We have been enjoying much higher temperatures than normally seen at this time of year. Lounging on the deck in short sleeves while sipping a summer drink at this time of year has been a special luxury. And to ice the cake -- NO MOSQUITOS!!! Yesterday was so warm and sunny that I hung my laundry on the backyard clothesline. Turned out the sun was too low on the horizon and the air too moist to have a good drying effect. Still it was a cheery sight.
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Eastern Ontario is currently experiencing an unusual invasion. Boxelder
bugs. They are only 12.5 mm long and quite harmless apart from the annoyance factor. Because of the very dry summer we had, these bugs enjoyed a baby boom. They lay
their eggs and feed on Manitoba Maples (a.k.a. Box Elders) of which I
have aplenty. Like tiny cats, they love to bask in sunlight. Indoors,
they settle for the glare of televisions, house lights and computer
screens. Other years at this time, I would be giving the 'bums rush' to
Asian Ladybugs that enter this old farm house. This year, not so much.
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A Boxelder Bug peers up from my kitchen sink.
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I quite enjoyed listening to an audio book I downloaded from our library. It's titled 'Lady In Waiting: My Extraordinary Life In The Shadow Of The Crown'. The audio book is narrated by the author, Anne Glenconner. Her aristocratic life is one of privilege but not immune from drama and tragedy. I highly recommend this read or listen.
Balmy weather called for walkabouts with the trusty old camera.
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Our weeping willows are always the last to drop their leaves.
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Southward bound Canadians.
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Ripe and edible Nanny berries. They taste much like prunes.
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A secret nest no secret anymore.
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Two friends relaxing in a sunny patch.
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A couple of patrons on my new feeder.
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My screech owl buddy catching some rays.
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No, he's not commenting. Just horking up a pellet.
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Reddy and I pause to exchange our hellos.
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Ellie Mae listening for tiny rustlings in the grass.
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