The peony behind our house is in full bloom, and it could not be more gorgeous. Whenever I see peonies, I’m reminded of those that grew behind Great Grandma Stolz’s house in Elmwood.
Archive for the ‘Outdoor life’ Category
10 May
Monarch watch
We took the girls to the Monarch Watch event at the university this weekend.
As Olivia got up close and personal with with a caterpillar, she quietly informed the staffer that “caterpillars turn into butterflies.” The helpful response came back, “WELL ACTUALLY, they turn into chrysalis FIRST.” . . . Um, thanks. She’s three.
The butterflies were contained in a mating enclosure, making them somewhat hard to photograph.
I can tell you, though, these two should get a room.
We came home with a few butterfly plants for our garden–hopefully we’ll have our own Monarchs at this time next year!
4 May
Garden girls
It’s the year of the tomato . . . despite having room for maybe three tomato plants at most, I went a bit overboard at the country market. Now, we have five heirloom varieties, including Nebraska Wedding, Green Zebra, Yellow Pear, Black Cherry and Brandywine.
Bryan reminded me that I’m pretty terrible when it comes to picking tomatoes, but I think we’ll have plenty of help this summer . . .
I also crammed in a cucumber and a zucchini plant (the Bornemeier in me wanted to plant two), and our herbs. What’s growing in your garden this spring?
10 Feb
In which David Sibley plays the role of hero
Bryan and I had the opportunity to see the film Ghost Bird at KU’s natural history museum last night. The film chronicles the reported sightings of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker and the subsequent fallout from the announcement the bird had returned from extinction. It also does a brilliant job of showing the impact hope and human nature can have on science.
You can watch a trailer online, and if you have the chance, do see the full film. It’s fantastic.
8 Oct
Fall color
Just in case you need to know RIGHT NOW where the best fall color is, the US Forest Service has created a hotline for up-to-the-minute reports on the matter. There’s also a new Web site that highlights specific states and parks. Sadly, none of my favorites are represented, but perhaps they will be added later.
We’re just starting to see a few changing leaves here. It’s going to be nearly 90 degrees today, so while it doesn’t feel like fall, it looks a bit like it.
What’s it like where you are?
22 Sep
Olivia’s big find
Olivia was the first one out the door this morning, and when she rounded the car, she started yelling, “Oh! Look, a turtle! GET IT, DADDY!”
I have to admit I thought she had confused her animals, but she was right—there was a box turtle slowing making his way across the driveway. Bryan scooped him up so the girls could get a closer look.
After a few moments, Bryan carried him to the yard and pointed him in the right direction. He’s one of the nicer visitors we’ve had as a result of the waterway behind the house.
10 Aug
Staples of the season
We had our first large garden tomato just last week. I’m hopeful that a bountiful harvest that might allow for a bit of canning is right around the corner, but it seems quite late. So just in case this might be one of a few, I relished every bite of that BLT.
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