Just Hanging

A couple of nice photo of visiting birds.

Both calmly perched and enjoying the afternoon with seeming not a care in the world.

Interesting note, the trees these birds are perched in, Boxelder, are no more!  The abutting neighbor cut down 90% of the trees in his backyard, which sadly backs to our backyard.  It's WIDE open now, no privacy any longer.  Sad really.

**Photo cred to Emilie Frye

Home Sweet Home

One shore bird I like is the Osprey! 

Who doesn't like birds of prey, c'mon!

The picture below is of an Osprey nest atop a telephone pole.  A typical sight along the shore.

**Photo cred to Emilie Frye

Name The Breed

Can you tell me the breed of cattle in the picture below?!

Very unique markings, so easy to identify.

It's a Scottish breed.

Established as a separate breed in 1921.

Known for their maternal ability and high quality beef.

They're well adapted to cold and rugged climates

The answer is:

Belted Galloway Cattle!

**Photo cred to Emilie Frye

Brenton Point, RI

The gulls look like they were placed there as a part of the signage.

To set the record straight I'm not a fan of shore birds.  Sea gulls to me are akin to pigeons in the city; dirty, messy and loud.

**Photo cred to Emilie Frye

Inquiring Minds Want To Know

Came across this seed pod (or balls) on our URI tour.  There were oodles of them on the ground around this one tree.  I pocketed this one to aide in my investigation in identifying.

Lo and behold I present to you what's known as the Sweetgum tree balls, which are spiny brown balls of fruit that drop off the tree over time.

Apparently, they're more of a nuisance than beneficial with most Sweetgum tree owners complaining.

I Call It Beaver Birch

We came across this birch tree many years ago now while visiting Frye Island on lake Sebago in Maine.

As you can see this tree was chewed over by a beaver!  If you look close enough you can see the teeth marks - those were not made by an axe.

Thought it was pretty cool, so sawed off both ends and took her home.

Get's Nippy At Night

Bubba Night-Night!

Shhh, don't wake the sleeping, spoiled rotten baby.

This is how I tuck Trixie-dog in each night before I head off to bed.  That is, if she isn't already in bed with Emilie.

Breakfast Anyone?!

A blast from the past, Building 19!  Who remembers?!

A box of Jerry O's.  Certainly a collectors items...

Spring (Bird House) Cleaning!

Finally finished cleaning out the old bird house we having hanging.

As you can see this one was quite full!  Several years of chick rearing in there with the last several years, and multiple clutches each year, a wren called this bird house home.  Hoping they return and approve of the cleaned up residence!

URI Tour!

We visited and toured the University of Rhode Island last Saturday.

What a beautiful old campus.  Spread out over 1200 acres!

I'm fairly certain URI moved into Emilie's top spot following the tour.

Very exciting.  Just waiting to see what they're going to provide in grants, scholarships, etc.  Fingers crossed we can make it work.

Missing You!

No matter how many years go by, the pain of your death never diminishes. Dad, I miss you so much.

Happy 18th Birthday!!

 A great BIG Happy 18th Birthday to my daughter Emilie!

Where has the time gone?  All my love!

Happy 18th Birthday!!

Happy 18th Birthday to my amazing Niece Alyssa!

Hmm, Who Woulda Thought?!