A Late Start This Year...

A little behind with getting our garden started this season.

However, I'm very happy to report that I planted (15) tomato plants and (6) pepper plants. Along with many marigolds and sunflowers.

Hoping to get some cucumbers, corn and broccoli in this coming weekend.

Fingers crossed the deer, rabbit and woodchuck stay away...

Riiiiipppppppppppppppp

Yuppers, we have a pool cover issue...

I supposed after 12 years of solid reliable use it was bound to happen.  The seams are simply rotting or melting away.  You'd think the manufacturer would use something more durable and long lasting, i.e. fishing line type thread, however, no such luck.

We purchased the cover back on May 28 or 2004 and it came with a 12-year warranty.  We removed the cover on 6/5.  The tears are a result of us wrangling to get it to the driveway to spread, clean and fold, which simply means it's usefulness has come to an end.  

So, I called the manufacturer on 6/7/2016 and...do the math!  10 days past the 12-year warranty, right, UGH!

They opened a claim and asked for photos.  There is a slight possibility they'll us some allowance\credit under the warranty towards the purchase of a new cover purchase.

When it rains, it pours!

Whatcha Got There?!

How You Doin'?

A Pigs Life...

Nothing better than soaking in a warm puddle on a hot humid day -

Or pig-piling on one another in the cool dirt -

Or some solitude in the shade of your favorite tree - 

This rotund lady above is pregnant an her litter is due in about a week.  Perhaps why she's enjoying some along time while she can...

Bow Wow!

Not my vehicle but we share the same sentiments, as I do luv my chihuahua!

A Sign Of The Times

Saw the funniest thing last Saturday morning.  Definitely, and sadly, a sign of the times - a girl riding a horse along the side of the road and........on her phone texting!!

I kid you not!

Bboxelder Bug (Boisea trivittata)

This time of the year the Boxelder bug newborn can be seen massing here and there and everywhere.

They're easy to spot, that's for sure.  They don't do any harm that I'm aware of but I don't recall having as many as we have this year, scads of them everywhere.

Close Call, Phew!

This toad got stuck while taking an unapproved dip in the ole pool.

It's a good thing I noticed him before heading off to the office, otherwise I'm not sure he'd of survived.

I asked him to stay in the flower beds and help himself to all the slugs and ants he wants. 

View From Above

Treat time for the girls!

Some watermelon, cantaloupe and pineapple rinds.

Yummy!

Shoo Go Away!

The annoying House Sparrow's that have taken up residence in one of our eaves will NOT take the hint and move on, nope!  It's now turned into a game.  They start building a nest and I lug the ladder from out back, climbed up and remove all their work.  This has been going on all Spring long. 

Last weekend I pulled the ladder out again, climbed up and removed the nest again, however, this time there were five tiny, speckled eggs inside.

I gotta give it to them they're persistent little winged pests.  They're back at it again, even as I type this entry, tirelessly rebuilding their nest, UGH.  Weather permitting, I'll be lugging the ladder back out tomorrow...

Game On!

Noticed that an old woodchuck hole has been reopened this Spring.  It's hidden nicely, just under the edge of the pallet of our old wood pile.  Of course along with the arrival of this pest(s), many of our perennials along the back property line, have been eaten back something terrible, GRRRR! 

So, I pulled the hav-a-heart trap out of storage (above the pallet of our old wood pile) and set it with a nice ear of corn.  Unfortunately, no luck luring the woodchuck in, however, a very LARGE opossum was tempted and trapped! 

No worries.  I'll stay the course and pretty certain that my persistence will payoff.  Today, instead of an ear of corn I used a nice BIG piece of broccoli, which I know for a fact is just too tempting for a whistle pig.

Stay tuned... 

Florida Critters

Alligator -

Dragonfly -

Cuban Tree Frog - 

Black Snake - 

Anole Lizard -

Miami Memorial Day Visit

Emilie and I flew to Miami for the long holiday weekend!

We drove to Marco Island for a couple days of sun, beach and fun!

Sand between the toes, cold bear in the cooler, warm Gulf ocean water, perfect!

Spending time with my brother and his family - priceless!

Wish JoAnne was with us and my dad was feeling better to join.

1st Motorcycle Ride of 2016

We took our first motorcycle ride of the season a couple Saturday's ago now.  A chilly 105 mile ride!  It was nice to get back in the seat and chase out the Winter cobwebs.  Looking forward to many more this riding season.

"Wrenny" Is Back!

I relocated the small outhouse type bird house earlier this Spring.  I'm happy to report that "Wrenny" found the new location, in the middle of the raspberry plants, and moved right it!

Augusta Eat Your Heart Out!

Our lawn looks incredible this Spring!

A nice dark green.

It's loving the weather this Spring.  Also, the fertilizer and TLC it's been receiving.

You can see from the picture below, see red arrow, the approximate property line.  I set the spreader to only spread the fertilizer on our side and as you can see, what a difference it makes!

Here's a nice picture of the Maple trees we planted some 15 or so years ago.  They were babies back then, no thicker than your arm.  However, today they're monsters and doing great.  I'm still loving the red green red green placement.

A Sign Of Spring!

It's Lilly of the Valley time!

Just like the changing of the seasons, JoAnne picks bunches and bunches to place throughout the house.  Their smell is awesome.

Too bad they don't last very long, inside and out.

Just Taking A Rest

A beautiful Blue Bird resting atop one of our bird houses.

Sorry Charlie, this bird house is currently occupied by a pair of Black-capped Chickadees.

Move along...

Ain't No Vampires Here!

Our garlic is doing fantastic!

As soon as the cold weather broke these plants took off.

It won't be long now...

Not Interested!

Jehovah's Witness going door to door the other morning.

We've been here for 17 years and I don't recall having them as often as this year.  Times must be tough.

I see this akin to those dreaded dinner time soliciting phone calls, annoying!

And We're Off!

Riding season has arrived!

2016 starting odometer reading...

#yamahappy

Nope Not The MLB Team

We have a pair Baltimore Oriole nesting somewhere in the trees out back.  Of course with their flame orange and black they're hard to miss.  However, even if you can't see them, their distinct rich whistling song is hard to miss.

Looking forward to their presence all Spring and Summer long. 

Happy Birthday Stephanie!

Happy 24th Birthday Stephanie!

Enjoy your day.

All my love, Dad

Missing You

Happy Birthday Mom!

Christos Anesti

Happy Greek Easter to family and friend!

Drum Roll Please!!

THIS -

Plus THIS - 

Equals THIS -

Had the bike (front & read fenders and gas tank) painted this Winter.

What do you all think?!?!

I'm YAHMAHAPPY!

Before and after pictures above.

Shoo! Go Away! Scram!

First sighting of another problem critter, UGH!

Fortunately, she was over in the side neighbors yard but we all know that could change in short order. They're welcome to visit anytime as long as they limit themselves to clover only!

UPDATE:  In the days since this picture was taken baby bunnies have been spotted in the same general area.  It's only gonna get worse from here...

Insect Fornication 2016

I'm not sure what these insects are, beneficial or not. Therefore, I let them be and didn't interrupt.

Spring is in the air for sure!

Work In Progress!

Two of the girls working -

Our rewards -