yard during the day and night. In particular is the cat my neighbor has had for maybe six months. She stays out all night and is let in sometime in the morning. This cat reminds me why it is so important to spay and neuter your pets. She hasn't been spayed and is blatantly in heat. She is very vocal. And, it gets my poor elderly cat all wound up. Only, he is neutered, which means he just doesn't understand why this cat is so intent on visiting him. And, it also isn't enjoyable to watch a cat so miserable. I never want to see a cat rub against my window like she does again. It is awful.

I'm sure before long there will be kittens to be given away. And, I could ramble about this for pages. I'll just leave you with some basic info: Humane Society.


And, if you are looking for a new companion, don't forget to check your local shelters and rescues!

Unexpected

We have been having some very cold temperatures here in south Florida. I am talking about actual temperatures that will freeze water and unfortunately, plants. I'm not too familiar with how to prevent freezing of my plants, and I regretted this early this morning.




After doing some research, I believe my banana tree will survive. I'm not sure there was a whole lot I could have done to protect it. The roots are somewhat blanketed by mulch, but I won't know the outcome until we are out of this cold weather. The leaves are definitely damaged.

I was going to talk about my fantastic experience at the Farmer's Market yesterday. And, it was wonderful even in the cold. But, instead I will share what I discovered while cleaning my gigantic head of cauliflower.



He wasn't the only one living inside the head. There were three of them. I took them all outside, although I felt a bit bad they were just going to die in the cold anyways. I realize it is a good sign that they were alive and well inside the cauliflower. This means the pesticides didn't kill them, and I am not eating poisons.

But, I have never been very good with bugs. I am very squeamish and will actually scream when something of this nature happens. I'm fine once the realization of the bug sits in, but initially........watch out. So, the cauliflower is all chopped and soaking in my kitchen sink. I do not want roasted cauliflower with a side of caterpillar as a side dish tonight!

The shortest day, the longest night

On Saturday we casually celebrated the Winter Solstice. It was actually a beautiful day here, and it started out cooler than average. After we spend the morning with Bubba, we went home for some lunch and planning.

The Boy and I decided to string some puffed corn with fresh cranberries. There was no popcorn in the house, but I had read puffed corn is OK. This worked out well, but I'm pretty sure the lizards and ants are the ones actually eating it. I'm hoping the squirrels see it too. The birds do not seem to be interested, of course there are a lot of natural berries available for them right now. They aren't searching the way they would if we had snow.







The Boy picked a spot to plant his Solstice tree. He wanted to be able to see it from the window. We both dug the hole, added some good soil and planted it. I think it will enjoy it's home. Most of the plants around that section of our yard have flourished.



We also enjoyed the beautiful night. We went for a drive to the country. There is a family who decorate, which is an understatement, with lights all over their fields, house and pond. I couldn't get a decent picture, but it was amazing. The moon was huge over us, and while staring up into it an owl landed right above on a telephone pole. Majestic is the only word that comes to mind.

It was a beautiful day and night. We are almost fully prepared for Christmas, but lots of baking is going to be happening on Christmas Eve.

Visitor

After our weekly visit to Bubba's house, the boy and I spotted a hawk of some sort on our back fence. I had seen him before, but my camera isn't the greatest when it comes to taking a picture quickly. Unless of course, you would really enjoy a blurry shot of nothing!

I started by taking a picture from the inside, which looked awful. So, I wandered quietly into the lanai to snap a few. They would have been ok, but I hate the look of screening in front of pictures.

The boy was hoping it was an owl, and we really couldn't tell from that distance. So, I decided to open our lanai door and risk scaring him off. He wasn't the least bit phased by me. He would look around, almost as if he acknowledged me at one point, and allow me to take pictures. So, I of course obliged him and took more than enough. Bubba had the idea of taking the pictures to my favorite Bird Sanctuary for an ID on the type of hawk. We are thinking of going next week to ask.

Here he/she is. (Note:Please disregard my neighbors house in the back, they have been doing work on it.)