Miles and Miles To Go

And h-e-e-e-ere's Miles again.

You think he's sleeping?  I think he's playing pick pocket with Sidney's glasses. 

Miles' mommy, Brittany, is practicing hide-and-seek for when Miles gets a little older.

In truth, Britt doesn't like having her picture taken.

But I persisted and I'm so glad I did.  She's a Doll. 

My brother, John, is Miles' Grandpa Doll.

John is filling his new role handily.

Aren't they grand!!

Now you're not supposed to pinch the baby, Phyllis!  (John's wife)

Great Uncle Bob (my brother) and little Miles share a quiet moment. 

 

Great Aunt Bonnie is full of smiles.  (Bob's wife)

Sidney (Phyllis' father) hasn't forgotten those days when his children were newborns like Miles.

Phyllis' mother had four daughters, but fortunately feeding boys is no different. 

"All this attention just plain wears me out!"

I just HAD to hold him one more time.  He had his eyes just slightly open.  I can't wait to see him wide awake!

THANKS, BRITTANY, FOR TRAVELING TO BELOIT TO SHARE MILES WITH US. 

That's Miles and Me!

Do I look like I know what I'm doing?

 

Miles is my niece's, newborn little guy.  Brittany came down to southern Wisconsin from near Appleton so we could meet the latest addition to the family. 

Is he cute or what?

(More to come).

Duh!

A couple of weeks ago, I couldn't find my cell phone.  (As a rule, I lose it more than I use it).  I spent about twenty minutes searching high and low for the darn thing.  I couldn't see it anywhere.  You know why?  I was talking on it to my sister-in-law.  When I woke up to the fact, I'm sure my facial expression was very similar to that of the clay worm pictured above who lives in my flower pot.   

Nature's Artwork

I'm in awe of the autumn colors Nature intricately paints on leaves before discreetly strewing them at my feet. 

Ten Rare Seconds

Today I was rewarded for all the hours I've spent this past summer, working outside in my yard.  This morning, I spent a couple of hours, pulling weeds and picking up leaves.  It was such a beautiful morning, I stopped working, grabbed a granola bar and a drink and settled down on our bench swing to refresh myself and enjoy the scenery. 

As I rested, several sparrows flew in.  A few went to the birdbath and a couple flew down to the grass in front of me.  Seemingly oblivious to my presence, one of the sparrows hopped toward me.  I was surprised he came so close; that alone was a treat, but then:  The SPARROW flew up from the grass and STOOD ON MY RIGHT THIGH.  I stared in astonishment while he remained there for perhaps ten seconds.  I could feel his feet through my jeans as he moved around.  He behaved as if his visit was a perfectly natural thing to do.  Of course, I sat perfectly still, savoring each and every unbelievable second.  As easily as he came, he flew off. 

I didn't move for several minutes.  I needed to absorb the joy I felt during and after this rare encounter. 

      

As I was picking up leaves yesterday, I unexpectedly came upon this cute-as-the-dickens bunny.  I didn't see him as I approached the spot where he was sitting.  I reached for a leaf and suddenly saw him, only a few inches from my hand.  We both froze.  

I slowly reached in my pocket for my camera.  The bunny wasn't startled but continued chewing a blade of grass.  I've captured the moment and will enjoy it again and again.



As a result of spending nearly my entire summer outside, it appears I'm now accepted by Southern Wisconsin animals as one more of them.

If so, I'm honored.

For Angela

Shop Now: Nature Is Giving Things Away



Dark green, light lavendar, peachy pink...only nature can please us so thoroughly and effortlessly.



Early morning, between 7:30 and 8:00, these glorious rays, beaming through the leaves of a maple tree across the street, stopped me in my rush to leave the house for work.  I paused; in a second everything changed; I felt blessed and at peace.   

Later that same day, I looked out the window of our family room and was again made aware of the beauty of nature, this time in the shape of a finch.  Although I tried several times, other birds that were coming to feed at the same time were too quick for me to capture with my camera.

It's alright my little friend.  Take it slow.  I also often feel meek upon first awakening.  (This little clay worm helps me gauge if this plant needs water).

A backyard squirrel added his decorating touch by depositing a walnut beside our fountain setting.  My first impulse was to snatch it up.  Instead, I laughed and left it right where he placed it.

Menards is having an end-of-season sale.  I'm not sure about our latest addition to our screen porch; depending on my state of mind, it's quite nice or simply ghastly.  Perhaps with time, it will grow on me and I won't avoid looking its way.

How about from this angle?  I can say with certainty that it's pretty at night when its lights are all you can see.  Oh, and the sound of trickling water is always good company.

I was getting tired of seeing and plucking mushrooms from our lawn until I came upon this red-topped one.  Everyday offers something new, if only we take a few moments to open our eyes and minds to our own backyards.

I'm impressed by this bigger than usual cluster of maple seeds that I found under our Crimson King.  Single or double "whirlybirds" are more common.

Our pin oak is dropping these cute acorns regularly.  I've discovered that pre-autumn backyard shopping is thrilling and it's all mine for the bending and taking.