Misty's Musings: July 2012

Monday, July 30, 2012

Whole Lotta Flappin Goin On

Participating in Sweet Shot Tuesday

Wordless Wednesday, Naptime Mom WW, Project Alicia WW, Create with Joy WW,

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Juriniopsis ~ Tachinid Fly

Someone give this fly a razor!

Seriously needs a shave!

Participating in Macro Monday

Friday, July 27, 2012

The Kent Ohio (and Beyond) Black Squirrels

Sending props to www.kentohio.net (I miss you Northeast Ohio!)...

here is a Black Squirrel Adventure Triathlon, Black Squirrel Festival, Black Squirrel Music, Black Squirrel Gallery, Black Squirrel Radio, Black Squirrel Woodworking, Black Squirrel Books, Black Squirrel Brewing…even the Kent State campus police have adopted the black squirrel as a safety symbol. The list goes on and on!

It started fifty years ago, February 1961. That’s when Larry Woodell, superintendent of grounds at Kent State University, and M. W. Staples, a retired executive of the Davey Tree Expert Co. imported ten black squirrels from Ontario, Canada. A second trip was made in March to obtain more squirrels. Both men worked with the Canadian Wildlife Service and American and Canadian Customs for over six months to gain permission to move the squirrels.

By 1964, the Kent Record-Courier observed that there were up to 150 squirrels in the area. No similar concentrations existed in the central and eastern parts of Ohio prior to 1961. Today they own the campus. In addition to Kent, black squirrel sightings have been reported throughout northeast Ohio in places such as: Warren, Cleveland, Barberton, Akron, and Canton.

Black Squirrels number only 1 in 10,000 squirrels found throughout North America. With odds like that, it makes black squirrels rare; when something is rare, people associate it with LUCK —one could conclude it’s very lucky to live in Kent, Ohio.

The above information is from www.kentohio.net

The below photo was taken by me in Mogadore, Ohio.

I used to work in Kent, Ohio, and the black squirrels were so common there that I easily forgot they are considered "rare". They were a daily sighting. Heck, we even saw gray squirrels with black tails or the other way around! Unfortunately, I don't have a photo of that for you. But, if you insist, I could go back for a visit until I get such a photo!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Whitetail BFFs

Will you be my BFF???

Participating in Rural Thursday

Monday, July 23, 2012

Red Saddlebags on Watercolor Canvas

Participating in Sweet Shot Tuesday

Wordless Wednesday, Naptime Mom WW, Project Alicia WW, Create with Joy WW,

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Flowers and Drought Haikus

A Haiku...

I think these flowers

raise their petals to the sky

begging for some rain!

Another Haiku...

I did a rain dance.

It didn't bring any rain..

Neighbors think I'm strange.

Participating in Macro Monday and Mellow Yellow Monday.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Critters At My Pond... Again

To join in this fun meme, which is

all about critters,

click on the badge.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Today is the Tomorrow

Friday, July 13, 2012

Bob White On The Run

I was standing with the front door open, talking to Hubs.

I noticed some movement by the road.

So, I looked past him, identified the movement, and then turned to run and get my camera.

Then I proceeded to run out the door, past Hubs,

and begin ~~chasing~~ following this critter along the ditch, down the road.

Hello, my name is Bob White.

Bob Q. White to be more precise.

I found a new meme, which looks to be a lot of fun!

So, I'm submitting the above photo of Mr. Bob Q. White (The Q. stands for Quail, if you must know)

in the Shoot. Edit. Submit. Meme.

Lemme tell ya...

Quails are fast little critters.

I'm glad I was able to get these photos, as I've always wanted to get some decent photos of a Bob White Quail. They are usually pretty elusive and more "heard and not seen".

My brisk walk with Mr. Bob White was Saturday evening. Sunday evening, I ran out of the house to photograph some Whitetail Deer who were visiting my backyard pond. You'll have to stay tuned to this blog for photos of the deer.

Sunday night, I took a fall (no, I wasn't chasing any critters at the time) and tore my rotator cuff in my left shoulder (yes, I'm left-handed too... lucky me). So, unless I can figure out how to lift the camera, zoom the lens, focus, etc., with one hand, I probably won't be taking any photos for awhile. :-( I'm outta commission for a little while. Don't worry, as soon as I have my arm functioning again, and the pain subsides, I'll be back to chasing and photographing my critters.

To join in this fun meme, which is

all about critters,

click on the badge.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Choosing the Best Wet Dog Food for Your Older Dog

Choosing the Best Wet Dog Food for Your Older Dog

Older dogs are cherished, special pets that need time, attention and extra care. Oftentimes, older dogs need better quality wet dog food as a part of their care to keep them healthy and active. It is important to view all products when making a decision on the best wet dog food. Below are a few suggestions to help dog owners choose the best wet dog food for their faithful friends:

Determine Your Dog’s Needs

Consider your older dog’s needs. If your dog needs a healthier diet, more energy, or to lose weight, there are various wet foods without fillers that will suit its needs. Once you have determined what your dog needs from its food, it will be much easier to narrow down a large selection into a more manageable selection.

Ask a Professional

Describe to your Veterinarian, Veterinary Technician, or knowledgeable pet store sales associate what type of wet food they would recommend for your dog. These professionals will often be able to give you quite a few good suggestions backed by their own personal experiences and interactions with other older dogs.

These experts have a lot of contact with dog owners that tell them about their hits and misses with dog food brands.

Remember to describe the reasons why you are searching for a new wet food for your dog. This will help the professional make the best recommendations for your dog.

Try Different Brands

In most cases, you can buy single-serving cans of wet dog food. This is a great way to determine what type of food your dog will respond the best to. Buying a case doesn't always work out the way you plan, as not all dogs will like every brand you give them to eat. Buying a single can or a few cans at a time solves this dilemma.

As you observe how your older dog reacts to the food, it will become quickly apparent which variety or brands they prefer. If your dog doesn't seem to have a preference, then you can choose the variety that you feel best addresses your dog's personal needs.

When you view all products relating to wet dog food, you will be sure to find the right kind for your older dog to enjoy for many years to come. You will have the peace of mind that you made a great decision toward your dog's continued good health and wellness.

Consideration was given for the editing and publishing of this article by Amanda Green

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Cherries But Not Really

My favorite things from our garden?

Corn (Oh, how I love corn) and

my precious cherry tomatoes.

Yummmm

Monday, July 9, 2012

Nature's Serenade

While sitting on the porch swing at my dad's, we were continually serenaded. We heard music all around us... nature's music. The chirps of the sparrows, the beautiful song of the Goldfinches, the "purty, purty, purty" of the Cardinal, and a mother wren who sang from sun up until sun down. Dad and I talked several times about that little wren, as she was tireless and very impressive. Such a big voice for such a small bird. It's almost as if she had sent Mr. Wren to buy AMT Electronics Amplifiers, so that she would be heard singing her beautiful song.

And then, there were these guys... the Grackles. They were the bullies of the bunch, and their "Caw! Caw! Squawk!" didn't need an amplifier! The Chippies appreciated it when they'd throw the seed out of the feeder though. ;-)

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Yellow on Yellow ~ Sunshine on Sunshine

Each year, Hubs leaves me my special patch of wildflowers.

He doesn't mow it; He doesn't bale it for hay;

He doesn't run over it with the tractor or skid loader.

And I... walk carefully thought it...

observing... enjoying... photographing

beauty.

Butterflies are self propelled flowers. ~ R. H. Heinlein

Beautiful and graceful, varied and enchanting, small but approachable, butterflies lead you to the sunny side of life. And everyone deserves a little sunshine ~ Jeffrey Glassberg

"Just living is not enough," said the butterfly, "one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower." ~ Hans Christian Andersen

The green grass and the happy skies court the fluttering butterflies. ~ Terri Guillemets

To join in these fun memes, click on the badges.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Clouded Sulphur Fashion Advice

It is always a good idea to make sure your dress

is color coordinated with your surroundings ~ The Clouded Sulphur Butterfly

Whenever I see a Clouded Sulphur butterfly sitting on a clover bloom, I can't help but photograph it. The way the outline of the butterfly's wings and the antennae match the bloom of the flower always makes me smile. Apparently Mother Nature chose the same crayon when coloring these two.

This butterfly may not get any fantasy football trophies, but it sure is in the running for fashion awards! :-)

To join in these fun memes,

click on the badges...

I Heart Macro (oh yes I do!!!)

Today's Flowers

Squirrel Shadow Play

When I was visiting Dad in Ohio, I spent a lot of time sitting on the porch swing that Dad had put on the patio. He had it all set up for me to be able to photograph the birds and wildlife. I had a blast watching the different species of birds, chipmunks, and the gray, black, and red squirrels. I took many photos and had many giggles at the various antics of the critters.

Good thing I took so many photos then, because I haven't taken any since I've been back!!! Yes, that was weeks ago! We've had such extreme, hot temperatures that it's miserable to be outside. Gosh, I never thought I'd hear myself say that! We're also experiencing a drought, and our crops and animals are suffering. I hope that Mother Nature decides to open up the faucets and give us a little relief soon.

So, for now, I must use the photos from my trip and hope that I get some new photos soon.

I'm Farming and I Grow It

Considering Hubs and my livelihood relies on agriculture, and it can become quite stressful sometimes ~ such as when you're in the middle of a drought, have no hay yield, and worried about what to feed your cattle ~ this has me highly amused! Very creative and cute!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Bunny Dreams

He had big aspirations.
He wanted to be the best father he could be
to his 422 kids.
He wanted to show his ex that he was
better than that Easter Bunny she ran off with.
He'd be famous.
He'd be the a handsome model.
He might even sign a contract as the
mascot for Cotton Tale Crib Bedding
Oh yes, he would rise above.
But, for now,
he'll just lie still in this grass
so the humans walking by don't see him.
Yeah... he's stealthy like that!