Flashback Friday

1985, sophomore year, LSU...check

ridiculous 80's hairstyle...check

Converse All Star High Tops...check

hanging in the ghetto at band practice with my rock star boyfriend...check

Volkswagen Scirocco that my parents paid for which said boyfriend later wrecked...check

soon to be seriously disillusioned adult in the real world...check

and now for something completely different

Just kidding. Check out today's Spock mug shots. I couldn't pick a favorite so I'm giving you the whole bunch. And did I mention? WE HAVE OWLETS IN THE NEST BOX!

that's Mr. Cardinal to you

The Northern Cardinal was the first bird we ever watched in our backyard, and we've had nests almost every year for the last 6 years. This one is hanging out in our pine tree. The very same tree that houses our Eastern Screech Owl family.

my what big claws you have

Spock has been spending evenings out of the nest box before dusk. She still spends the good part of the day in there though. Last night I watched and she is still in and out of the box as she hunts after dark as well. I'm still wondering and second guessing whether or not we have owlets on the way or here already. Too chicken to climb up and look inside. **update June 19th 9pm - we have just heard owlets making noise in the nest box as the adults come in with food!! WE HAVE OWLETS!!**




I love to watch her as she gets ready to head out for the evening. She has the routine of stretching each wing one at a time, and checking out the action in the yard pre-dusk. We just sit quietly in each others company. It makes me so happy. Who needs TV?

Tribute to Sasha

My friend Susan and her husband Harry lost their little dog-child Sasha on Monday. She went in her sleep while they were at work. Susan and I spent Tuesday morning being all weepy in my office.

This picture was taken at Mavis Pearl's 1st birthday party (you heard me right). Sasha was the reason there even is a Mavis Pearl in our life. We went to a Super Bowl party at Susan and Harry's in 2007. There we met darling little Sasha for the first time. Prior to that Chris was sticking to his "in 5 years you can have a dog" guns. We were still getting over losing our 2 cats Beaux and Pee-Wee in 2006. Sasha won him right over. The little princess will be missed so very much.

she's still here

Spock is still here cooking her clutch, figuratively I hope and not literally. It's getting hot out, and she has been coming out for a breath of fresh air in the middle of the day. I'm still hoping that she won't have a lost cause. Either way I'm honored that she picked my backyard.





A year ago today when I started this blog, I could have only dreamed that we'd have nesting owls in our backyard. Just one more reason it's my happy place.


I think for my 1 year blogiversary I'll spend some time learning more about how to actually make my blog design more purdy. I'm lazy and ignorant when it comes to the technical stuff, so don't hold your breath. It'll probably be 6 months closer to the next year mark before I actually get around to it.

over the river and through the woods....

to Grandmothers house...where someday I hope to call this my backyard...


where cousins make memories....



and the wild roses bloom....


where the land gently rolls...


and dusk walks to the creek have random beauty.

Flashback Friday

"The first time, ever I saw your face..."

reading by moonlight

Spent a few hours this evening out with a bright moon, a legion of lightning bugs, and a zillion tree frogs.

not so free food

(gratuitous doglet picture somewhat unrelated to this post)

I dragged the sleepy doglet to Sonic last night for a free float. Like they advertised. I wanted to stick to my plan for losing a little weight this summer and asked for a Diet Coke float. They said no, the special was root beer only. So out of my mouth flies "then give me a chocolate hot fudge caramel pecan mini bundt cake". I didn't want to sound wishy washy so I didn't retract the order. And so I wouldn't appear wasteful, I ate the whole thing. Stupid Sonic people.

Cactus Tales

Apparently the talent for cultivating a blooming cactus runs in the family. My brother who lives in San Antonio dug this one up at a friends ranch in South Texas and planted it in his yard. Where we might have lilies and tulips in the flower beds further North, they often have cactus beds. They are so beautiful, and xeriscape landscaping is so smart. Smart runs in the family too.