Halloween Morn

A ghostly sunrise...Happy Halloween!!

~Rhonda

Trick or Treat

I promise to be a sweet little witch....

If you will treat me to lots and lots of...

What is your favorite Halloween Treat?

~ Rhonda

Mosaic Monday

I have finally gotten the chance to participate in Mary's Mosaic Monday.  The thunderstorms that are moving through our area caused us to have to cancel this morning's Aquatics Study... so with an unexpected day off I decided to join in the fun.  No real theme to my mosaic, just a little bit of this and that. 

Now I am off to see the lovely creations of all the others :-)

~Happy Monday~ Rhonda

Trading Up

I recently shifted my occupation.  I went from a full-time Pre-school teacher to a part-time Naturalist.  I still work with children, only my surroundings have changed dramatically.

Now, instead of being limited to a four wall classroom and postage stamp playground... I lead local school groups along beautiful mile long trails.



Rather than florescent light bulbs, I am able to enjoy filtered Sunlight.

Instead of reciting the days of the week, I am able to teach students about the local Flora...

...and Fauna

We even offer an Aquatics Program where we are able to go out on the lake and study water quality and fish for plankton.

After their programs the schools often bring sack lunches and the students enjoy dinning in our outdoor cafeteria. When they finish I am able to teach them about composting and recycling.

While the reduction in salary does not afford me the ability to purchase everything my mind might desire, it does allow me the extra time and energy to devote to those things nearest and dearest to my heart ...like enjoying hikes with my favorite little blond headed student.  

And for me, it is a very good trade:-) ~Rhonda

Introducing...

Hi, my name is Anna Belle'

I was born the Tuesday after Easter and I have 10 brothers and sisters.  One morning in early June, some people came and asked me if I would like to come and live with them at their house.

I was a little reluctant to leave my first Mommies... but they are very glad that my new family loves me so much.

I knew this little boy was going to become my new best friend... he brought me the best toy EVER:-)

At first I slept alot.... even during family boat rides....

As you can see I'm growing very quickly, Mommy says I'm going to be a BIG girl.

I get to play lots of games here, my favorite is Tug-O-War, or maybe it is chase, or it could be fetch... it's hard to decide.

I'm sure you will see a bunch more of me in the future, my Mommy loves to take lots of pictures of me:-)

Ode to Summer

Well it's was bound to happen sooner or later.... summer is coming to a close. So here is my tribute to our good ole' summertime.

Enjoying early morning coffee on the back deck in my favorite cotton gown.

Heading out for loads of adventures....

Rainbows at the beach

Finding the perfect shell... only this one was inhabited and had to stay

Visiting with family/loved ones

Bringing home a new friend

Boat rides

Celebrating birthdays...

...with cake and juicy sugar sweet watermelon



Perfect purple zinnias



Bumper crops of figs


Meeting at the lake

Cousins hanging out

Waiting out the rain

Washing up :)

Ohhhh, I will miss the dog days of summer.... hurry back, OK!?

~Rhonda

Sunday Morning Farm Check

I took my camera along with me as I did my chores this morning...

Here is the new fence we put up around the garden. It is split cedar with wire behind it to keep out the little critters who like to peck, scratch and take dirt baths in my lettuce beds.

Our newest little chicks were out exploring their domain.

The yellow zucchini already have blooms on them:-)

Can you see the tiny little baby peach? I am soooo excited about my new peach tree!

The bees are buzzing about just as busy as ever.

Shhhhh... this is Pricilla our Mommy-to-be. It shouldn't be long now.

Lilly is enjoying her breakfast of fresh Spring grass.

Ms. Julietta wants to lay her egg with the big girl's.

Brutus is standing guard. "You haven't seen that hawk this morning have you?"

As I start to walk back to the house I notice Mama and her babes enjoying the warm sunshine. Can you see how the little black one has it's leg and wing all stretched out?

Hope your morning was just as adorable~Rhonda