Critters

Protecting the Orange Tree

Orange Tree Screen

Verna’s little orange tree sapling has been doing fairly well since being almost completely destroyed last summer. There is a lot of new growth coming out, but lately, the little squirrels and rabbits have been helping themselves to the tender new leaves.

I went on-line last week looking for screened enclosures that would keep critters away from the little orange tree. I found this ‘kit’ of tubes, plastic joints and a net for sale, so I bought it.

This afternoon, I put it together and with Verna’s help we covered the tree. The netting has some shortcomings since it fails to cover the frame, but we stretched it in places and used some of the many rocks on the property to shore up the places that needed to be reinforced.

If I were to give up to five stars approval of the product, it would only get three. When the netting fails (and it will) I plan to use some wire mesh to cover the sides and top in place of the netting. I’ll post on that eventuality when it occurs.

Juvenile Cardinal

Juvenile Cardinal

I think this is an immature cardinal. It appears to have some baby feathers still lingering at the top of its legs. The beak is black, not orange and the face feathers are just starting to turn black like an adult male. The red chest feathers are coming in.

There were two of these hanging around the bird feeders today. Click on the image to enlarge.

Handsome Bay Bay

Handsome Bay Bay

This is my Bay Bay, a Mama’s boy if there ever was one. Most of the time in the house, he follows me around to make sure that he knows what I’m doing and that I’m OK. He is a very protective little guy and we have a mutual love for each other.

One of the things he likes to do is go out on the patio with Bob. He jumps up on the spa cover and watches for killer jackrabbits and such. Bob took this photo of him this afternoon while he was intently watching for critters. Click on the image to enlarge.

Koi Pond

Koi Pond

Our local hospital has an enclosed garden and visiting area for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy. One of the features is a Koi pond in which there are water lilies. That’s not something you see everyday in Arizona.

I was at the Wickenburg Hospital today collecting a report from a recent test I had and took the walk out into the courtyard to take some photos of their Koi pond. Click on the image to enlarge.

Keepin’ Cool in the Pool

Cool in the Pool

Yow! It’s hot outside these days, especially after taking the morning walk to go do our doody. When we get back, the Mama and the Daddy have this nice wading pool for Cabela and I to cool off in.

Today, I was trying to swim in the water to cool off my back and belly. Cabela got in after I was done. Click on me to make me big.

Lemon Blossom Pollinator

Lemon Blossom Pollinator

Even though the lemon tree in our “orchard” has dozens of lemons on it already this season, there is a whole second wave of lemon blossoms opening in the late spring months. Last fall, we had way too many lemons and I guess that this fall we will again have a bumper crop.

I was out by the RV drive next to the lemon tree and got this photo of a honey bee collecting nectar from the blossoms on the tree. Click on the image to enlarge.

This year, rather than destroying the lemons we are going to use for Limoncello, we will squeeze the lemons and save the juice in ice trays in the freezer to be used later in recipes and for lemonade. We also will donate lots of lemons to the local senior center for lemon pies and lemonade.