Hanging Out At The Back Yard Cafe

 

 

Hey what’s for lunch?

 

 

 

I was kinda hoping for some carrot stew

 

 

 

Oops, I think I am on Candid Camera

 

 

 

I don’t know why they make these tables so small

 

 

 

No one told me it was standing room only

But the food is pretty darn good.

Think I will come back for seconds.

 

 

 

I didn’t know they had a Bouncer at this Café.

What do you mean I have to wait?

 

 

 

Hey mom, don’t forget my take-out order

 

 

 

Think I will check out the menu

Seems kinda nuts around here today.

 

 

 

Dear Lord… Thank you for our food,

that you have provided for us,

and Jesse who scares away that mean old puddy cat.

 

 

 

I told you we should have made reservations

 

 

The End on this episode, and I hope you enjoyed some of what I saw and heard at my Backyard Cafe on a Beautiful warm, sunny afternoon while sitting on my back deck.

All writing's and photographs by  Dianne © dsphotocats

 

I hope to find you all well and having a wonderful Spring.

For those of you who wonder about my mom, she is home once again , and we appreciate your prayers for her as she continues to battle Chronic Kidney Disease.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

My Watchdog, Jesse

A Touch Of Nature

 

 

 

Chickadee In A Tree

 

 

 

 

A Black-Capped Chickadee

 

 

 

 

A White Breasted Nuthatch

 

 

 

 

Oh cage me not, lest I become a prisoner of man’s ego.

Deny me not my right to fly in God’s blue sky

And spy upon these mortals there below.

Then when I see a friend, I may desend to serenade.

And when my song is o’er,

away on freedom ‘s wing to soar.

-May Hickman

 

 

 

 

 

 

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.

– Shakespear

 

 

 

 

  In Harmony with Nature

Up Close and Personal,

The Look of Trust ,

Eye to  Eye,

It touched my Soul.

Written by - Dianne © dsphotocats

 

 

 

 

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. – John Muir

 

 

 

I Was Looking For Owls

I was looking for Owls, and I found  Chickadees, 

or should I say , “they found me”.

I was looking for Owls, and I found a Nuthatch,

and again, it found me.

If you truly love Nature you will find Beauty wherever you go.

Look! Expecting to find,

Leave your tunnel vision behind.

You may not find what you are looking for,

but treasures you are sure to find,

and you will be touched by nature of some kind.

What a Joy to be in Harmony with the Beauty that surrounds you, whatever that might be.

I believe it is God’s  intended plan for all of humanity,

and  Nature, of His Own  Creativity.

Written by- Dianne © dsphotocats

 

 

It was funny, while driving home on the 401 hwy. I saw a big beautiful owl perched in a tree along side the 4 way hwy. I admired its beauty for a moment, and then shook my head and laughed. It didn’t bother me that I didn’t get a photo with my camera. I treasured the moment with a thankful heart and I had just come from having little Chickadees and a Nuthatch in the palm of my hand. There little talons felt wonderful as I experienced a touch of nature that I will never forget. Now how special is that!!!

Hope to find you all well. Take care and God Bless each and every one who passes by.

ox Dianne :)

Special note: Pictures of me were taken by my hubby. Steve is legally blind but has great insight, and not bad with the camera either. I think he is pretty amazing. I am  Blessed to have him in my life.  :)

 

A Little Moose Drama on Our Sunday Walk

On todays walk we encountered a momma moose, baby moose, fresh cougar tracks along with tracks from so much more wildlife and a quick  hello to the beaver.  Since our big dump of snow over 2 weeks ago we have not really had much new snow, but have had beautiful weather.  So I have had time for long walks a few times a week.  Always with camera in hand discovering new winter wonders which I mostly share at God's Garden of Nature. If you haven’t visited there already and enjoy nature and photography please stop in for a look. 

But on todays walk, hubby came along.  We were gone for a good 2 hours again venturing to our back field that is almost  a 1/2 mile from our house.  Half way there fresh cougar tracks were spotted. But we venture on seeing tracks from deer, moose, coyote, bobcat, squirrel, rabbit and grouse.  Finally reaching the back field I headed down to the creek wanting to see how it hand changed since fall and heard rustling in the bushes near by.

Now I knew the moose could be down here as fresh tracks were everywhere and this is the wintering ground for a mother moose that has had many young ones here over the years. And there she was.  Now some of these photos of the moose are not so good as I only have my small pocket camera which doesn’t zoom so good.

Well at this point she and her young one were separated as the mother ran off up the valley leaving the baby moose behind. We decided to continue on as not to scare them any more. So on up the beautiful creek we went.

A site to behold as winter has now taken hold and signs of fall are long gone.

So glad we ventured here to see this frozen winter scene.  You can see many different animals tracks around here.

Soon we came across more very fresh cougar tracks as we had a dusting of snow last night these had to be made just this morning.  Seems a huge cougar by the tracks.

Also with this set we noticed this cougar had a younger one with her or possible 2.

Leaving the creek and heading back along the road.

Well on our return trip we took the road that borders our property when across the field on the hill side I saw the young moose trying to climb up the steep mountain side.  Seems her mother had circled around and was calling from above for the baby moose to come up to join her.  I couldn’t believe my eyes when suddenly the baby moose lost his footing on the steep terrain and tumbled down the mountain side for about 30 feet coming to a rest with his back against a tree and legs facing up hill.  A position in which a big animal like that can’t get his legs under him to get up.  In this photo he is right in the middle you can barely make him out against the tree.  Mother was above calling for him, he struggled a few times then just gave up.  My heart was broken I thought for sure he would never be able to get himself up right again. 

Momma moose realizing her baby couldn’t get to her worked her way back down and was now just 25 feet below him on the valley bottom and continued to call to it.  Finally after 15 minutes he struggled again and was able to roll himself somehow and get himself up again.  Mother moose is just below now on level ground.  I was so happy.

We watched as the baby moose very carefully descended down the steep bank.

During all this a friend had come by on the road and we were all watching this take place.  Quiet cheers when the baby moose reached the bottom.

Meanwhile momma moose just watched us the whole time.  Baby moose did not go join her while we were there but stayed hidden about 15 feet from her.  We decided it was time to let them alone again.

Just in front of our place near a big beaver dam we were greeted my Mr. Beaver.

So that was my natured filled day here.  All these animals are a normal part of our area, but to see so much in one day and so many animal tracks.  With that cougar in the area I won’t be venturing so far alone. Can’t believe just a few days before I was stomping all over the forest by myself.   Some people think I am crazy, but I know there is so much food available for all the wildlife here.  When there is an imbalance that is when I will be more concerned.  As the cougar may have a young one to feed as well I will be extra cautious.  But for now I have been so enjoying the weather and snow.  So nice to spend time outside that doesn’t involve work.  Seems in the summer there is always work to be done outside.  Of course there is all those little cleaning jobs that don’t get done in the summer that I am also trying to get done here in the house.  I have been keeping up with my yoga and enjoying it and limbering my body slowly.

So wishing everyone a beautiful day
and a
Good Morning…   Good Afternoon…  Good Night…
What ever it is to you

Photo & Words
by
Here I Am/Carrie

The Birdhouse Café Series

 

Male Cardinal Enjoying The Berries

 

There aren’t many leaves left on the trees, but there are berries, and birds. That is one thing I like about this time of year. You can see and spot a bird even in the distance. One thing for sure, you can’t miss the beautiful red Cardinals. They are one of my most favorite song birds. I love listening to them whistling. This time of the year has so much beauty to see, and hear. All one has to do is look beyond the bare trees, and see God’s little treasures no matter the Season.

It always takes me awhile to adjust to this time of year. It is like I have to learn to refocus and look beyond the grey skies, and dark clouds that hover above, and the colder weather.

The time really does fly by and even if the weather is cold, and sometimes damp, I am reminded of a few things about this time of year that I love.

I love sitting by my small fireplace curled up with a good book, and a nice hot beverage and  my little dog lying by the fire enjoying the warmth, keeping me company.

I love waking up in the morning feeling all warm and cozy and the feel of  flannelette sheets.

I love the seasonal foods such as homemade soups and stews.

There are others things I like about this time of year also.

So I will try not to dwell on the things I don’t like , and make the best of the things I do love. I do have my moments like everyone else but I am reminded of so many things I am thankful for.

Hope to find you all well. Hope this week is kind to you all.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

 

And when you offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the LORD, offer it of your own free will ... Lev 2:29.

Birds Of A Feather Stick Together

 

 

 

Geese Flying Over The Bay At Sunrise

 

 

 

In Autumn, geese instinctively fly in a V-shaped formation when they travel South for the winter. The flock all work together in unison. As each bird flaps its wings , it reduces the wind resistance of the  bird behind it. Thus , each goose cuts an easier path for the one following it. This allows the geese to cover a greater distance than if each bird flew on its own. Some fly as far north as the Arctic Circle in the spring time and some fly as far south as Mexico for the winter. It is said, that they can soar as high as twenty- nine thousand feet. Wow! That is amazing!

When the lead goose gets weary , it drops back in the formation and allows another goose to fly point. The geese at the back of the formation honk to encourage those in front of them to keep going. The geese stay in perfect V- shaped formation , and not one goose is left behind.

Just as God has prepared geese for their migration , He also takes care of us as we journey through life here on earth. He did not create us to go it alone. He planned for each of us to be in relationship with Him and each other. Through His Grace we find comfort and strength, and He uses other people to love and encourage us along lives journey. We as believers are His arms to give hugs to others. We are His hands and feet and I believe we can make a difference in this world. We can pray but we can also put love and compassion into action. Faith without works is dead but works alone will never get us to where God intended us to be.( James : Chapter 2, Verses 14-25 ).

God shines His Light through His Creation which includes us as we are made in His Image. We can come along side and honk, so to speak , to encourage someone who is feeling the force of turbulence in their life. And when you are feeling the harsh wind on your face and feeling weary, drop back in the formation for a while to receive encouragement from God and others you can rely on , so you can gain the strength  to keep going.

In Summary: God never intended for us to “go it alone” on our journey through life. He designed us to be carriers of His Grace to encourage one another.

 

 

 

Geese Taking Flight From A Farmer’s Field

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodbye My Feathered Friends… See You In The Spring Time

 

 

 

It has been awhile since I last posted. I guess you could say I have been resting at the back of the formation. I haven’t been feeling quite up to par, but I am doing much better. I was out with my camera for a walk in the park today, and took a few photos of the Fall Colors. This is the first I have been out with my camera in over 3 weeks. It felt wonderful, and it was a Beautiful day with plenty of Sun, and in the low 50’s.

The photos posted in todays blog are from my archives. Some of you may have seen these photos before, and some of you for the first time.

We still have many geese in and around our area and they don’t seem to be in a big hurry to leave. I think they are still waiting on some of their friends to arrive for the long flight south. Also it hasn’t been all that cold yet. We still have not had a frost in the city I live in. I still have a few Geraniums, and Roses in my back yard also.

Well I hope to find you all well, and have a wonderful week.

Sincerely Dianne :)

Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada

 

 

Heading West On Highway 60 Through Algonquin Park

 

 

 

 

Arowhon Road (Side Road Leading To Mizzy Lake Trail)

 

 

 

 

Guess Who!

 

 

 

 

Entrance To Trail That Leads To Mizzy Lake

 

 

 

 

Walking Along The Path Leading To Mizzy Lake

 

 

 

 

A Portion Of Mizzy Lake And The Bogs

 

 

 

 

Another Section Of The Bogs On Mizzy Lake

 

 

 

 

One Of Many Lakes In Algonquin Park

(Not sure of the name of this Lake)

 

 

 

 

Oxtonge Rapids Just Outside The West Gate Of The Park

 

 

 

Steve and I went on a road trip to Algonquin Park last Saturday. It took 3hrs. one way to get there. The Sugar Maple trees were almost at their peek. Not many leaves on the ground yet , as you can see from these photos.

One day is not long enough to spend in such a vast area with so much to see and do. I in no way could ever take photos that would ever do justice to such a Beautiful Wilderness as Algonquin Park. We were only there for the day, and the time went by so quickly, and it was starting to get dark in the park around 6 p.m, so we headed back home through the park , this time heading east. 

I hope you enjoyed a glimpse of Autumn in the park. Here is a link  if anyone is interested in finding out more.

 

http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/       

 

Have a wonderful weekend one and all.

xx’s Dianne :)

Migrating Monarch Butterflies

 

 

"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly."   - Richard Buckminster Fuller

 

 

 

Butterflies are self propelled flowers."
- R.H. Heinlein

 

 

 

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."
- Maya Angelou

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cocoon and The Butterfly

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly.
One day a small opening appeared, he sat and
watched the butterfly for several hours as it
struggled to force its body through that little
hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress.
It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it
could and it could go no farther.
Then the man decided to help the butterfly, so
he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the
remaining bit of the cocoon.
The butterfly then emerged easily.
But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled
wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly
because he expected that, at any moment, the
wings would enlarge and expand to be able to
support the body, which would contract in time.
Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent
the rest of its life crawling around with a
swollen body and shriveled wings.
It never was able to fly.
What the man in his kindness and haste did not
understand was that the restricting cocoon and
the struggle required for the butterfly to get
through the tiny opening were God's way of
forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly
into its wings so that it would be ready for
flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need
in our life. If God allowed us to go through
our life without any obstacles, it would cripple
us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been.
And we could never fly.
Author Unknown

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the end of Aug. and into September, the Monarch Butterflies gather at Presqu’ile Provincial Park, which is on the shores of Northern Lake Ontario, as they get ready for the long journey  of  migration to Central Mexico.

There is an association called, “Friends of the Park”. These Naturalist catch, tag and release these butterflies so they can keep track of them. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was fortunate enough to be able to witness how they capture and tag the butterflies. I did not see them arrive in clusters, but I was able to find a few and photograph them after they had been tagged and then released. These are a few of the photos I took that day. I hope you enjoy them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have heard it said, that if a butterfly lands on you, it will bring you good luck. I had one land on my shoulder a few years ago. I must say, I don’t believe in luck, but I was truly Blessed now and then as I photographed, and admired these Beautiful creatures created by God.

 

 

 

I will end with this photo which I simply call

“The Landing”

 

 

Take care one and all. Have a great day!

Love and Care, Dianne :)

 P.S  For many of us it is the last weekend of the summer , so have a “Good One”. No matter what the Season, have a Blessed Weekend to each and every one of you :)