Hummingbird Happiness

Peruvian Apple Cactus

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:37:00 +0000

Last July I wrote about our Peruvian Apple Cactus, and
it has become a fairly popular post on the Hummingbird Happiness Blog. Since the cactus is blooming again, I thought I'd do a little revisit;)

Definitely a member of our family, it was planted in the backyard (much too close to the fence;) about 30 years ago. A gift from my brother-in-law, it arrived as a section of trunk and roots, huge, heavy, and ancient. I couldn't give it's exact age, but my guess is that the original plant must be at least 70 years old.

For safety purposes, we've trimmed it back to the original trunk a number of times. The 'spires' are quite tall and very heavy, so we utilize a method of pruning using ropes, a ladder, and bow saw to take them down one by one. Timber!!!! Cuttings can be rooted, so they often become second generation cacti.

The flowers are lovely, but night-blooming, so early morning is the best time to enjoy them. Notice (in the photo above) the complete flowering cycle of a bloom. There are the small buds, one ready to open, the open flower, and the beginning of the cactus fruit, or pitaya, where a spent bloom has fallen, leaving a dangling string behind.

The (Box) Turtle

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:10:00 +0000

The turtle can't go out to play,
Or sell his house or rent it;
For when he moves,
His house moves too
And nothing can prevent it.

It's always a good day when I see our box turtle.
Half the year he hibernates; the other half he forages for food...so he can hibernate! He keeps the snail population in check, but, sadly, he has reduced the number of fence lizards in the yard too. Today I found him floating in the pond. Mosquito fish for lunch? Possibly!

(Poem courtesy of Can Teach)

Isn't She A Beauty?

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 06:00:00 +0000

An alligator lizard among the roses. Now that's juxtaposition! She brings back memories of my childhood when catching just one alligator lizard trumped corralling five to ten “blue-belly” fence lizards. Alligator lizards have attitude. They're arrogant loners with powerful jaws, a snake-ish slither, and keeled scales that look like armor. The tail, if original, almost doubles the lizard's length and is slightly prehensile. It can detach too, for a quick escape from predators. Will an alligator lizard climb a tree? Most certainly! Not only do they munch on bugs, but also on eggs and baby birds.

Notice the Nest?

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Tue, 19 May 2009 01:09:00 +0000

While walking the other day, I noticed a mourning dove flying toward a flowering pear tree. She didn't hold the traditional olive branch in her mouth; rather, dry pine needles. Hmmmm. Maybe I should investigate;) Sure enough, there was a nest, but I did not linger since I was disturbing the two doves working so diligently to complete their home.

My logical mind doubted their choice of locations. The nest was hidden in leaves, but so low to the ground....and SO close to the sidewalk. The tree is located in a park, but fortunately not in a play area. Perhaps no one would notice them. Except me;)

My walking route varies daily, but I do check the birdies when I can. This nest is not the first one I have monitored. One year at work, we discovered a pair of nesting doves. We could see them at eye level through the second floor window, but the best view was from the third floor window looking down. Mom and Dad successfully raised two youngsters. It was a happy day when they flew away, but a little sad to see the empty nest. Wonder if birdie moms feel the same as their human counterparts? ;)

Three Little Parakeets....

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Tue, 12 May 2009 02:35:00 +0000

...my pets, and notoriously messy! That's one reason they live outside;) Parakeets can easily survive Southern California winters OUTDOORS (provided they have adequate shelter). When my old walk-in aviary finally succumbed to weather, hookbills, and termites, I razed it with the intent to build something smaller. A few years ago, I discovered some heavy-duty storage racks on clearance at Lowes. The price was right too. With some adjustments to the assembly, plywood, pegboard, a few pieces of cedar and some aviary wire, my three little parakeets had a new home. These days the cage is a little rusty, but my birdies are as pretty as ever!

Spring Blooms are Humming

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 03:10:00 +0000

Colorful blooms have arrived this Spring. Cymbidium Orchids, Kolanchoe, wintered-over Gerbera Daisies, Don Juan Roses, and Bougainvilla Flowers are competing for attention....mine! Potted to decorate my porch, I try to sneak a peek through the screen door many times a day. Hummingbirds visit as well with squeaks and chatter to let me know that company's-a-comin' ;)

That's a Rufous at the feeder!

If you enjoy a nice view from your window or door, be sure to post it on the What I See Out My Window Blog. I did! (Terri's View)

Let Them Eat Cake!

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:06:00 +0000

My baby boy celebrates his 22nd birthday tomorrow, so Saturday morning (before he left for the University) I needed to produce a birthday cake. Recipe of choice? My chocolate sheet cake which takes less than an hour to make from beginning to end. Yay! 'Twas finished in time for his trip to Redlands.....

Happy Birthday Kiddo!!!

Hi Natalie! We received your postcard from Paris! Wish you were here! Sending a celebratory slice of virtual birthday cake your way! Have fun in Italy!

Chocolate Sheet Cake

2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup buttermilk
(or 1/2 cup milk with 1 tablespoon white vinegar)
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla (or 1 tablespoon Kahlua liqueur)
2 sticks margarine
4 tablespoons cocoa
1 cup water

Mix together sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a large bowl. In a medium saucepan mix margarine, cocoa, and water. Bring to a boil then pour over dry ingredients. Mix well. Add milk, soda, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well. Pour into an 11" X 16" greased and floured pan, then bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. (Batter will be thin.)

Frosting

1 stick margarine
4 tablespoons cocoa
1/3 cup milk

Mix ingredients in saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in 1 pound of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla (or 1 tablespoon Kahlua liqueur), and a cup of chopped nuts (I use walnuts). Frost while the cake is hot. Allow to cool before serving.

A Postcard from Salzburg

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:01:00 +0000

My son’s good friend Natalie (from college) is spending the spring semester of her junior year in Salzburg, Austria.....
IN A CASTLE! Great gig if you can get it, yes?

I adore Natalie and love to receive the email glimpses she sends our way. It’s that old vicarious thing, ya know!

A portion of her latest ‘postcard’......

Forgive me for the lateness of this email. I haven’t gotten the chance to get on the internet in a while (we don’t have it at the house, and if I want to get online I have to pay for an expensive drink at a bar/café, unless it’s during happy hour).

Salzy is still as amazing as ever. I just finished watching The Sound of Music and it’s so cool to spot scenes in the movie and to know I was actually there (or rather that I actually live here). FYI-The scene where the children
and Maria pass the fountain on the way to their picnic (Do-Ray-Mi), I pass the same fountain on my way into
town EVERY DAY!

Since my last email, I have traveled to many places. The second complete weekend at the house (January 22-24), our class took a trip to Vienna with our professors. I’ve already been to Vienna, but it’s just as beautiful as I remember it. We saw many things including the Belvedere, Stephansdom (huge church), the Museum of Art History, in addition to going on a walking tour of the city and seeing other sites. Saturday the class headed back to Salzburg while Morgan (a friend of mine here) and I took a train from Vienna to Munich, Germany. We were there less than 24 hours but saw SO much. We went to the Hofbräuhaus (twice!...it’s a HUGE beer hall that can hold 8,000 people, supposedly). There are busty women who serve you pretzels and beer (only in liter form). You make friends there quite easily as you just sit down at a table with free space (others may already be sitting there with extra room). Our hostel called Wombat’s was cool, and offered a free three hour tour. We saw many sites, got lost a few times, walked MANY a mile, but made it home safely at around 8pm Sunday night.

The next weekend (January 29-February 1) I went to Prague (the capital of the Czech Republic). I was definitely out of my comfort zone there, as I didn’t even know the simplest words like “thank you” and “hello”. Austria and Germany are a breeze because at least I can get around with the little German I do know; but we had to speak English the entire time we were in Prague (it was rather discouraging). In addition, it was FREEZING. The weather forecast turned out to be incredibly wrong and I nearly froze to death the first day we walked around town. The second day I doubled up on shirts and it snowed. However, we got to see many sites like the Astronomical clock, this tower-like structure modeled after the Eiffel tower that looks out over ALL of Prague, Prague castle, a Salvador Dali/Alfonse Mucha exhibit, an Andy Warhol exhibit (that was interesting…), the Museum of Communism, Charles Bridge (which is GORGEOUS), and many others.......

This Thursday I am headed to Greece for 10 days!!!! We are going to be in Athens, Delphi, Nafplion, and Olympia. I am super excited and canNOT wait to tell you all about it.

For those of you who receive postcards within the next couple weeks, they might be a little outdated (as in, three weeks old) just because I haven’t gotten the opportunity to buy postage for a while, so bear with me please!

Liebe (Love),
Natalie

P.S. It snowed here this past week and everything looked gorgeous. I’m positive we got over half a foot of snow! But we had a “heat wave” the past couple days and it’s in the 40s, sometimes 50s and all of the snow is nearly gone. I’m hoping it snows again so that I can go sledding.

P.P.S. Sorry for the lack of pictures. It takes FOREVER to upload one picture.

P.P.S. Dad, can you send this to anyone else on your email that would enjoy this? i.e. C and C, the Harris Family, Terri and Jodi, Auntie Cher. Thanks Dad! :D

P.P.P.S. The one picture I have attached to this email was when I was on a sleigh ride through the Austrian Alps on January 11th.

Yes. Thanks, Natalie (and Dad too;)
Can't wait to hear about Greece.....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 03:43:00 +0000

Time to ring in 2009. Our family makes the 25-mile annual pilgrimage to Pasadena to party on Colorado Boulevard at midnight then awaken with a front row seat to one of the most beautiful parades in existence, the Rose Parade.

Morning arrivals to The Boulevard (part of historic Route 66) require ladder seating, while sleep overs require warm clothing and blankets (or a snooze in the ol’ SUV for us wimps;) When my son and nieces were little, we added a wooden plank between our ladders. The little ones sat there with snacks, hot chocolate, and a bird’s eye view of the morning festivities.

New Year's Eve promises lots of activity on the streets near Colorado and Orange Grove! Watch out for silly string and shaving cream pies if you cruise the boulevard in your car; notice street campsites staked out with portable heaters, air mattresses, and chairs; see local reporters comb the area for news stories too; and if you venture south on Raymond around 10 PM, you may get a peek at flowered floats being moved from their ‘barn’ to the staging area on Orange Grove. Last, but never least, make a stop at Jakes. We do! The best sliders, burgers, and homemade chili you’ll find anywhere. Yum!

Colorado quiets slightly a few hours before daybreak, but morning reveals hustle and bustle and anticipation. The Parade will begin with a breathtaking flyover. You can hear a pin drop...just before the roar. Marching bands, incredible floats, beautiful flowers, equestrian units, and celebrity Grand Marshals make a chilly night on the street very worthwhile....

From past parades, I loved seeing the marching Storm Troopers from Star Wars, and Grand Marshal George Lucas...

...watched Kareem Abdul Jabbar talk on his cell phone while riding shotgun on a stagecoach. Must have been a matter of life and death (she says with tongue in cheek;)

.....I’ve seen my sister-in-law show up for the last 15 minutes of the parade with her hangover in tow;)

...and I always marvel at designer Raul Rodriguez’s creations. He’s a local boy who won a float-designing contest as a teenager, then made it his career. Look for him and his beautiful blue macaw...

Then plan your trip to Pasadena for New Years 2010!

Firestorms!

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:00:00 +0000

On Saturday, weather conditions brought wildfires as close to my neighborhood as they’ve ever been. As I walked at the park yesterday morning, the first plumes of smoke from Brea, Yorba Linda, and Anaheim Hills looked as if I could touch them; but they were still singular and separate. Early afternoon, we attended my niece’s softball game in Whittier. Scheduled as a double header, the air quality became too unhealthy to play the second game. Strong winds were blowing the smoke in a westerly direction (toward us) and at one point the sun suffered an eery eclipse. By nightfall, we could see a glow in the east and the car’s headlights created 'fireflies' from the ashes that were whipping around in the wind.

This morning, I took photos of the ash-covered concrete and cars under a haze-occluded sun. Santa Ana winds have tamed somewhat for now, but the damage is done.

I posted the following comment five weeks ago on Stumbleupon.com when we were in the midst of the Porter Ranch fires. Nature always has the ability to humble us, and she has once again.

While I love Autumn, the fall season in Southern California can be deadly. It is the season of Santa Ana winds and firestorms. I grew up here, an LA County Fireman's daughter. My dad has been retired 20 years now, but the last brush fire he fought was in the Porter Ranch area. Fire Fighting technology has improved tremendously in 20 years, but Fire is a tough adversary. The tragedy is that civilization has invaded the canyons and hills; they were meant to be left alone. Wild. Natural. So now Fire threatens not only the wild creatures, but the human ones too.

Happy Halloweeeeeeen!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 04:47:00 +0000

Halloween! All Hallow's Eve! Dia De Los Muertos! The day of candy corn, jack-o-lanterns, costumes, ghouls, goblins, fun, and generally SCARY STUFF!

How about spiders? They are very active in the Fall. Big garden spiders spin and spin, creating huge symmetrical webs to trap their prey. Daylight finds them in hiding; evening begins the hunt. And watch out for Black Widows too! They seek dark places, spinning rather desultory webs as their signature death trap.

And how scary is a pumpkin? The inside can be pretty darn to a little one, namely mine. When my son and niece were young we carved some pumpkins for Halloween. Each child was to clean-out his/her own pumpkin before the artistic process would begin. My niece dug in happily; my son protested. Thinking he just wanted to skip to the fun part
I encouraged him to persist. Not until I heard him say "Mom, I see little white flies in my pumpkin" and "I'm dizzy" did I realize what was happening. My rough and tumble boy was seeing stars! Blood and guts never phased him, but the mushy innards of a pumpkin were definitely his kryptonite!

Be afraid! Be very afraid!

Sentimental Journey

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 02:24:00 +0000

My folks had a road trip to Oregon planned for this Fall. A sentimental journey of sorts to enjoy long overdue visits with relatives and old friends. When my dad broke his ribs in early September, I had some concern about them traveling alone. (Besides, I’ll dig for any excuse to do a road trip;) So with vacation time available from work, I offered to be their chauffeur and travel agent:)

Dallas and Doris (my parents) have been married for 58 years. They were wed on June 25, 1950, a date familiar to US History buffs as the day the Korean War began. My mother had not seen my father for a year when she arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii where he was stationed as a member of the US Navy. They were married with no relatives present, only friends: Mac was Best Man. Lil was Matron of Honor. They, too, were newlyweds (of only four months). Mac was in the Navy. Lil worked at Ship Service.

Ah, the twists and turns of fate. My dad needed to find an apartment before my mom arrived, so Mac mentioned that the one below he and Lil was available. Thus began an enduring friendship of four people, born in different parts of the country within 10 months of one another. An Iowan, Missourian, Idahoan, and Hawaiian became friends and neighbors on Palani Street in Honolulu, Hawaii.

My parents have always remembered and appreciated the kindness of their friends. Mom had no wedding dress for the marriage ceremony, so Lil borrowed one from another friend for her to wear. The couples socialized and celebrated holidays together for the two years they were neighbors. My dad spent an extra year in the Navy because of the war. Mac signed over and became a career man. Our family ultimately settled in Southern California. Their family lived in Washington, Oregon, California, and even Cuba for two years. We kept in communication mostly through letters, lost touch for a number of years, then, with the aid of the internet, began communicating again.

This past weekend I watched four people who hadn’t seen each other in 37 years reminisce without missing a beat. Names, places, and stories from the past were discussed, photos shared, and gaps of time brought up to date. I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing every moment of this event but must say that one particular discussion stood out above all others.

The day prior to our visit was Lil’s 80th birthday, making her the first of the four to reach that milestone. Always beautiful inside and out, sweet too, she still has that sharp little edge that makes her so interesting to talk with.

Lil was born and raised in Honolulu in a neighborhood near Diamond Head. When Pearl Harbor was attacked, she had just turned 13 years old. I felt so privileged to hear about this event from her perspective! A child’s point-of-view, so different from the military strategies of history books:)

She recounted that she remembered seeing the smoke rise from the harbor for days and also mentioned that they feared ground invasion from the Japanese. (Looking back, we know that the attack was only aerial, but if you are experiencing it in real time, how could you be certain?) Everyone was issued gas masks. She noted (as a 13 year old girl would;) that they were UGLY, heavy, and had a huge filter canister on them. Required to tote them everywhere, she gave up carrying a purse, and piled her belongings into the mask. Children are wonderful! She also noted the required blackouts in the days following the attack. Absolutely no light was allowed to leak from the houses at night. Her father was the warden in their neighborhood, too. He patrolled to make certain it was “Lights Out!”

On behalf of Dallas and Doris, I would like to thank Mac, Lil, Sharon, Debbie....and Mollie;) for their hospitality. This was a road trip like no other......

*Note: Photo Number 4 was taken at the Punchbowl Cemetery on Christmas Day 1950.

Smashing Pumpkins!

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:34:00 +0000

.....she said in her best British accent. No, not the alternative rock group (formed in Chi-town, BTW). It's October showcase time for the versatile pumpkin!

Our pumpkins got an early start this year. After the seedlings were planted, vines took off across the yard and even up the fence. During the morning hours, bees were ecstatic over the blooms, showing no discrimination between male and female flowers. Soon tiny pumpkins appeared, then grew and grew till harvest time....

My friend Jordi from Missouri (or Missoura, like my mom, a Missouri native, says) loves pumpkins (and gourds too). She occasionally looks to Martha Stewart Magazine for fun ideas, and discovered the Pumpkin Owls this year. They are quite easy to make, especially if you leave out the miniature lights.

Jordi and I both get a giggle out of Martha (often the definition of perfectionism and its negatives). Martha did a televised special many years ago with Julia Child as guest. Watching loosey-goosey Julia frustrate Miss M (almost to the point of homicide) was incredibly entertaining. Someday Jordi and her sister will take over the Martha Stewart empire;) I hope it's hostile....

Choose yer weapon, Martha! Spatulas it is!

Fangorn Forest

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 06:24:00 +0000

When a college student’s laptop takes it’s last breath and there’s a 7-cent balance in his checking account, life isn’t good. Fortunately, a loaner-laptop was available for use; unfortunately, it was at home, not school. For the second weekend in a row, Mom’s Delivery Service to the rescue (and another trip to the Fangorn Forest as reward!)

Remember the Lord of the Rings (Movie) Trilogy? Definitely a favorite, funny how an unexpected trigger can bring back fond memories. My son was in his early teens when the first LOTR movie was released. He saw it with friends then insisted that I see it too. Instantly hooked, I could hardly wait to see the next two movies. The characters; wonderful acting; interesting images; classic good vs. evil; Sam, my favorite hobbit; how could I possibly forget?

After stopping at the University on Saturday, this Pixie headed uphill to fish and to enjoy the Western Junipers. Thick and twisted with age, these trees are able to survive flash floods while protecting the soil from erosion. Jeffrey Pines are tall, majestic, and favorite homes to Western Gray Squirrels. (Smell the bark to enjoy a delicious aroma of vanilla.) Pinyon Pines, California Black Oaks, and Willows round out my version of the Fangorn Forest.....

Notice too, the smile:-)

A felled tree once blocked this trail, so forestry workers removed the offending portion. Exposed ends were turned into opposing seats (resting places for weary hikers). The worker with a sense of humor (and creativity) carved a happy face on one seat (not quite Treebeard of The Two Towers fame, but cute!). Yes, the forest can be magical....

Let us not forget the Monty Python song either....LOL

Take a Hike!

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:11:00 +0000

Normally, Moms get a little frustrated when their college-student children are forgetful or disorganized (especially in regards to moving back to the dorm). This year I was kinda glad when my son forgot some items, because I got to take a hike;)

Mom’s Delivery Service made the trip to Redlands early Saturday morning. Hugs and kisses for my little one, here’s your stuff, let me use your bathroom, and then See Mom Run! Highway 38 (aka the back way to Big Bear) was calling me!

Fifty-plus miles of scenic driving from Redlands to Big Bear Lake (which the City of Redlands owns, BTW). The road makes a fairly steep ascent once it passes the turn-off to Forest Falls, and climbs to over 9000-feet before dropping into Big Bear City (6700-feet). This stretch of highway passes through Angelus Oaks and Barton Flats, with a side loop to Jenks Lake, and many campgrounds, dirt roads and hiking trails to be found along the way.

The Big Bear area has lots to offer, but today we visited the Discovery Center then donned the hiking boots to search for critters. The Acorn Woodpeckers were busy, as were lizards, squirrels, and even a couple of Gray Foxes. I was hoping to see hummingbirds, especially the Calliope Hummingbird. It’s North America's smallest bird and is usually found at the higher elevations of the western mountains. We heard hummingbirds, but as we approached, they became quiet. (Mountain hummingbirds must be shyer than their urban cousins.) Obviously there for the flowers, Hummingbird Trumpet was in bloom everywhere!

Summer is waning and ski operators are probably praying for early snows, but this trip to our local mountains was perfect. Hmmmmm. Wonder what the child will need delivered next weekend? ;)

Tomato Summer

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 23:22:00 +0000

While I’m not one to be a loyal planter of veggie gardens, every Spring I plant tomatoes (except the few years that “volunteers” have saved me;) It’s tradition. My ritual. Home-grown ‘maters to eat and share. Yum!

In the past, we have grown various varieties, but lately my choice has been Grape tomatoes, namely, Roma Grapes. No knives needed, they are the perfect size for salads or snacks. This year produced a bountiful harvest, so I’m trying this roasted tomato recipe. The aroma in the kitchen is wonderful....

Our little section of Southern California stays pretty mild year round, so tomato plants can be wintered over with some luck and plastic “pup tents”:) Kinda cheating, don’t you think? Turn, Turn, Turn. To everything, There is a season.....A time to plant, a time to reap.

Soon I will join Autumn for some house-cleaning. Her winds will strip the trees of leaves while I empty the planting beds, say goodbye to the stragglers, and store the cages till next year...

Come Spring, I will ritualize...once again;)

One Tough Old Bird...

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:21:00 +0000

My Daddy;)
He will celebrate his 80th birthday in January of 2009.....

“Johnsons” are tough....especially the ones from Northwestern Iowa. The eldest of six children, he lost his mom when he was only 14 years old. The family struggled financially so he had to work on neighboring farms for his room and board while finishing high school.

Now he’s a retired LA County Fireman who plays golf twice a week in Chino Hills, California with fellow retirees. Last week he was finishing the back nine, pulled the flag pin for a fellow golfer, and passed out. Initially, the other golfers thought he had fallen, but he knew otherwise. In pain, he played four more holes (including a bogey on a par 4) and rode the last two. His reasoning to me: “Terri! I had such a great front nine, I just couldn’t quit!”

The pain became unbearable the last couple of holes and his friends wanted to summon help, but he refused. His friend John wanted to drive him home. No! He would drive himself, and did so....the entire 35 miles. When my mother arrived home, she found him in excruciating pain and wanted to call 911. No!

He took his carotid pulse and noticed a flutter, so finally agreed to go to the Emergency Room. Diagnosis: Four broken ribs, numbers 5, 6, 7 & 8 with indications of heart issues and a collapsing left lung. He spent two nights in the hospital.

Initial tests indicate that his heart is good, but he’ll have a chemical stress test next week to see how it reacts under a load. Partial blockages in the subclavian artery will need to be dealt with too.

My dad is my hero. He gave me the Johnson-gene of exploration and adventure; an appreciation and respect of nature and the outdoors; a love of birds; and, hopefully, he shared just a little bit of his tough gene too;)

But right now, he's just itchin' to play a little more cow-pasture pool!

Sunflower Cycle

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 03:53:00 +0000

Our sunflowers began in spring as seedlings in terracotta pots. A good transplant location caused them to respond in kind, shooting up tall, straight, and proud. A roadtrip through South Dakota in 1994 convinced me to be a sunflower fan. We were traveling the highway to Mount Rushmore (the rustic version, prior to the facility remodel). Suddenly, a huge field of mature sunflowers appeared beside the road! The flowers lined up in perfect formation almost like soldiers, countenances turned upward toward the sun. It was an image I’ve never forgotten..but not to be duplicated in an urban backyard!

So we plant just a handful of backyard sunflowers. They stretch and shine, then droop with age and weight. The stalks have been cut and are drying now, reminiscent of old curved walking sticks. The seed pod faces, gnarled and textural, will provide food for the sparrows and mourning doves this winter. Nature always offers a wonderful cycle:)

Birdland

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:36:00 +0000

Summer is coming to a close and my little bird will be leaving the nest. He heads back to school this weekend, a College Senior, University of Redlands, Class of 2009. Time flies painfully fast sometimes, and though I miss him as a child, I love the adult he has become.

He is a proud member of the Kappa Sigma Sigma Fraternity too. He is a Bird. Fraternity Headquarters "The Birdhouse"...

How appropriate;)

Peak Migration

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:25:00 +0000

Peak Migration Time for Hummingbirds begins in August and can continue into October. Fortunately, we see them all year long in Southern California, but even here, peak season means increased 'squeaks and humming' and more 'aerial combat' near the feeders. In the early 1970’s, Seals and Crofts sang about Hummingbirds. While their hit referred to the Baha’i Faith, the lyrics in simplest form can express feelings of loss when hummingbirds leave. Loss of a friend, maybe; but we are forever changed...

Hummingbird don't fly away, fly away.
Hummingbird don't fly away, fly away.
In you I've found a fragrance.
I'll love you 'til I die.
I just love you, love you, love you.
I don't even know the reason why.
Hummingbird don't fly away, fly away.
Hummingbird don't fly away, fly away.
The sweetness of your nectar has drawn me like a fly.
I just love you, love you, love you.
I don't even know the reason why.
Hummingbird don't fly away, fly away.
Hummingbird don't fly away, fly away....

Morning Blooms

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:36:00 +0000

Up early, I tilted the blinds of the computer room (which faces the backyard) and discovered the blooms of my Peruvian Apple Cactus still open. So pretty! I noticed lots of bees too, so I grabbed the camera and headed outside. The cactus was alive and literally humming with busy, intense workers who could care less that I was watching. I'm glad they're back though:) In the 1980's, California had an infestation of Medflies which threatened fruit crops. During that time, state government decided to attack the little pests by helicopter. Malathion sprays were conducted at night, and though deemed "safe" for humans, we stayed indoors and protected our cars from the paint-corrosive chemical. The bee population dropped considerably during that time and numbers were slow to increase for many years...but now a change has come. Welcome back, bees!

The Raven Trilogy

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:10:00 +0000

Ravens are pretty smart. Their intelligence is likened to that of a dog. We see lots of cousin crows in the city, but not many ravens. Crows tend to be very social and travel in groups; ravens are loners.

Three personal connections come to mind when I think of the Raven.

Raven Number 1: A favorite author, Edgar Allan Poe.
Tell-Tale Heart, Murders in the Rue Morgue, Cask of Amontillado, and Pit and the Pendulum were my favorite scary-fun reads in school. The Raven symbolizes Poe:
“Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling...”

Raven Number 2: An April camping weekend at Joshua Tree National Park twenty-five years ago. Magazine Publishers are ‘different ducks’ and I’ve worked for a number of them as a Production Manager. One Publisher in particular was an absolute crazy woman. The editorial staff and I often noted that she had at least seventeen different personalities and could display them all within a span of five minutes.

After working long hours and meeting April’s issue deadline, I was looking forward to a camping weekend at Joshua Tree. Springtime in the desert...abundant wildflowers, critters, hiking, and relaxation. Our primitive campsite was comprised of tent, table, and fire-ring with a pit toilet nearby. Friday night’s dinner was chicken, veggies, and spices wrapped in foil and cooked on the campfire. A little star-gazing, then off to bed for an early start the next day.

I was startled awake by noises at the sun’s first light. My groggy ears heard: Work! Work! Work! Still half asleep, I remember telling my husband that Carole (the Publisher) was HERE! She had followed me HERE to take me back to the office! As I peeked outside I saw her too. She had morphed into a Raven! Work! Work! Work!

Raven Number 3: Mystery Lodge at Knotts Berry Farm.
Amusement Park seeds were planted in Southern California during the 1950’s. Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm were among the resulting sprouts, each evolving and expanding to this day. One of my favorite attractions is the Mystery Lodge at Knotts. Indian lore is told in a very fascinating way and yes, the Raven does appear....so do tears. Bring your tissues....

An Ornate Hawk-Eagle

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 05:05:00 +0000

While visiting The World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho, I snapped this photo of an Ornate Hawk-Eagle. He was on educational display the day we visited and is a magnificent animal. His normal geographic range is Central and South America, but we were able (and fortunate) to admire him from only a few feet away. During our visit, we signed the computerized guest-book with a request to receive their newsletter by email. It's very informative with lots of good info and photos. Sign up at the Peregrine Fund website. It's free.

A 'Soft' Place to Land

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:03:00 +0000

Little 'Allen' is our resident guard-bird. He's ever vigilant. Always watching...and both feeders too! Front AND back. He warns, scolds, and regulates which birds can visit or drink. It's stressful being a guard-bird, so sometimes respite in a loving place is just what the doctor ordered.

Night-blooming Cactus Flower....Cereus-ly!

noreply@blogger.com (TigerLiL) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:39:00 +0000

Cactus flowers are often night-blooming as protection from the extreme heat of the desert. Pollinators of cacti include bats and hummingbirds! This is an old Peruvian Apple Cactus (cereus repandus) growing in our backyard. These flower buds will continue to develop, open for one night only, then drop to the ground. A smooth-skinned, edible, red fruit (pitaya) will result containing white flesh and many tiny seeds that sparrows and garnets enjoy. This particular cactus is over 30-feet tall.