Raptor...and our first fire.

Last week the field behind the house was mowed, which in many ways is a good thing, because at this time of the year the meadow grasses have grown enormous. The mowing excited two huge raptors which we think are Northern Harriers and the two birds soared over the field for ages looking for mice and other creatures, disturbed by it all.

And, on a cool, windless, evening we christened the fire pit with two good friends and watched the sparks soar up into the night sky to be lost amongst the stars. Just as the fire got going we spotted a small mouse that had become trapped in the bottom of the pit!

Luckily I managed to rescue it with a pair of tongs.... it played dead for a while but then scampered away into the dark.

Nicholas

The newly-mown hay has now been rolled into bales, which will be used for cattle bedding...and we were reminded of Monet's paintings, as the light played upon the grain...

In the above picture, to the left of the sculpture, gifted to us by Nicholas' patients, is our newest addition...called The Artist....a local artist, a retired professor from one of the colleges, asked if he could install a piece in our garden, so that it might have the opportunity of being seen...It has always been our hope to provide opportunities for other artists, and it has happened quickly...

Here is another image of The Artist, with the morning sun upon it...

And, along with the art and creativity, more and more wildlife are finding us here in our garden on a hilltop...the hummingbird has come (but only after we purchased red bee balm! We will be planting a whole section of bee balm in anticipation of next year...as we hope for may more hummingbirds...

Yesterday, we had an interesting visitor on the patio..we are accustomed to lots of sparrows, mourning doves, goldfinches and cardinals...but late in the afternoon, this little guy wondered, "Would I like birdseed as well?"

And this morning we found that he, indeed, he did...

What a blessing to share our garden with a sculptor, food with birds and small animals, the beauty of a fire and good conversation with friends, the final moments of a setting sun, the sight of the Milky Way stretching out to what seems like infinity...

The possibilities for love and gratitude are endless when every moment is honoured...

Judy