Digital Art

Well, it is a strecht calling this art but when I have the time I like to play with Paint Shop Pro and my own photos to attempt to make the photos look like paintings.

Cold Cold Weather

Still no sign of the Carolina Wren, I fear the worse. The birds are feeding like crazy, in the evening as it is getting dark while I am fixing supper I watch the cardinals, they are always plentiful at dusk and dawn, I have counted as many as 16 at the feeder and in the bushes around the feeder. On a higher note, my grandsons are spending the weekend with me, they love being outside as much as I do, I am not sure how much time we will be able to spend outside this weekend, I better get my long johns out :). The picture is a favorite of mine, the boys and I were walking back from an "adventure" in the woods last fall. Gran was trailing behind at this point.

Moonglow, Asters and Other Things

Still no Carolina Wren at my feeder. But then I was at work most of the day so maybe I missed her. It is still very cold here in my part of the gardening world. But the moon has been beautiful with a white wide circle around it at night and early in the morning. The weatherman said he saw moon dogs early one morning last week, I have looked but have not seen any. I have never had the pleasure of seeing moon dogs, I have seen sun dogs however. As cold as it has been the past several days I thought we might see some sun dogs, but I have not spotted any.

Yesterday I mentioned I ordered more Asters. Asters are really a nice carefree fall plant, not quite as showy as Mums but the bees and butterflies love them, they live for years with little care.

Still in the Deep Freeze

It is still really cold, temps will not get above zero today. I have been watching for the Carolina Wren to reappear at my feeder but I have not sighted her since Friday, I hope she has made it through these cold temps.

Quasi, Erin and I went outside for a bit of fresh air, you will notice how Quasi walks right against the fence where the sun has melted the snow and there is dry ground, he avoids the snow at all costs. I spent the morning getting an order ready to mail to Bluestone Perennials. I ordered more asters, I love asters for fall blooms and the butterflies love them, they will bloom even after light frosts.

Farmers Market in Feb

When we arrived at Reiman Gardens, we were told there was a farmer's market going on..........farmer's market in February? My husband bought some pepper jelly and some horseradish jelly, now I have heard of pepper jelly and even thought about making some but horseradish jelly??? Thankfully he left the garlic jelly behind. I bought a couple of soy candles.

Passion for Plants, Reiman Gardens

Luna Moth in Iowa?? In February?

I have always wanted to see a real live Luna Moth even before reading Prodigal Summer
by Barbara Kingsolver, anyone read that book? It was a really good book, Poisonwood Bible by the same author was probably one of my all time favorite books buuuuuut, back to the Luna Moth, I actually saw one today! It had it's back to me and was kind of hidden but I spotted it! The volunteer at the butterfly house told me it was much more active at night (of course.......LUNA..........after all). But I finally got to see one, this one looked like it had been around the block more than once, it must have one hell of a night life :).