Sidewalk art

One of the activities we have for the young set is a bucket of chalk sticks. As Winston and Lewis were drawing on the sidewalk, Winston decided we all should participate. The first five images are by artists aged two to seventy-one. Lewis was fascinated by Ginny's drawing. Bryson (last image) got a private lesson from Ginny later.

My World - Water boys

These grandsons love the water and while they were here last week Winston asked to play in the sprinkler. The following day we went to Greenbrier Lake. Winston can swim (he is five) and Lewis is learning. 

Susan and her boys

Winston swimming

Lewis in shallow water



My World - Busy

I have been away from my computer for a few days. We were invaded by three doses of cuteness with unbounded energy! On Sunday Grandsons Winston and Lewis arrived first (along with their Mom, my youngest daughter). Great-grandson Bryson arrived during the night Wednesday (along with his Mom and Uncle). In between, my eldest daughter arrived. She is retiring from the US Army after 24 years of service. The three little ones (five, two and one years old) kept us (and my camera) active and entertained.

My World - And then there were four

The hawks returned Monday at dusk and this time there were four. We have seen three flying around, but not the fourth one. They stayed on thier perches for awhile, then the one on the ground flew over to the left to harass a squirrel. Another joined the fray, then both flew out into the field empty clawed. I believe they have nests in the trees to the west of us. If you missed them last week, go to Three days of the hawk.

Left

Middle

Right

Ground

My World - Three days of the hawk

Last Thursday, Friday and Saturday a pair of young Coopers Hawks visited us. I have occasionally spotted a Coopers Hawk high up in a tree or soaring overhead. Thursday I spotted one on the fence post and then discovered another on the ground. Friday they both went for a drink in the birdbath.

Saturday, Marianne spotted the hawk on the ground as a squirrel came down the tree looking for dinner. I went for my camera and got a few shots as the hawk tried to corner the squirrel. Attacking from the air, the hawk has the advantage. On the ground the squirrel easily out maneuvered the hawk. The hawk flew back up to a tree limb and the squirrel calmly ate his acorns, slowly working his way across the yard.

Hawk flew to the birdbath and squirrel wandered over to the lilac bushes. Hawk followed, but from his perch on the fence could not see the squirrel (and neither could I).

The hawk eventually flew high up into a nearby tree. Said squirrel left the liliacs and climbed the same tree where the hawk was perched. For a little more of the hawk/squirrel saga visit my Odd Shots - Living dangerously post. I did not see either of them on Sunday and during the three days, the usual small birds did not visit our birdbaths.

My World - Day lilies

Our day lilies have been blooming enmass for about three weeks. This hot weather seems to agree with them.

My World - Next crop

On July 1 the wheat in the field behind our house was harvested and the straw left in neat rows. Then the wind blew and the rain fell (about 2 inches). Yesterday, the tractors returned to the field, raking, baling and planting the next crop. This harvest was later than usual. Other farms in our area have tall corn that was planted after their wheat harvest in May. Most of the time there are 3 plantings in the Frederick area: grain in the fall, corn in the spring, and then more corn or soybeans.

My World - Ready for the Fourth

For the First Saturday inJuly Frederick was decorated for the Fourth of July celebration on Monday with banners and flags. Music was performed and these girls were entertaining with their hulahoops.

My World - Second crop

Farmers in our area are harvesting their first crop and  planting another. 

My World - Birthday bedlam

Our great-grandson had his first birthday party last weekend and we joined in the celebration, along with other family and friends of his Mom and Dad. Also included were the friends children. These three girls had a delightful time helping with unwrapping the presents. Bryson preferred to quietly explore one thing at a time ignoring the action around him.