Ready 2 Run

The kiddos have their 1st track meet today! Notice who had to get in the middle of their group portrait...that cat is too much!!

The Nina

On Sunday we went to South Port Marine to see the replicas of Christopher Colombus' famous ships, the Nina & the Pinta. It was really interesting to tour them & learn more about living on them. It's hard to imagine sailing all over the ocean & discovering new lands - those were very brave men!

Goldfinches & Tamaracks

The goldfinches have been eating the cones off the tamarack trees like crazy! They must be yummy? All a matter of personal taste, I guess. I thought they looked so pretty with their bright color contrasting with the dark green spills of the tree & the dark brown, almost red cones.

Welcome to the Future

Just throw in your dirty clothes & when you get home, not only are they clean, but also dry! Wow!! Ours was delivered yesterday & I've only done a couple of loads, but so far, so good...

Bluebird

We have a bluebird that has nested in one of our apple trees! Yesterday evening we watched him chase off a woodpecker who made the mistake of landing on 'his' tree. It was so funny! I'm so thrilled because we've never had one here before...he's a friendly little fellow, but it's been really hard to get a picture of him!

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

I'm not the only one who likes our Rugosa Roses. They smell heavenly!

Tasty

I'm not sure what caught her attention, but apparently it looked tasty!

No explanation needed...

Summer Solstice Moon

The moon was beautiful first thing this morning...

A Surprise Visitor

Yesterday evening I was talking to my mother on the phone when I happened to look out the kitchen window & see this fellow eating the clover...I guess he doesn't miss my little dog, Izzy. He certainly didn't come this close to the house when she was living here...

Lily in Training

My Paint mare, Lily, is currently in training with a friend of mine. The other day I drove over to her farm during my lunch break to get some pictures...doesn't she look like she's having fun?

A fly on the...

I took several photos of these beautiful little flowers, put them up on the computer & decided that the fly added so much interest to the image that this would be the one that made it onto the blog. Now, who can tell me what kind of flower it is? I haven't got a clue!

Jimmy's Eye

You can see what a quiet old pony he is...we will miss him. Wednesday evening we took him to his new home. He was very happy to see that he has 2 mares for company! He pranced all around to show them what a pretty boy he is & they were duly impressed. Thanks for all the great rides, Jim!! You'll enjoy your retirement...

Black Giant Chick

This is our very favorite chick! In a lifetime of raising chickens, I have never seen one that is quite so inquisitive. As soon as you go out to the pen, she comes running right up to you and looks up at you, as if to say, "Hey there! What's up?" She loves to listen to us talking to her & seems to enjoy being picked up. It's always interesting to see how they change as they grow up, but I'm really wondering about this one...

Light Brahma Chick

The chicks are growing up so fast! Remember how they looked just a few weeks ago?

Marigolds

I went kinda crazy buying marigolds for the garden this year...the greenhouse had so many of these pretty multi-colored & red varieties that I bought a whole flat of them. I planted them in all of our gardens & they make everything look so bright!

Scrappy

Of all the chickens that I have raised over the years, Bantam Sumatras are my very favorite! The roosters' feathers are so magnificent, especially on a sunny day, glistening with iridescence, against a nice grassy lawn...just gorgeous. Scrappy has been a member of my flock for almost 10 years now & he still rules the roost!

It's Rusty!

You would think he was a rock star if you could see how the kids react when they see him! He's definitely their favorite...& he just loves them right back. Unconditionally. That's the best thing about pets!

West Paris Old Home Days

West Paris Old Home Days start tonight with a fireworks display! There is lots going on downtown all weekend - it should be a wicked lot of fun!! I'll be there with my kiddos & my camera...

Church

We usually see it from Main Street, but here is the other side of the Universalist Church, from the parking lot of the Baptist church. This church is also where the Boy Scout troop meets, so the boys are here quite often.

Water-fight!

What to do when you haven't finished drinking all the water in your bottle? Squirt it at someone else!!

Another House along the Parade Route

Early Morning Light

We finished planting the veggies last night...cukes, squash & watermelons...can't wait 'til they produce!

Happy Birthday, Mom!!

I don't know why this photo is rotated...it's driving me crazy trying to fix it, so I'm done. Everyone just tip your head sideways so that you can enjoy it properly!

Porch

I love the big porch on the front of this house - perfect for sitting out in the evening & watching the World go by...or at least as much of the World as travels through a small town!

Mighty & Daisy

I couldn't resist posting just one more photo of this gorgeous team!

Kiddos

Every year, after the parade, I have the kids pose in front of these lilacs for a portrait...

A Suggestion from the General Store

It was actually kinda hot for pizza...but they sell ice cream too!

Praying for our Fallen Soldiers

During the Memorial Day Parade, the color guard marches to the bridge where a prayer is said and then flowers are tossed into the river to remember those who fought for our freedom. These little girls were honored to be able to participate this year.