The Mountain Thymes

  This is my view from the kitchen window................... The tall tree stump on the left had recently been struck by lightning.  One morning I notice a large male Pileated woodpecker ripping the bark off in search of insects.  Our neighbor, Charlie, cut the tree down leaving a place for me to set a plant or put a bird house on or whatever else I come up with.  This morning while doing dishes I watched male and female Eastern bluebirds bathe.  When he splashed and submerged she stood guard then he did the same for her.  I laughed and enjoyed their playful splashing. Being home has been a little challenging for Cliff but I love it.  I really don't want too be running into town for errands or gas or prescriptions daily.  I'm content being outside with my plants, weeds, birds, and no drama, no traffic.  This year our bluebirds successfully hatched, fed, and fledged their offspring. We don't know how many babies the parents fed but for the past two weeks they have been very

 A few mornings ago when working in the lower garden, I heard baby bluebirds peeping and squeaking from one of the houses.  We weren't sure if there were any eggs babies.  Off and on during the day I would notice an adult sit on the roof or perch on a garden post before flying in.  This is the first year we've heard the babies.  Other years something always happened and the eggs didn't hatch.  Also, we're watching the geranium window box.  A couple days ago when there had been no sign of birds going in and out I pulled the box down, peeked in to see five eggs and carefully slide the box back on its shelf. Yesterday I slowly poured water into the edges of the box and frightened mother out.  So she's still sitting.  Wisteria full of bumblebees............. Tuesday Cliff began his new four-hour long chemo regimen with a pump attached for 48 hours that continued a second chemo. As the day went on he felt worse and spent the day restless, napping and just lying around in

 Each spring Mother Nature unfolds surprises for me. Some....disappointing such as a late frost that burns blooms waiting to open in the warming sun.  The past two years my wisteria buds and other plants were frost burned.  This year the wild azalea flowers are deep orange and blooming throughout the woods. This little one was a delightful surprise. From the back porch looking deep into the woods..................... The rose-breasted grosbeaks are here for awhile.  Bluebirds have been spotted going in and out of one of the two houses down by the garden.  Birds have been nesting building from the nesting balls placed in the trees.  I hope the female hummingbird builds nearby. Last Wednesday on the way to the Brasstown farmers market traffic stopped for a rogue cow wandering from her pasture. Around the homestead..................                                                           arugula, carrots and parsley                                                         tasty garlic ch