Stormy Summer Skies

Usually our valley summer skies are clear and dry,

but we have had a few days of clouds, even sprinkles.

The boys love the smells after a bit of moisture,

but have no idea how to handle muggy humid conditions.

So as they were happily home scarfing down wet Fancy Feast,

we were treated to a glorious sunset, an August oddity.

Every minute the colors change as the sun sets behind the coastal range.

A cotton candy ceiling on a robin's egg sky.

Fall Clean-Up

Each fall I brush-hog the field,
to maintain meadow plants, and
keep the blackberries in check.

I mowed for 11hrs over two days,...
The boys were excited the entire time inside,

Ready to head out to explore,...

So this is the culprit,...

This is interesting,...

Tanji heads out,...

Into the field.

Woooo Hoooo

Yeah ! (vole dancing)

Uschi found a stump to sit on.

Tanji was stunning,...

Slinking,...

What ?

Uschi found a hole to lounge in,...

As the sun was going down.

Nice clouds.

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Port-Hole

The other day I was woken
by the "Uschi-Alarm Clock."

Every morning by 5am, if we are lucky,
Uschi has had enough night time "silence."

Walking quietly on his wheel is soon
accompanied by HOWLING !!!

This pierces the ear plugs I now sleep with.
Thanks to the U-man I have been "lucky"
enough to regularly witness

the sun rise over the Cascades.

The moon is all that lights the western sky
and the little cap of snow on Mary's Peak, but

the eastern sky is vibrant.

Thanks Uschi !!

As I return to the warmth of the house
Uschi is waiting for me,

looking out his cat window in the door.

Quiet little Vladi-man is also there
watching the sun rise.


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Merry Christmas

Sleigh Ride
(8" x 12" acrylic on board)

(hold on Vladi, Tanji just saw the Da-Bird)

I woke this morning and looked to the east,
my eyes opened wide as I saw,...

the sky aglow.

I lept from bed, grabbed the camera, and rushed
out into the frosted dark morning.

The moon was still lighting the sky to the west.

Mary's Peak had received some snow during the night.

The Eastern sky reflected on the "Vernal Pond."

Note: I have not enhanced the colors of the sky, it was this amazing!
What a coincidence that Lesley's painting for today has a colorful sky.

I went back into the sleeping house and curled up on
the couch,... my excitement to head outside woke the
boys, who were now ripping around the house.

Tanji worshiped our new holiday night-light.

Through the darkness of the house I captured,

Uschi visiting the light too.

Later we opened a few gifts.

I've got this one,...

this one too,...

Tanji ripped around on the paper,...

Uschi went inside,... and

peeked out.

What is next ?

My turn to go under the paper,...

Get him Uschi,...

This paper-induced wrestling went on
for an hour or so.

What fun we have.

Merry Christmas !

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Golden Boys

Tanji's silhouette in the late-day sun.

Today was a gorgeous sunny day, when we took the boys out at 3 p.m., the sun was already low in the sky, casting golden rays everywhere. Usually we take all of the boys back inside together, but once Uschi and Vladi went inside, Tanji wanted to run around a bit more. Uschi and Vladi ran out to the kennel to see what was going on...

Vladi is watching Tanji and Uschi is watching the
birds flying to the feeders for a late-day snack.

Vladi is wagging his tail with a big smile,
as he watches Tanji run around.

Uschi is smiling too at the little birdies flying nearby.

Tanji spots his brothers on the perch and
runs back to the house. Its time for dinner!


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Besides The Bengal Brothers

Praying mantis

Besides the Bengal brothers,
we occasionally take pictures of
other subjects in the yard.

The "yard" has been really coming alive, over the past few years
since we started working to enhance the habitat,
by planting lots of trees and shrubs,
as well as leaving un-mowed areas,
and feeding the birds.

This summer we had

a Bullfrog living in the pond.

He was very bold,...

I was trying to splash him into action,
in the hopes of catching an
action shot of him jumping.

He just sat there watching me.

Splash,...

Splash,...

Finally he hopped over and ate one of the
little stones I tossed to make the splashes.

Finally, he got a little hot (I believe),
sitting on his rock,

and jumped in for a

refreshing swim.

We have a "few" birds that visit us,...

The goldfinches hang out waiting for food

as do the Brewer's Blackbirds,
and red-wing blackbirds.

I think you are sitting a little still,...

California quail (valley quail) showed up this year.
(also pheasants)

Of course another nice sunset.


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