We really had this visitor checking out the blue bird house. My husband scared the bear away and the baby birds were safe. I had AI make a water color of the event so it doesn’t seem so scary.

Wasn’t sure the lilies would survive the winter. They were moved last fall because the pond was expanded and the water level went down. Well they survived and now are starting to bloom. Happy days!

Getting ready for a family reunion in two months. The porch swing on the deck of the cabin was first on my parents’ porch 60 years ago. Some coming to the reunion will remember it is where my folks would be sitting waiting for their kids and grandkids to come. Dad always seemed to know about the time the guests would arrive. I’ve had that swing with me all these years as a sentimental reminder.

Then there was the added bonus this morning of finding this nest…

how these little guys survive the harsh winter and come back as if to say, “See, pansies are no weaklings.”

I’m assuming this is the same pair who have been spending their mornings at our pond this week. A female Hooded Merganser was here briefly yesterday. I’m assuming she’s the same one who has nested in the duck house the past 3 years. Her mate disappeared last spring so none of her 8 eggs were fertilized. Thought for sure she’d come back with a new mate this year.

I have a book titled Nelson’s Pond. It’s fiction, of course, but there are some true stories in it. Kids especially enjoy the stories of a Canada goose family, a fawn’s story and a young fox who all grew up on or near Nelson’s pond.

Nelson’s Pond by Ardith Nelson is available for purchase on Amazon.