It is a Good Life - Wildlife, Close to Home 

Sometimes plans change, and one can find adventures in nature close to home. Today started out like any lazy Sunday, which are quite rare at my house. The sky was grey and cloudy, it looked like there may be rain in the forecast. The the boys and I decided to stay home, and be lazy.


Brayden "jigging" for fish

After lunch, it still had not rained, so we went to the Outdoor Expo at the fairgrounds. The boys gave fishing a try.

Brayden got quite excited when a fish took the worm off of his fish hook. He said that he was "jigging" his line. He got upset, when Dan took the pole away to put on a new worm. He was ready to fish! Brayden was perfectly happy with "jigging" his pole and empty fish hook. Brayden tried fishing again with a new worm, but the fish were not cooperative today.

Brenden patiently waiting for the fish to bite his line

Brenden had at least five fish fascinated with his minnow and bobber. We could see them from shore. The fish would swim close to shore. They circled the bobber and minnow, to investigate what was in the water with them. The fish would look at the minnow and bobber, sit still, swim around the bobber and minnow, and then come back and do the routine all over again. It was a shame that the fish were not hungry and cooperative today. It would have been fun to watch Brenden and Brayden catch a fish, even if we would have to release it back into the pond.

Geese watching all of the children fish

We had fun watching geese, and looking at the fish in the pond.
There was still a lot for Brayden and Brenden to do. Displays of native fish in aquariums and ponds. Frogs, toads and turtle were also available for all to enjoy. There were many new campers to tour. Puppies were running around and there was Kayaking in a shallow man-made pond.

I told Brenden I would kayak in the pond, but he refused to go with me. I think he was afraid that I would embarrass him, by capsizing my kayak. I was not worried. I can swim, and I have paddled a kayak in the past. He is at the age when it is not always "cool" to do things with his mother. The boys have grown up too fast!

Turtles - A species native to the area



Frogs - species native to the area

Later, we went to see ducks, chickens, pheasant, partridge and rabbits at the local hardware store. The store wildlife and personnel were blessed with the presence of a cocker spaniel and a golden lab. Neither the dogs, nor the fowl and rabbits were impressed with one another. However, the dogs do think that it is the best thing in the world, when we take them to the store.

 Our town is not large enough to have a Petco or other store that allows animals to shop. When the dogs are allowed to come with us, they go crazy. I am not sure if they are excited to spend extra time with me, or to go for the free dog treat from the store. I am leaning toward the free dog treat!

Brayden after a long afternoon at the expo and shopping

It is a Good Life - Brayden's Sanctuary

This weekend, we built a pond in the backyard for Brayden. It all started when we went to a local building supply store. If you know Brayden at all, it takes something very special to make Brayden excited. He saw a large brick waterfall, on display at the store. He became very excited, and expressed that he wanted the waterfall in his backyard. He was so excited, that he started stomping his feet, knocking his knees together and clapping his hands. (These are all the things that he does when he is excited and very happy).  Much to my sadness, the waterfall cost over $800.00. That was definitely out of my budget. We decided on a backyard pond, complete with a fountain.

Now please do not get the impression that Brayden is overly spoiled. Brayden rarely ever asks for anything. He does not play with toys, he cannot hold very many things. Brayden did not get excited about anything in life, until he started riding horses at "Hope Therapeutic Riding," two years ago. When Brayden does ask for something, we try to pay attention to his wants. We also consider how it will benefit him educationally, as well.

Yesterday, the pond was constructed. Brayden became very excited, when he saw the pond. He had the look on his face that stated, "Really, this is for me? I cannot believe it!" He said that the pond was just as good as a waterfall.

Today, we spent a lot of time in the backyard, re potting house plants. We did this next to his new pond. He was very happy. Tonight, he told me that the pond was better than the waterfall at the building supply store.

We will buy some goldfish, to place in Brayden's pond later this week. We will wait until midweek, as it will be in the 40's here, the next few nights. Now, the challenge will become keeping the dogs out of the pond on hot days. I have a feeling that Bella may make it her personal wading pool. If that happens, I am not sure how the fish will feel. However, I know that Bella will be very happy.

Taffy, Brayden and Bella

It is a Good Life - Babies, Babies, Babies

I returned to my home, from taking Brayden to his play date, and found a baby bunny in my backyard today. I must have looked like a goof to my neighbors, following the bunny around with my camera, in the rain this morning. I live on a fairly busy street, so I am sure that I provided humor for anyone who drove by my home. I can only imagine what the bunny was thinking. "What is this strange human doing, and why is she following me?"

Here are some of the pictures that I took of Baby Bunny. It is amazing the wildlife that can be found all around my home, even though I live in town. What a blessing!

It is a Good Life - Camp Out in the Backyard

My son is currently having a camp out in the backyard. There are four boys. They are singing, using a propane fire pit for a campfire, and all are playing on either laptops or Ipads. Camping sure has changed from when I was a kid! I was told that they are going to stay up all night long. It could be an interesting day tomorrow! I think that I should wake up really early, and make some noise by the tent. Or perhaps, I will just leave it to the birds to wake them.

For those of you that are following the bunny saga, we have seen baby bunnies under the steps of my front porch. I have also seen Momma Bunny there the past few days. It is good to know that our bunny family is safe and sound! 

It is a Good Life - The Bunny Saga

I thought my baby bunnies were eaten by birds this week. I am happy to report that they have been moved. I saw baby bunnies yesterday, I saw Momma Bunny this morning. I believe that Momma Bunny just thought our yard was just too busy. Brenden saw one hiding under my deck this afternoon. Neither of us had a camera with us. I hope to post pictures soon. Stay tuned.......

(As I write this, Brayden is sitting by my side. He wants to put his feet on the laptop!)

It is a Good Life - The Bunny Saga Ends, New Life Begins

The bunny saga is officially over. The rabbits are no longer in my backyard. I am hoping that Momma Bunny moved her brood, due to too much life in my backyard. I hope that the birds or other animals did not get to them. I have not seen Momma Bunny for at least two days, and the nest is now empty. My son is sad. I know that he was hoping to see baby rabbits in the backyard. I know that my dogs did not get them, as I watched them very closely, every time I let them out.

Apparently the rabbits no longer phase my dogs. I took them both to Runnings today. They both walked by the baby bunny pen and had no interest in the rabbits. They were too busy "power shopping" for their new favorite, sweet potato fries for dogs. Both dogs now prefer these treats to the biscuit type of treat. The ones that we buy have not artificial flavor, color or preservatives. Just sweet potatoes and natural vitamins.

I was fortunate to witness new life this week. I took my class on a field trip to the wetlands. We witnessed baby ducks hatching in the wild. We were told by our guides that the babies were not hatched earlier in the day. We actually witnessed one leave it's shell for the very first time. It was beautiful!

Now, on to a new chapter. Time to find a new saga to post. Stay tuned......

It is a Good Life - The Bunny Saga Continues....
5/8/12

Though I had not seen Momma Bunny last night, she did appear today. She sat under my lilac bush, watching her nest, most of the evening. She did let me get very close to her, to take her picture. She also let me get close to her nest, so that I could take a picture of that, as well. I had to reinstall the protective fence. I am sure that one of my dogs had moved it. I was worried that I did not leave her a big enough entrance to the den; so of course, me being me I had to go and double check it. That is when she let me get within two feet of her.

Bella and Taffy still keep a watchful eye on the brood. I also keep a watchful eye on the dogs. Stay tuned for future developments.......




Baby Bunny nest

Momma Bunny