Carolina Wren Nest

The other day as I was at my sewing machine, a Carolina wren pair were singing loudly right outside the window. I watched as they built this nest in a hanging flower basket. Today, I went out to check the nest because it had been so quiet, and was surprised when the female flew out.

I quickly took photos and went back inside. A few minutes later she returned.
It will be fun watching this new family.

As you can see the deer (or rabbits or both) are munching on my hosta, leaving bare stems sticking up. In the past I've put netting over my plants but birds get caught in it, so that was nixed. We have some repellant spray but apparently that wears off too soon. Next I plan to try fishing line and soap.

Birthday Girls

Jenny and Chrissy's birthday was on Sunday, I took them to lunch on Thursday. Chrissy had big news - she made the cheerleading team at Millikin U. for next year! Looks like I will be going to some sporting events.
We've had some beautiful weather, in between the rain. Cooler, and the cicadas seems to a little quieter. Lovely evenings with the full moon this week.

Cicadas

This has been the year for the 13 year cicadas to come out and party. My youngest grandbaby was born 13 years ago, his birthday was Friday, the 3rd. I remember the cicadas being out when he was born. They are fascinating to learn about, spending 13 years underground feeding on tree roots, then emerging by the millions (it seems) flying up, mating, laying eggs and dying. According to the article "A Prime Mystery" written by Laura Erickson in the spring 2011 issue of Birdscope ( a newsletter of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology: Nobody can explain why the cycles of periodic cicadas are prime numbers, but many people believe it somehow makes it harder for predators to track their cycles.

It's been so hot and the cicadas have been so very noisy and smelly - I'm ready for their party to be over.

Progress

It's a mess now, but will look nice when done.

Goslings

Walked to the river this morning and got photos of a "gaggle of geese" with their babies swimming up the creek. (you'll probably have to click on the picture to make it big enough to see them.)

Also got a picture of the Sangamon taken from the bridge looking east.

Siding

Here are "before" and "just getting started" photos of the new siding project. The original "wood" siding has soaked up water and started to rot in places. The new color will be a medium gray, and we're thinking that the shutters and front door will be a dark slate. We're also getting a window put in the east window of the dining room to get more light in there.

Spring Again!

Warm weather is here at last. The iris are blooming, and I found a fountain for the courtyard by the front door.