Surprise Visit

I was pretty shocked to see this gigantic bird hanging out poolside in our back yard. I think it's a blue heron! He was probably disappointed and confused about the lack of fish in our pool, but he hung out for quite a few minutes looking around.

My Big Toe

You'd think by now I would have learned my lesson about walking around outside in flip-flops. But on the spur of the moment we ended up dropping by a friend's house, and of course I had to walk around outside and enjoy her yard.

Later that night, I awoke with my toe swelled up and throbbing. It's possible I was bitten by a spider, but I'll never know for sure.

What's strange is that after this experience, I don't carry a grudge against spiders, but my fear of snakes has intensified. I guess it's just the concept of unseen, dangerous critters out there. It also doesn't help that I've seen copperheads in our yard, and I've met one person who was bitten by one while gardening here in Upstate South Carolina. As a result, I have procrastinated on a few garden tasks: cleaning up the kudzu in our wooded backyard and weeding some areas.

When does kudzu start loosing leaves? Could I wait on my "kudzu cleanup" until they go into hibernation in October?

What precautions do you use in your gardening? Do heavy gloves protect you?

Sand Garden

In Northeast Harbor, Maine, I ran across this "sand garden". I love how the raked sand and rocks look like an ocean and islands.

Vacation

I'm enjoying the natural beauty of Maine right now, and of course the pleasant weather for walking around outside.


I love the ferns and the firs and all the moss, too. It's amazing all the diversity of plants we have in the United States. Another reason to celebrate. Happy belated 4th of July!