Nocturnal Visit

Last night I was sitting on the couch surfing the net, and I heard this eerie howl. The hair on my neck stood straight up. Coyotes!

There has been a pack of them roaming nearby the past month or so. Every once in awhile we'll get a glimpse of a couple crossing the back pasture. One day we saw about five going into the woods on the place next to ours.

This time they were close. I could tell from the howls and barks. They don't sound anything like any of my dogs. Lonely and sad....

I was worried about my outside dog, so I grabbed the spotlight to check on him and of course, to see where they were. I finally got a glimpse of them moving in the darkness. Their eyes were glowing a greenish yellow. I can't really describe how it made me feel. They weren't scared and just stared back at me.

I think they were about a hundred yards from me, down by the pond. My first instinct was to get a gun, but I quickly decided against that course of action. I knew they wouldn't hurt the horses, and Ruger (a Pit Bull Labrador mix, we think) weighs more than they do. I decided to let them be. Besides...my light was losing it's charge and starting to dim. I didn't want to star in my own version of a horror movie. It's creepy being outside alone with a bunch of coyotes so close.

I've been in the coyote range all my life, but I don't remember them ever getting up that close except in hard winters. I guess they're a little braver in this area. I really don't know why they are roaming across this place, but I guess I better get used to it.

Gone For the Year

I had more fun this year with these little hummingbirds than you can possibly imagine. The summer started out with just one feeder and one bird. Before the season was over, I had 3 feeders up and the birds were draining them on a daily basis. We had hummingbirds zipping around everywhere. Twittering, chasing, dive bombing.....never-ending activity. Entertainment was always available right on our front porch, and we were lucky enough to have a front-row seat.

I found egg shells, so I'm sure they were nesting in the pecans. I never did find a nest though. They must be really well-hidden and tiny.

I promised some hummingbird pictures, and here they are.

Here's one trying to guard this feeder. In this picture, she is trying to nip another bird.

The Recipe for Fun:

4 cups of warm water to 1 cup of sugar. Mix and fill 'em up!

Every time you fill your feeder it needs to be flushed with warm water. If a build up of black mold occurs, soak the feeder in bleach. Never use soap! The hummers don't like it. If the water becomes cloudy, you need to change it. Keep any unused nectar in the refrigerator.

I can't wait for next year!

I'm Just A Little...

Homesick.
I don't know why. Maybe I've just got the blues today. I miss the grocery store being five minutes away. I really miss the malls and shopping centers. All of our friends...

I just have to keep reminding myself of all the things I don't miss.... TRAFFIC, some of the neighbors, the HOA (Home Owners Association), no privacy. The list goes on.

Out here we can build a little fire and roast weenies and marshmallows if we want. We can shoot off fireworks on the holidays. None of that goes on in the burbs. I can walk out on the porch in my nightie to take the dog out, and no one will see or care! I love that one! Best yet....I've got two horses in my "sorta backyard." Horses would definitely get me a nasty letter from the HOA.

So, I guess there are some pluses to living in the country.

I'm glad I wrote this I feel better all ready.