A lovely day

We are experiencing a spell of Indian Summer here in southeast Ohio, and I knew that the weather was going to be excellent today.... clear skies and highs near 70 degrees. That means open windows, and even as I type I hear that cute little Golden-crowned Kinglet tsee-tsee-tseeing in the trees.

But the day got off to an especially wonderful start with some special sightings in the "yard".


I spotted this lovely doe from the kitchen window while I was doing some dishes.


Going, going, gone...
She didn't stick around too long once I came outside to photograph her, but that's okay. We made eye contact and enjoyed the smell of the crisp air together before she took off.


This cute kitteh also showed up in the driveway this morning. I've never seen it around before, so I don't know which of our neighbors it belongs to. I hope it moves on before Emmett becomes aware of its presence (although kitty could probably outrun our geriatric ol' boy).


Dark-eyed Junco, March 2008
Finally, I'm delighted to announce the return of the Dark-eyed Juncos to our yard! It's possible they've been around for a few days, but this is the first time I've spotted them. I saw at least 4 of them, and hopefully I'll see more when I start counting for Project Feederwatch next weekend!

AND... on a note completely unrelated to nature: I finally made a batch of pumpkin-pie flavored meringues this morning, a baking project I've been considering since this time last year. I'll let you know if they turn out, but so far it looks like they will be a success.

Serendipity

Serendipity noun -
"Happy finding of an unexpected object or solution while searching for something else."

My serendipity occurred the other day when I went down to check out our creek after a heavy rainstorm. Whilst tromping along the banks of the stream, observing the flow and level of the water, I noticed Jack-in-the-pulpit growing all along one bank. "What the.....?! We have Jack-in-the-pulpit growing on our property? How cool is that?!" I thought to myself.

All these years and I never knew. I've seen the leaves before, and I've seen the berries before, but I wouldn't have been able to identify the plant from those keys alone. It was seeing the unique flower that brought it home for me.

Every year I discover something "new" on our property that I've never noticed before. I love that sense of discovery.

False Solomon's Seal, also growing near the creek

Our creek and waterfall, running strong after a hard rain. The creek bed will be dry as a bone come summer.

I've been away from my computer, and away from blogging, for most of the week. It's been a nice little break, actually. I'll get caught up with you all soon!