One of my 2011 personal goals is to go kayaking at least ten times throughout the year. Here it is mid-June and the count still stood at zero.
I’ve been wanting to get on the water all season. Between the weather, rain, various home projects and occasional laziness, I just haven’t ‘gotten around to it’- until this morning.
Although it was a short 45 minute outing on Cedarville Reservoir, (shortened by quickly approaching storm clouds which never developed into any rain- better safe than sorry), as always it was an incredibly relaxing and spiritually healing experience. It is always wonderful to get out on the water and be fully surrounded by nature!
Even thought the trip was short I saw a wonderful assortment of wildlife- various small birds, turtles, fish, ducks, chickens (in a backyard), and the highlight of the day- a Great Blue Heron! Although not the best video I’ve ever shot, I was able to capture it taking flight!
Now that the kayak has gotten wet for the first time this season, many of my projects are getting wrapped up and the summer solstice is just around the corner, it’s time to start planning some more outings.
With so many rivers and small lakes in the region it should be a fun and eventful summer!
I’m beginning to see a pattern of frog posts, but I just can’t pass this one up…
This little guy has taken up residence in the base of the self-watering Giant Chinese Red Pepper container on the deck.
I stopped by several times over the course of two days and he was still just hanging out in the container.
It’s nice to provide unintended habitat and the wildlife to take advantage of it.
One of my primary goals of landscape design is to provide as much food and habitat for ourselves and for a diverse wildlife population as possible, within the confines of our suburban environment.
Today, while rolling up the garden hose I was surprised to see a large frog hanging out in one of our ornamental grasses.
I guess my plan is working!
While doing a quick weed check in the backyard beds, I came across my friend Mr. Frog.
We’ve met on a couple of occasions last year and a few more already this spring.
I initially discovered him hanging out in the mulch that surounds the asparagus.
For several months now I have been thinking about adding some toad/frog houses around the landscape to help our little bug eating friends.
Well today, after taking a few photos, I remembered that I had just the thing for one such house. The remnant of a broken container.
Yesterday, while reorganizing the garden shelves in the garage, I broke one of our favorite glazed ceramic pots. I don’t like to throw these away so I was going to keep it for drain hole covers in other large containers.
I decided to use the largest piece here, where I know a frog hangs out. Not only does it provide a home, it also adds some color and decoration to the area.
Hopefully I won’t be breaking any more containers anytime soon, but if I do, I know just what to do with them.
What other uses do you have for broken containers?
