A Follow-Up To My Backyard Friends

Remember this little guy?

Since this is a family blog, I declined to show you the photographic proof of his "maleness" in my previous post.

But, then some of you looked for the proof.

I do have the proof... in case you were wondering.

The End.

My Backyard Friends

This little guy visits my backyard every day.


He's a cute little guy - and yes, it's obvious he is a guy! He gets into everything in the yard including my bird feeder. So, despite the fact that I keep the squirrel feeder well-stocked, I've discovered that he'll leave his feathered friends' food alone if I scatter a little seed on the ground.

Look at those little paws. No wonder he can get into mischief!

The birds aren't afraid of him and sometimes they flutter down from their feeder to help gobble up the seeds on the ground. (See the Cardinal behind the rock?)

Here's a better look...

This bad boy is quite mean to the other birds - he'll even run off my doves that are twice his size. But, he's fun to watch in the birdbath!

And then there's this wild critter...

Max is none too happy to share the yard with the rest of them.

In my garden grows...

My flowers and plants are really doing well this year and not due in any way to my care. Rather, despite my lack of care so far. My time has been consumed with the kiddos (cheerleading, drumline, etc.), church events, "The Project," and a very fun visit from my BFA&F. However, we've had a mild spring this year. And, this is the forth or fifth spring for most of our plants so they have really matured. Lots of them are already in bloom with more to come.

My carpet roses are already well into their first blooming. I love these roses because no "dead heading" is required and they'll bloom right up until the first few frosts. Actually, they'll grow so prolifically throughout the summer that I'll have to really whack them back (that's a technical gardening term for those of you new to gardening) at least three times to keep them from getting all "leggy" before the end of the season. ("Leggy" is not a good thing in the world of carpet roses.)

Look closely. Do you see my little friend?

He's my friend as long as he stays right where he is. Yes, I know "they" say he's more afraid of me than I am of him. Right. Let's not test that theory, okay? (And, just who would "they" be anyway??)

I wish you could smell my Star Jasmine vine. This is growing on a trellis right outside one of the family room windows. It has completely covered the trellis, though. So much for picking out a really pretty trellis rather than one of the ugly, utilitarian (cheaper!) ones. It's location is nice because I can open the window and the lovely fragrance floats right into the room.

The Stella D'Oro lilies have almost doubled in size this year. Look at all the buds on this one! I have these plants in all of my front and back flowerbeds. I love them because they are so easy and they will provide color right up through the first frost, too. Are you seeing a trend in my choice of plants?

I do have some in pots, too. Bright red geraniums. So bright I couldn't get my (cheap) digital camera to focus properly. (Psst... Bud! Hint, hint. May 11th is next weekend.) By the way, notice the thick carpet of grass. That would be entirely my Prince Charming's efforts. Thanks, Bud!

Purple petunias hanging from the patio roof.

This pot sits by my front door.

Soon, spring will be gone and the scorching Texas heat will make it difficult to keep these plants so lush. Spring in Texas. It's a good thing!