Monday, July 26, 2010

In need of Forever Homes... Alabama

About a week ago I received an e-mail from Jeff Howard who authors this Adopt-A-Pet blog . He asked if I would help spread the word about their organization. Anything I can do to help a shelter or pound animal find a home, I will do. I've grabbed one of their buttons for my sidebar (there are many styles to choose from). If you're an animal lover, you might want to grab a button for your own blog to help direct people to their website and/or blog.

You can easily use the Adopt-A-Pet site to find the perfect pet to fit yours and your family's lifestyle. Just enter your geographic location and then choose the type of animal (cat, dog, etc.), even a specific breed (yes, there are MANY purebreed animals waiting in shelters for their forever homes). You can also choose by age, gender, or size. You'll find photos and a short description of the animals patiently waiting for a home of their own, and information on who to contact to start adopting one of the best friends you'll ever have in your life!

I plan to feature a few animals on a regular basis on my blog, alphabetically, state by state. So without further ado, here are two dogs and two cats from Alabama who would love to find that special person to live out their lives with! Just click on their names (under their photos) for more information on their size, age, personality, etc.!

ALABAMA


JIMBO


BUDDY


POSSUM

CLOUD

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and an extra big thank you to those who grab a button for their side bar!!!!
Donna

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Are you an early bird? Or a night owl?

If you're an early bird at our house, this is the view through the DR window.


The early morning sun casts tree shadows across the front of our little shed.

"I'll tell you how the sun rose a ribbon at a time." (Emily Dickinson)


But if you're a night owl, this is the view, created by the back porch light casting shadows of the hummingbird feeder, bird bath, and fuschia across the shed.

"The very shadows seem to listen."
(Anna Katharine Green)

Day or night, how I love shadows!

Please visit Cindy, My Romantic Home, for all kinds of Show and Tell Friday fun!

Donna

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Crimson and Clover....

...also known as a "picnic in the park" (or in this case, the backyard)...


Thank goodness I got photos of the Crocosmia when they were in bloom because they are now but a memory...


They're such vibrant flowers, definitely a favorite with the hummers.


How I wish they lasted longer!


And what's a picnic without food?


Overhead picture cam, so you can really get a good look at Little Chip's BIG cheeks!


He totally enjoyed the picnic...


..and asked if we could do it again ... soon! (Of course, Chip.)


And who does the clover call to?


No, no, Little Cottontail. Those are hostas. You want the clover...


Nope.
Still the hostas.

That's better... hop along now...

I am always amazed at how these little bunnies blend right into the background. That's him, right above my watermark in the lower right hand corner!

I'm happy to report that Little Garden Bunny gave Little Cottontail very good instructions on how to get to the clover patch, and the last I saw him, he was headed straight for it.
The humidity is supposed to lift overnight... It should be heavenly tomorrow! Wishing you beautiful summer days wherever you are!
Donna

Thursday, July 15, 2010

The original CHIP Whisperer...

Last month I posted a 30-second video of Amanda feeding and petting our little Chip... (one of them anyhow!)


Clearly the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.


Her grampa (my dad) also has a soft spot for all of God's little creatures...


When dad was here for lunch a couple of weeks ago I suggested we eat out on the deck (it was before the terrible heat wave hit!)


It wasn't long before Chip decided to join us, much to dad's delight!

What can I say? It's in the genes!
Now be sure and hop over to see Cindy, My Romantic Home, for more Show & Tell Friday!

Donna

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Score 1 for Sammy Squirrel...

... and a big zero for the flower boxes...


Up until yesterday, this is what my backyard flower box looked like. I had to photograph the front yard flowerbox this morning because....


THIS is what the backyard one looks like now. Nary a plant left. And why, you might ask?

We are in the middle of an extreme heat wave/high humidity weather pattern here in the Northeast, not fit for man nor beast. As a result, I went out to refill bird baths a few times yesterday as they're quickly going dry from the constant bathing and drinking going on (the little creatures, not me)...

Anyhow, while refilling the birdbath down by the backyard patio yesterday afternoon, I noticed that my gorgeous flower box was EMPTY!


Or was it???


Upon closer inspection, I spied Sammy (even though he was trying his best to hide behind the one remaining vinca vine!)


As I got closer, he got a little skitterish... But with the weather being as blasted HOT as it was, he could muster only a few steps before collapsing at the other end of the flower box. I'm certain his little squirrel-sized brain was thinking, "Maybe if I drape my little paw over the side and look adorable she won't be angry and cut off my peanut supply."


You know what, Sammy? If I was a squirrel, I'd have done the exact same thing as you... That cool soil is a necessity on days like today.
So Sammy got peanuts tossed to him (I always have them in my pocket when out in the yard) and I made the decision to just leave the 'dirt' box like it is for the rest of the summer. The Sammy's need their cool soil more than I need my flowers in this unbearable heat...

And no pictures of the hummers yet. Whenever I spot them, I don't have my camera handy. Whenever I have my camera handy, I don't see one. But the chair is still parked there and if I have any spare time I'll try to plunk myself down and get a photo before the bee balm is done blooming (it's already started the downward turn!)...
Hoping you all have some way to keep COOL if you happen to be going through a heat wave like we are!
Now head over to visit Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show & Tell Friday!

Donna

Saturday, July 3, 2010

God bless America...

... land that I love...


Happy 4th of July to all my blogging friends!!!

I'm linking to the Patriotic Party at Common Ground!

Donna

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Midnight in the garden of ....


good wood gone bad...


Okay, I may have exaggerated slightly about the midnight part (it was actually closer to dusk)...


... but the pictures don't lie. Just look at the condition of this wood.


Now don't get me wrong. I love old wood... and I love rustic...


... but this might be a little too rustic and worn...


Want a bird's eye view of the garden? (literally)... Let me show you what it looks like from the inside looking out...


Here is my beautiful vintage garden statue of Mary, always watching over the little creatures who visit our yard...


And over here is the front gate, the garden angel, and one of my (many) birdbaths...

Through this window is a glimpse of one of the bistro chairs....
...and through the arched door you can see the swingset deck/garden project we just finished, Mr. Garden Bunny, our vintage birdhouse planter, and the honeysuckle vine... So that is what birds would see if they built a nest inside. On a few occasions they've started nests, but stopped when they realized there is "predator" access from just about every side of the house. They do, however, love to perch on top of the house!


And speaking of weathered wood, sitting over here on a well worn wood bench is an old window...


...but I have to say that I think the window is a case of good wood gone better (although the bench could use a good cleaning!)... So there you have it...


And in case anyone is wondering, I have pulled up one of our blue Adirondack chairs in front of the bee balm... I am determined to get a photo of one of the hummers who visit it.... And I'll stay out here until I get a good shot, or until the mosquitos get the best of me!!!
In case I don't post again before the holiday, HAPPY 4th of July everyone!! And now be sure to stop by to see Cindy, My Romantic Home, and all the other Show & Tell Friday participants!!!... Donna