Waterlogue - Monarch on Milkweed

The original photograph is of a migrating monarch on one of many swamp milkweed plants that are blooming in the west pasture near the seasonal pond. By using the Waterlogue app, I can change the image into a watercolor image. 

Eagles and Osprey

The one thing that I wish I had was a better camera with a longer lens. I wouldn't have to crop the image so much which would result in a better image.

Nonetheless, for me, sometimes photographs - even if they aren't ideal in all respects - remind me of exciting experiences, like these do from being on the St. Croix River yesterday. Seeing such majestic birds - like the eagle and the osprey - was such a highlight of my day. The eagle flew slightly above eye level by the pontoon boat. It was unexpected and exhilarating for everyone on the boat to see! 

This month, there were more ospreys along the St. Croix River between Stillwater and Bayport. (Last month, when we were on the pontoon boat ride with the Scandia-Marine Lions and Let's Go Fishing, there were many more eagles and cormorants.)

Rescued Dogs

All four of our dogs have been adopted from Northwoods Humane Society in Wyoming (Minnesota), and each comes with his or her own story. Briefly (and in the order of the photographs):

- Aspen - rescued at only six weeks from a high-kill shelter in the south and brought to Northwoods. We adopted her at eight weeks - very early in a puppy's life. She is a Siberian Husky-American Staffordshire Terrier mix.

- Cooper - adopted at six months old. As a German Wirehaired Pointer-Golden Retriever mix, he has a tremendous amount of energy. He thrived when doing obedience and agility training, and still enjoys showing what he remembers.

- Scooby - adopted at ten years old with his brother, Danny. Both lived with a woman and her abusive boyfriend. The woman fled the situation, leaving Scooby and Danny behind. The boyfriend threatened to kill the dogs. The police got involved, rescued the dogs, and brought them to Northwoods. Scooby is a Terrier-Pug mix.

- Danny - adopted at six years old with his brother, Scooby. Both he and Scooby were overweight and had not been receiving proper medical or dental care. Since being adopted, both are at a healthy weight and have had the dental and medical care they needed which have included surgeries. Danny is a Terrier-Chihuahua mix. 

Migrating Monarchs

The monarch migration continues. Every day when I look outside at the backyard, there are at least a dozen monarchs I can count. Some may be making their way through our yard and stopping for nourishment along the way. Others may be staying for a while, not sure when their next opportunity to "fuel up" is possible. 

I wish that more people would plant a monarch waystation with a diversity of plants for them to feed upon as they make their long journey south to Mexico. 

Another Great Horned Owl

There is a trio of Great Horned Owls that are spending a lot of time in our oak and pine trees. It always makes my day to hear them call to one another. Sometimes I will mimic what I think sounds like their call. When they answer me, it makes me feel like we are able to communicate with one another...owl to person.

Monarchs are Migrating

The monarchs are migrating now and are spending a lot of time on the blazing stars - one of the many native plants we have at the farm. This is the first year that I have noticed so many monarchs in the fall. What also is interesting is that after they eat during the afternoon and early evening, the monarchs are roosting in the trees near the gardens. I have never seen this before. What a joy!!

Tang Soo Do

Olivia did her test and was promoted to the next belt level in Tang Soo Do. She broke the board which always amazes me.

Monarchs and Swamp Milkweed

I was happy to see the swamp milkweed blooming this year. I had put some dormant plants out in the west pasture last year in the spots where there were depressions in the soil left by the horses' hooves. Surprisingly, the plants came up this year and are doing well. The monarchs (and the bees!) are loving the milkweed.

It was also nice to see that there are monarch caterpillars on the common milkweed. Pretty soon, there will be a chrysalis and a new butterfly!

Bald Eagles and Double-Crested Cormorant

On the pontoon boat ride on the St. Croix River yesterday, there was an abundance of wildlife - especially eagles and double-crested cormorants. I had no idea we would see so many raptors and waterfowl. Needless to say, it was an inspiring and uplifting day!

Seniors on a Pontoon Boat Ride

As a member of the Scandia-Marine Lions, I see how hard many of the seniors work to provide services and events to the community. As a "thank you" to them, I arranged with Let's Go Fishing for a pontoon boat ride on the St. Croix River. Here are two of the ten Lions who went on the ride. 

Angry Rooster

Someone wasn't happy about being penned in at the Washington County Fair.

Window Star

This is a new window star that I made using kite paper. It is made up of 8 stars of varying sizes: 3 stars in the smallest size, 3 stars in the medium size, and 3 stars in the largest size. Each point of the stars uses the same pattern that has 8 folds.

With 8 points (per star) multiplied by 8 folds per point multiplied by the number of stars in each grouping (see table below), it took a total of 512 folds to make this star. 

Baby Chickadees!

 The baby black-capped chickadees are hungry and waiting for Mama Chickadee to return with breakfast.

Pears

The pears are starting to grow. In a few months, they will be ripe and delicious. We use no chemicals on the fruit trees - or anywhere on our property, for that matter - so they can be eaten directly from the tree.

Wild Columbine

This columbine is a native plant and is both in our gardens and under the pine trees on the east side of the farm. They also can be seen in ditches unless the city does an early mowing and cuts them down. It's unfortunate when they do this. Not only are these plants cut, but native milkweed - which monarchs depend on - are also destroyed.

Honeysuckle

A couple years ago, I planted a honeysuckle for the hummingbirds. This year, the flowers are prolific. I'm hoping that the hummingbirds find the honeysuckle and use it as one of their food sources. Bees and bumblebees also visit the honeysuckle.

Prairie Smoke

The Prairie Smoke has moved to the stage where its plumes look like smoke. This is one of my favorite native plants. They are doing exceptionally well this year.

Eastern Bluestar

The Eastern Bluestar - a native perennial - is blooming. I love its delicate flowers and subtle blue coloring. 

Kew Botanical Gardens - Day 3

 On the third day in London, I went to Kew Botanical Gardens while my family did other activities that were more of interest to them. 

The diversity of plants was something I knew would be something fascinating. I had no idea, however, that there would be plants from all over the world that could survive in the climate in England. I also especially enjoyed the water lilies, cacti, and endangered plants.

Orphanage Museum

Some images from the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum in Owatonna.