Maumee Bay State Park

There is a beautiful State Park not far from our house, along the shore of Lake Erie. But what is sad is we hardly ever visit it! It has a walkable boardwalk, nature area, sandy beach and summer concerts. If I was on vacation and visited it, I would say "I wish I had a park like this close to our house because I would be here all the time." Isn't that sad---to have something so beautiful so close and not utilize it? Yesterday we strolled the boardwalk and came upon this almost newborn fawn---right off the boardwalk. Mama was away foraging for food. It was so peaceful and sweet and drew a lot of attention from fellow walkers. It was encouraging to see so many parents with their families teaching them about nature. I thought I would be brave and post the picture of myself. I forgot Dan had his camera and so I stopped and tried to see animal tracks and snakes. Later as I was going through the pictures, I saw he took this shot. Funny Dan!
We also saw an owl's nests with little owls peeking out and Mama owl nearby in a tree.

Memorial Day

Both of our Dad's were veterans of World War 2. Don Gross in the Navy, serving on Midway and Edward Kinsey was a 2nd Ltnt in the Army. For some reasons(probably incomplete paperwork)they never are recognized with a flag on Memorial Day. So our tradition is to go to the cemetary and put our own flags on each grave. We hope each of you have had an enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend.

I love weekends. Especially 3 day weekends. We have been pleasantly surprised to find we aren't overwelmed with yardwork this spring. Our mulching has paid off---that and the perennials are getting fuller and more mature. Just thought I would post a few pics starting with my first al fresco breakfast of the season. It was Flower Day at the Farmer's Market and that was fun---lots of fun people, music and flowers. The frogs in the pond are also enjoying the sunny weather--and the insects too. I found the little cutie with the turqoise dress at an antique shop in Findlay on Friday. How could I resist her. And the big news---we think we will have ducklings soon. Mama duck refuses to leave her nest---and I even tried to scare her away to hang the flag. It has been almost 23 days. The sad news is that the hawk is staying close and will probably snatch the babies.

TGIF

Dan and I finally found some free time to celebrate our 30th anniversary. And we did it by traveling to Findlay to our favorite restaurant Revolver. I love everything about this unique restaurant---the food, the decor and the staff. It is decorated in a retro 60-70's style and both Dan and I always comment on the Blenko glass and say our Mom's had glass like that! And the menu features fresh local produce and meat and fish. But don't take my word for it, here is a review. Did you notice that I have learned how to add hyper-links to my posts?

While You Were Sleeping

This is what my world looks like at 5:30 from my bike, pulling out of my driveway. Dan isn't in the picture. He is in bed asleep!!

Ride Your Bike to Work Week

This picture was taken at 5:15 AM. Yes, that is 5:15 this MORNING. I started riding my bike to work. And yes it is dark out---note the red strobe lights on my backpack. A co-worker who lives around the corner rides with me. It is such an incredible feeling to be riding down the road while the rest of the world is asleep. But don't be too impressed because the hospital I work at is only 2.5 miles from my home!.

Birthday's and Anniversaries

May 20th has been a day to celebrate twice in our family. Today Adam is turning 24 and Dan and I are celebrating our 30th anniversary. Don't we all look so young. Oh and Matt is in the picture too---can you find him??

Mud Hen

You really have to keep your eyes open or you miss life's treasures. We were working around the house and Dan looked out and yelled "It's a Coot!" He noticed this diving duck in the pond. We looked it up in our bird book and it said a Coot was also known as a Mud Hen. How appropriate. And then we read that it eats eggs!! That was a little unsettling, knowing there is a duck nest in the front with 7 eggs. No need to worry though. Mama Duck already had her eggs covered and camoflouged with leaves and feathers. It is uncanny how these creatures are so smart.

First Flight

We woke up to find this cute little robin,fresh from the nest, on our deck. He looked around for the longest time and then finally flew off.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! It's Friday!

Here's to everyone who has worked long and hard all week! It is Friday and Life is Good! Come on over and we'll pour you a glass of crisp white wine. Don't wait too long or there won't be any left. Dan is smiling because our garden is completely planted!

Our Nursery!

Here is a progressive report on our duckling eggs. Mama sits on the nest so patiently and has gotten used to us peering out the window at her. In the afternoon she flies off for a swim in the pond---and I was able to get a close up of the beautiful eggs. We were a little surprised to find gestation is 28 days so if you notice weeds growing in our front flower bed, it is because we don't want to bother Mama.

The Road to the Stanley Cup!

There isn't a bigger Red Wing fan anywhere than Matt.This picture was taken several years ago----he was hoping for a call from the team in case they needed him. Don't bother to call him when the Wings are on TV. In fact, he turned down Tiger tickets to stay home and watch the Wings. He is a true Wing Nut!

Happy Mother's Day

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Mother's Day. Me---I am experiencing what is like to be a male. I am relaxing and watching the men cook dinner! Hey----when is dinner going to be ready--I am hungry!!

The Garden if finally planted. This is the first year we successfully grew tomatoes from seed. Putting them several inches under a flourescent fixture at night made a huge difference. Next year we will do more. The red tarp is a weed barrier. Dan read that tomatoes do better when planted on the red plastic and this is the 2nd year we are doing that. We planted 4th of July, Salsa, and Whopper tomatoes. Also 2 types of green peppers, Sweet Banana peppers, jalapenos, Vidalia onions, Neon Eggplant, Black Italian Eggplant, zucchini, Kohlrabi and Brussel Sprouts. The Cherry Tomatoes will go in pots on the deck. Notice Farmer McGregor Dan putting up his rabbit barrier. He should take a lesson from my Mom----she would just put in extra plants so there would be enough for the rabbits and us. And speaking of Mom--Happy MOTHER's DAY all you wonderful mothers. I wish I could give each of you a hug. Have a wonderful day---you deserve it!!

Is there anything sweeter than Lilacs to lift the spirits? We love them. As you can see, we surround ourselves with them. At first I thought I planted them too close to the foundation but it is so nice to look out the window and see them. The Pocohantas bush pictured through the rainy window pane was a Mother's Day present several years ago. The vase contains cuttings from my Mom's French Lilac bush. That bush was planted by my grandmother and is a glorious deep purple--I have never seen a lilac as beautiful as that one. And of course, I have one right outside my kitchen window. Lilacs----we love them!

While the Cats are Away-the Ducks will Play

Looks like 2 ducks we know were having too much fun while we were gone!(Matt--do not make any off color jokes or I will remove your comment again!). When I came home and stepped onto the porch, I startled Mamma Duck. I don't know who was more frightened--her or I but upon further investigation, there are now 7 eggs next to the porch under the dwarf rhododendrun. Check back for pictures of the babies!

Graduation Day!!

Graduation day is tough for adults. They go to the ceremony as parents. They come home as contemporaries. After twenty-two years of child-raising, they are unemployed".--Erma Bombeck
We are hoping that he keeps us on in a Per Diem position!! It has been such a great day. The ceremony was beautiful and we have had fun hanging out with Adam. Jonelle and her family are also here and we are going out tonite to celebrate. Here's to you Adam!!

I Love to Read

I love to read. I love it so much that I can't even call it an interest or pastime. Matt gave me a calander for Christmas that has a book recommendation for each day and now I go to the library armed with a very long list of books to read. I just finished this book
and loved it. It is historical fiction taking place during WW2 and is about the efforts of a small Italian village to protect and hide a large group of Jews who have crossed the Alps to escape the horrors that awaited them. It's called A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell

Anyway---it is a rainy day and there isn't much to take a picture of-and I can't get that book out of my mind. What is really exciting about today is this-------the car is packed and we are leaving shortly to go to Angola for Adam's graduation. It will be great to see him---Matt is going with us and we are a very proud family. I will post some pictures later---my camera and computer are going with me!