Blue, my 9-year-old Australian Shepherd, waited patiently by the pond yesterday while I snapped flower photos. I couldn't resist taking one of him and his reflection.
Photo by LauraP

Since it's my daughter, Jennifer's, 20th birthday today, I thought I'd post a picture of her from my file of favorites. As I browsed through, I realized most of my pictures of her include a dog, cat, or goat. Here's one of her from several years ago with Sparky, one of the pups she helped raise.
Photo by LauraP

I know, I know. Thistles are noxious weeds. Still, the flowers are so beautiful. This isn't a bull thistle or that troublesome and prolific outlaw Canada thistle. The leaves are prickly, and no doubt it shouldn't be growing in my pasture. Eradication plans remain on hold until positive identification is accomplished. Which I hope will be soon.
Photo by LauraP

Just me and my shadow

That's me in the middle, with the skeleton of the deer stand around me. Thunderstorms are forecast for the next few days, so today's probably the last chance this week to play with shadows.
Photo by LauraP

Deer stand extraordinaire--built by one of the farm's previous owners. We had to do some heavy trimming in the overgrown cedars underneath to open access to the ladder. Well worth it, I think, since it's a great place to hang out, take deep breaths, and think about nothing.
Photo by LauraP

The view to the west from the deer stand. Isn't my neighbor's pasture lovely?

Photo by LauraP

Not a lanigera

I haven't named this new bunny yet. I need to get to know her a little better first. Little No Name here is an American Chinchilla rabbit -- not to be confused with the rodent known as the Chinchilla lanigera, which you frequently find in pet stores. The lanigera type is of South American origin, and is highly prized for its fur . No doubt, the chinchilla rabbits got their name because of their similar soft, thick gray fur.

The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy is adding rabbits to its conservation mission, and their 2006 proposed placements list includes 10 breeds. The American Chinchilla rabbit breed falls into the 'critical' category. This means there are fewer than 200 annual registrations of the breed in the United States and an estimated global population of less than 2000.

Two days ago, I was fortunate to acquire a young breeding trio from the only known American Chinchilla breeder in Missouri. They're gorgeous rabbits with incredibly luxurious fur, beautiful eyes, and a sweet, gentle nature. They're much easier to handle than my slightly neurotic New Zealand Whites.
Photo by LauraP

Not happy to be here.
Photo by LauraP

Eeek! These two junior American Chinchilla rabbits came from the same rabbitry, but apparently they weren't buddies. They spent the rest of the evening, hugging their respective corners
Photo by LauraP

My favorite seat at the kitchen table overlooks the hummingbird feeder. The hummingbird skirmishes heat up in the late morning after the morning glories along the fence close their blossoms against the rising heat. They're most active between the time of our evening meal until dusk. The neighbors, with their well-established feeders, may have a good dozen hummers buzzing around at any given time. We just get the overflow, maybe three or four at a time. Their bickering and territorial games are so entertaining, I haven't turned on the TV for a week.
Photo by LauraP

Warning: property protected by attack banties.
Photo by LauraP

This big old post oak straddles a fenceline between two small pastures. Right now, the wire gate is open, allowing free egress. I love the oak's shape, the untidy cluster of thick branches, some worn-out, damaged and nearly dead, others strong and healthy. We writers could shape interesting analogies around an oak like this.
Photo by LauraP

Morning glory blossoms line the fence outside my front door, pinks, blues, and this dramatic variety. The garden hasn't been tended for nearly a year, so these plants are volunteers from sturdy self-seeders. The orginal gardener chose well. Gorgeous flowers, sturdy self-seeders, drought tolerant, and much loved by the hummingbirds..
Photo by LauraP