Find The Critter

 

Can you find the critter in these pictures?!

 

Same kind of critter but not the same critter, if you know what I'm trying to say.

 

 

I've seen more of these insects in our yard this year then ever before and love it!

Mom - In Loving Memory

 

I can't believe it's been 8 years, where has the time gone?

 

I miss you each and every day!

Cicada Nymphal Instar

Spied and caught a cicada instar the other night when feeding and putting the animals to bed for the night.  You, or at least me anyway, seldom come across the cicada's at this stage in their life, as they're not in it for very long.  I typically find the abandoned exoskeletal remains hanging all over.

It didn't take this dude long to molt into it's final stage, adulthood.  It was less than a couple hours from catching and placing it in a bug container when we noticed it molted.  It's wings were a neon greenish color and still crinkled up.

In the morning it was done, as seen in the above photo, and ready to be released.  Fortunately, it hung around for Emilie to snap a couple pic then, zooooom, off it flew into a nearby treetop.

"Here I Am To Save The Day" - Mighty Mouse

 

And just like how Mighty Mouse used to do it, so did one of Franklin's finest!

 

Happen to catch a Franklin police officer respond to a distress call at our neighbors house this afternoon.

 

From what I can tell it looked like the toddler got locked in the car!

 

Since it's in the area of 95 degrees and hot and humid and the vehicle being black and sitting out in the direct sun, it was clearly and emergency!

 

The police officer zoomed in and I'd say in less than 30 seconds upon his arrival he had the door opened.  Of course I can't divulge how it was done but it was pretty cool.

 

The little one looked fine once she was taken out of her car seat.  Thank goodness crisis averted.

Cool Facts re: Fireflies

Spotted this lady lightening bug crawling along our deck the other afternoon, so I took her photo.  I'm sure she was resting up for a night of lighting things up.  It could be just me but seems that I'm seeing more fireflies this summer than in recent years.

 

Brings back fond memories of when I was growing up.

 

 

10 Cool Facts About Fireflies

 

1. Fireflies, also called lightning bugs, are neither flies nor bugs.
2. Fireflies are the world's most efficient light producers.
3. Fireflies "talk" to each other using light signals.
4. Fireflies are bioluminescent throughout their life cycles.
5. Not all adult fireflies flash.
6. Firefly larvae feed on snails.
7. Some fireflies are cannibals.
8. Female fireflies sometimes mimic the flashes of other species.
9. Firefly luciferase is used in all kinds of medical research.
10. Some fireflies synchronize their flash signals.

(facts pulled from About.com)

Odiferous Invader For Sure!

 

Garlic mustard, also called Jack-by-the-hedge and sauce-alone, is a biennial plant in the mustard family and a seriously invasive alien plant. Left to itself, it can completely take over an area, crowding out all native plants. It grows along shaded roadsides, woody paths, and other shady areas.

 

I noticed this growing in our backyard, along the wooded areas, years ago now but in the last couple of years it's exploded and taken over!  Not only do I see it in the neighbors yard but along the roadways and parking lots too.  I also find plants attempting to grow in our flower beds and raspberry beds - it's everywhere.

 

I guess it shouldn't be a surprise since the maximum production on one plant with 12 stems is estimated at 7,900 seeds, yikes!

"V" Is For Victory!

*****  WARNING  *****

 

** Graphic Image Below **

 

 

We no longer have a problem with our strawberries disappearing and/or being half eaten and picked through.

 

It's weird, not sure what happen and why this pillaging just all of a sudden *SNAP* stopped but I sure am thankful!

Smile You're On My...iPad!

 

Sign of the times.

 

These are just two examples of how already inconsiderate people can be even MORE inconsiderate!!

 

For example, the woman in the first picture had NO problem stepping right in front of me, as if I wasn't even there, to hoist her silly iPad and begin taking pictures.  Now that she's trying to be all tech savvy and "with it", she needs more time to get her new toy in place and working, which just takes that much longer.  All the while completely oblivious to anyone or anything behind her.  After all it was all about her and her daughter.  There were no other girls playing in the softball all-star game...

 

 

Same with this tubby one here, she's a peach this one (a story for another time).  She didn't care who was sitting behind her and who she was blocking, as she has special moments to capture and because her child was the only one at the 5th grade graduation ceremony, there were no others.

 

I loath them all!

The "Speeding" Nun

So, I was relaxed and listening to sports talk radio on my commute into the office this morning.  The cruise control set a tad over 70 and just below most of the traffic flow so not to arouse suspicion from the State police.

All of a sudden I noticed, in my rear view mirror, a gold colored Chevrolet with Quebec plates roaring up the high speed lane.

When it pulled up beside me and passed I was very surprise to see there was a Nun behind the wheel.

Gave new meaning to "The Flying Nun"!!

2013 Broccoli

 

Although these are small heads of broccoli, they're the first to be picked.  Remember these broccoli plants were chewed to their stems by a wild rabbit, but TLC and constant care they've bounced back.  The plants themselves look great, however, the smaller heads may be a side effect.

 

No worries, they'll cook up and taste just fine!!

All Aboard!

 

Trixie took a dip in the pool yesterday to cool off.

 

JoAnne has taught her to get on the boogie board all by herself and relax floating around the shallow end.  Too funny if I do say so myself.

2013 Tomatoes Have Arrived

 

Hip-hip-hooray!!

 

We picked our first two tomatoes of the season, see above!

 

Fingers crossed that we have a bumper crop this year.

Potential Fall Contest Entry?!

 

The pumpkin plant that we started in the house is well established outside in the ground and loving this hot, humid weather!  Remember this plant began from a seed that was removed from a 400+lb pumpkin several years ago.

 

We're not sure if we'll get anything that big but I'm stacking the odds in our favor as I've wrapped the plant in pure compost and we've been watering it a plenty!  Of course I'm anticipating we'll lose a great deal of lawn as this monster plant begins to stretch and grow but hey that's less I will need to cut.

 

Just hope the woodchucks keep their distance and don't mess with this dude.

 

Can't wait!!

Fun With Morning Glory's

 

So, we're going to see if our freshly planted Morning Glory's will climb up and along the twine we've installed.

 

There are three strands, approximately 20 - 25 feet long, running from a section of stockade fencing up to our deck, which is ~12 feet high off the ground.

 

We mixed and planted several different color varieties of MG's in a big 10-gallon container.

 

It's gonna be interesting to see just how far they'll make it.  If it works, they'll also be providing some level of shade for the items that usually bake in the hot sun.  Plus, an added bonus will be yet another attraction for the oodles of Hummingbirds we already have. However, this just might bring them closer for us to watch and enjoy.

 

Stay tuned, more pictures to follow as things progress...

Brandywine Tomatoes!

 

These are our Brandywine tomatoes!

 

Our farmer friend Tim grew these in his greenhouse.  They were tiny plugs when I brought them home but they're since taken root and are taking off.  You can almost watch them grow.  They love this hot humid weather.  If all goes well we should have tomatoes coming out of our ears very soon!

First Zucchini of 2013!

 

First zucchini squash of the season!!

Praying Mantis Galor

 

I came across this Praying Mantis this morning when I was tying our tomato plants.  Once all twenty plants were tied I was then able to maneuver throughout, so I began weeding.  I was surprised when the weed I attempted to grab scooted.  Upon a closer look it wasn't a weed after all but rather a 100% pure green Praying Mantis.  He climbed up on a corn stalk leaf, then onto a tomato leaf.  The dude blends it perfectly!

I Stepped In "IT" Alright!!

Here's a little comic relief for you all -

 

I stepped in dog poop last night!

 

I'm sure many of you have unfortunately done the same thing and as you know it's gross and disgusting to say the least, right!

 

Well, my experience has an interesting twist to it. You see the dog poop I stepped in just so happened to be residing on the living room carpet AND I was barefoot...



Okay, Take a Break!

 

We have oodles of Hummingbirds visiting and dining on our Honeysuckle bush, just like last year.

 

Occasionally, these tiny, winged bundles of energy do take a break and sometimes we have the camera at the ready when they do!  Sometimes they pose and give us a show too, see above!

Jail (Cage) Break!

 

Had a code red in the auxiliary chicken coop this past Sunday morning with a couple of the young pullets attempting to "fly the coop".

 

It's a good thing we were home to put a stop to it.  Emilie calmly went out, caught the offending leader and gave her a stern talking to followed by some tasty treats.

 

However, this morning we had a double-code red at the same coop.  I was awoken from bed by the all too familiar sounds of chickens in distress.  When I looked out the window there was a Red Fox trying to get a hold of a chick.  He was darting back and forth and also jumping up against the front of the cage.  With one eye opened I was able to race outside and chase it off but not before he grab himself a chicken wing.  The good news is that the chicks wings isn't too bad and will be fine.  However, the bad news is that the fox didn't immediately take off when I approached it AND here it is 11:00AM and it's been back two more times.  Fortunately, the neighbors dog has spotted it both times and chased it off.

Happy Birthday JoAnne!

Happy Birthday My Love!

Don't Mess with SFrye "McGregor's" Gardens!

 

As you can see here Peter Rabbit has found himself behind bars.

 

Ironically, our strawberries stopped being eaten about the same time as ole Peter here was relegated to solitary confinement.

 

Believe it or not Emilie caught Peter.  She took the cage he in, tossed in a handful of strawberries and left the door wide opened.  Peter hopped on in to dine and it just so happened that Emilie was looking out the window at the time and off she darted.  All she had to do was close the cage door and wallah!

 

We adults over think things too often.  I didn't think there was even a slim chance any critter would willingly walk on in, let alone sit there while a human approaches and shuts the door.

Another Emilie Milestone!

 

Emilie's fifth grade graduation ceremony was held this morning.

Congratulations M!!

 

It's off to middle school next year!

Tomato Plants + HHH = Happy Plants!

 

The three HHH's have arrived and the vegetable garden couldn't be happier, especially the tomato plants.  They're growing faster than I can tie them or so it seems.  Hoping for a bumper crop this year!

Young Ladies

 

Babies no more - our chicks have grown!

 

They're approximately 2 months old now, fully feathered and little flying machines.

 

A nice batch of young pullets for sure!

Find The Critter

 

Can you find the critter in the above pictures?

 

These are baby praying mantis's and very tiny!

 

We've count six on one plant alone!  Hopefully, they'll fill up on the unwanted insects and continue to grow.

The Life of Riley (Trixie Dog)!

 

Shhhh, Trixie dog is relaxing and trying to get some shut eye!

 

 

#Tailgater

Went out at lunch time today and got myself a haircut.



 

On the drive over I had some dipstick riding my ass, which is not surprising.  The posted speed limit was 35, so that's what I set the cruise control to once I noticed the nimrod on my tail.

 

So, when we get to the lights I get in the center lane and the ass-hat gets in the right lane.  He proceeds to tell me that, "You drive like a 90 year old lady!".

 

To which I responded, "Great!  That's what I was going for!"

 

Let me also mention that this pin-head was a young kid driving daddy's Lexus SUV.

 

I have my fingers crossed that he crashes into a solid, immovable object...

My 2013 Softball All-Star

 

Emilie was voted by her teammates to the 2013 softball All-Star game!

 

Way to go M, CONGRATULATIONS!

People Suck!

 

I could give you example after example to illustrate my point, however, I'm pretty sure you'll have experienced "them" too.

 

They're everywhere...

I'm Proud of You!

 

Congratulations to my son Christopher who was selected to the 2013 Lacrosse Bay State Conference 1st Team All-Stars!  The game to be held at Harvard stadium Monday, June 17 @ 7:00PM.

 

He set a new WHS lacrosse record with 65 goals scored during this past season alone!  Also, voted Most Valuable Player by his coaches and received the award at the team banquet this past Tuesday night.

 

Quite the accomplishments!

Frye Packing and Shipping Co.

 

Wrapped tight and as snug as a bug in a rug!

 

We've palletized my grandmothers kitchen table and chairs.  The plan is to have this dude, which weighs approximately 400 - 500 lbs, shipped from Massachusetts to Tennessee to it's new home at the Leonard homestead.

 

SOOO, happy that it's staying in the family.

 

The cat we wrapped up inside is doing just fine too!  We left a small enough opening to get food and water inside.  Just not sure about the whole litter box situation, phew...

Black Swallowtail Instar - Hatch!

 

In a previous posting of mine titled, "Black Swallowtail Instars" from Wednesday, October 31, 2012, I talked about the Black Swallowtail caterpillars that we attracted to our parsley.

 

Anyway, I dug out a parsley plant in the fall before the frost killed it, potted it up and placed inside a 20-gallon fish tank.  I then pulled all the instars I could find and placed them on the parsley plants in the tank.  Added some branches for them to build there chrysalises on and store in the garage for the long cold winter.

 

Well, the dude pictured above was the first of the instar to hatch!  As you can see the parsley plant is long since dead but the chrysalises are still there.  A couple more to hatch then I can reclaim and clean my tank.

 

We let this dude go, who proceeded to fly off as though it's been flying for years.  Just hope he chooses to stick around and enjoy the flowers we have available now and the many, many to come.

Danger Will Robinson Danger!

 

Sitting on the back deck the other afternoon I got a pretty good scare. Walking along the railing was this critter, which I immediately grabbed and bagged.

 

I thought this was an Asian Longhorned Beetle, which has been causing havoc and killing trees in some of the Boston suburban towns.  The problem is so bad that some towns are proactively cutting down hundreds of trees and destroying them as a precaution and means to prevent these damaging pests from spreading.

 

After a little research I was able to determine that this dude was NOT an Asian Longhorned Beetle but rather the very similar looking but harmless Whitespotted Pine Sawyer - a female to boot.

 

Crisis averted.  Carry on.

Mr. Hinckley Dog Pen Completed!

This past Sunday I completed the dog pen I was building for a friend, well for her new dog Hinckley.  Hinckley is a Golden-Doodle and an awfully cute cotton ball.

 

Leveraged the 6x6 deck support posts and installed a couple 4x4 posts for the gate, used 4' tall fencing and did a lot of stapling.  Also, lets not forget the yard of pea-stone I carted from the driveway all the way around the house to the complete opposite corner, which I spread throughout the fenced in area.

 

All in all it came out pretty good and as I envisioned.  As you can see Hinckley approves too.

 

 

Woodchuck-lets...

So, the other afternoon I spotted the mother woodchuck, who's burrow resides in the neighbors back yard, in our backyard.  However, she was not alone, nope!  She had (4) little woodchuck-lets in tow.  This concerns me something awful, as our veggies are all in and starting to take off.  They won't have a chance with a family of woodchucks roaming around.

Emilie grabbed the net and took off after them the other afternoon and much to my surprise she was able to catch one!  Boy was she elated, which is the exact opposite feeling of the woodchuck-let.  One down four to go.

Well, Saturday afternoon I was able to do the same thing, although, I used a shovel.  Low and behold, two woodchuck-lets caught.  Although, they're out and about, they are still too young to know and understand the dangers, plus tiny legs equals slow get-away speed.

I mush admit they are the cutest little things, however, they're not the petting-zoo type of animal, oh no!!  They're small but have some good choppers in their mouth and show them often.

Two to go...

What a bunch of Asses

 

No, not the donkey kind or the human kind, they're the mother pig and piglet kind.

 

This uniquely colored and marked sow has three little pigs(lets) that she's raising.

 

This clan is not penned, so they have unlimited room to roam and forage.  With that ability these little ones will grow quickly.

The Robin Family

 

We have a robin family that built their nest in our Honeysuckle plant.  The nest is at the perfect height for Emilie to be able to see inside too.  She's been watching as the nest was being built, to the eggs being laid to, now, the four babies being raised.

 

They're growing as fast as weeds and will soon be too big for the nest to handle.

Hunt The Wabbit Hunt The Wabbit...

I planted the (4) broccoli plants last weekend, all the while salivating just thinking of how tasty the tender florets were going to be, yummy!

 

As you can see from the before picture they look good; happy too!  However, if you look close enough you will notice paw prints throughout the freshly dug soil.  Clearly, we have a visiting cat issue.  Now, so long as they are catching the unwanted critters and NOT using our gardens as a litter box, they're welcome to stay.  I can deal with paw prints...

 

However, the after picture shows something entirely different - WHERE ARE MY BROCCOLI PLANTS?!?!  Thanks to Mrs. Wild Rabbit all that's left are broccoli stems poking out of the ground.

 

As Elmer Fudd used to sing - Hunt The Wabbit Hunt The Wabbit...

 

Before -

After -

 

UGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!