Wednesday, June 24, 2009

He's a Jolly Good Fellow!

Scary looking, isn't he? That's what I thought when I almost stepped on him with bare feet while out in our yard! Out of desperation, I called 911 when I realized it was too late to call the nature center for an ID on this creature. We have lots of young children in our neighborhood, and I wanted to make sure it wasn't an exotic snake escapee!
He didn't seem threatening at all when he deflated his head and body. He and I soon came to realize neither one of us was going to hurt the other. Later, he let me follow him to his underground den in our yard.

Satisfied I knew where he hung his hat when he wasn't out hunting, I ran back inside. Looking him up on the internet, the kids and I learned that he's a harmless eastern hognose snake, so named for his upturned nose.
We learned these snakes are one of the best animal actors around. If puffing up its body doesn't scare you and he continues to feel threatened, he may strike at you--with his mouth closed. In spite of his appearance, this snake's species is known to be the least likely to bite! While working out in my gardens, I've often felt a "tap" at one of my legs and now wonder if we've ever encountered each other before!
Another trick he will perform is to roll over onto his back and play dead. He'll open his mouth and hang his forked tongue out to try and convince you of his death. The dead giveaway (pun intended!) is if you pick up his limp body and place him on his belly, he'll roll onto his back, again!
This beneficial fellow has rid of us mice, moles, and sadly frogs, toads, and crickets. They may also eat birds, bird eggs, smaller snakes, and dead animals. He has become an honored guest taking up residence in our yard. --LKR

Keepin' Cool!

Mom had the right idea for her twins on a hot summer day!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Sunday's Song--Faith Of Our Fathers

Happy Father's Day!!!

Faith Of Our Fathers


Faith of our fathers, living still
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword,
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene'er we hear that glorious word!
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!

Our fathers, chained in prisons dark,
Were still in heart and conscience free;
And blest would be their children's fate,
If they, like them should die for thee:
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!

Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto thee;
And through the truth that comes from God
Mankind shall then indeed be free.
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!

Faith of our fathers, we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife,
And preach thee, too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life.
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!

--Frederick W. Faber, 1849

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Artistic Elephant




Animals are amazing, as is their Creator!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

School's Out!!! Part Two

This is our time at the Science Museum of Minnesota.


The past few times we've been here, they've all spent most of their time on the bottom floor playing with light and weather-related hands-on activities.

Eldest child doing a non-museum techie thing--texting!!!
Not many people were there, so it was easier for the kids to do what they wanted to do, and much easier to find them!!!

A creative way of advertising for the movie coming out, later this month! We came to see the Titanic, but saw the Grand Canyon, again, which was worth it!
Spherical Lens--you look through it with a friend--or sibling--and observe the magnification.
This is my son magnified. Step away from the sphere, and images turn upside down.






The cherubs sometimes drag their feet about the hour long trip, but once there, it's hard to drag them away! --LKR

School's Out!!! Part One

Yesterday was the first day of summer vacation for our three cherubs. We celebrated by visiting Willow River State Park, the Science Museum of Minnesota, and friends in Bloomington. This was our relaxing time at the falls:
My youngest found several of these caterpillars that had fallen into the water and asked if I'd rescue them. About a dozen were scooped out of pools of water and revived.
Two of these Mourning Cloak butterflies greeted us, but my (older) camera wasn't quick enough to capture them fluttering around until one finally landed.
A Garter snake was sunning itself on the side of the path, but quickly slithered away when it became the center of attention! --LKR

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Mr. Bluebird

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Sigh. Mr. Bluebird sees his reflection in our patio door and keeps banging into the glass while his lovely wife admirably looks on. This, more than likely, is the same couple that likes to feed their young on our deck. The last time I saw him by the window, Mister Poochie and Kitten Poo were watching him go at it. I think he saw them 'cuz after that, he stopped slamming into his reflection.
Hopefully he continues to refrain from this potentially destructive practice!!! --LKR

Monday, June 1, 2009

Yeay! Summer!!!

I love it! Summer and nature once again influence advertising:
These "Monarchs" were spotted on a window at Caribou Coffee. Enjoy! --LKR