More Wind and Rain Damage

Well, all I can say is that the people around here who have trees down and damage to properties are on the ball. A quick run about showed this. There was more progress but I didn't want to be in the way. Another event occurred soon after I returned and more limbs and debris filled the dirt road. A neighbor told me this morning that she had to get out and drag the impediments away to get to her cottage. 

The heron is everywhere. I see it about once a day fishing in different places.

AND... The poppies are still producing and look well, so I will have to keep a close eye on the seed pods and gather them when the time is right.

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Good Morning

First, the view through the windows was lovely as I did the second rinse of the pinto beans that had previously been rinsed, sorted and soaked overnight in preparation for soup.

A short while after the second straining and rinsing was  done, I looked out again and - what did I see? My friend was visiting again, for the umpteenth time this year.

I took his picture through the front storm door window. I knew if I went out on the porch he would do his usual fly-away!

The bean soup project continued. After adding water enough to cover the beans by a couple of inches, I chopped up and added a thawed pre-barbecued chicken breast, my frozen, pre-cooked crumbled bacon and pre-cut frozen onion slices A half bottle of mild picante sauce was then added and the potful simmered for over four hours, being stirred when I thought about it. Oh my goodness! My lunch was super good and nourishing too. If you wonder why I used the mild version of picante sauce, it's because I do not like anything at all that is hot spicy. I never made this from scratch before and just read the directions on the bag and will make it again. Other vegetables could have been added but I decided not to this time. Of course after cooling it down, first on the counter and then in the refrigerator, I moved three of the containers into the freezer.  The photos do not do the soup justice - you have to taste it to know how good it is! 

When busy bottling my soup, I looked up and out the window and saw the bald eagle fly over! What a day!

Feeling "Artsy"

My original camera shot - only added dark vignette.

Then I played...

Yesterday I played with my crystal ball! Not easy!

This is the original scene...

And, if you remember seeing these yesterday I flipped the image of the ball shot.

These are the originals...

I do like a challenge and definitely need more practice!

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Heron Study II

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We had another heavy rain episode and medium washout last night. I took a golf car ride around the lake through the mucky road and watched the heron fly in. I was hoping it would take off when I had the camera ready, but no luck this time. 

I think it was studying me more than I was studying it! These pictures were taken on the backside of the dam where the stream was running swiftly.

Heron Study

This morning I saw the heron on the other side of the lake and thought I could grab a shot of it flying. Well...I must not be a patient photographer. Sure enough, after waving my arms, rattling the wind chimes and moving about -  it simply would not fly away until a jogger ran by on the road. I had already given up and was back inside when this happened and it flew right on past my window. Anyway, I did see it hunting but not catching its prey, although it is back there again as I write. I must not be a true bird watcher! This series is like watching the big hand on a clock move.

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Almost September and Departure

An overview of things here around Lake Chrisann. In July, a new bean sprout appeared after the first one died in May after being put outdoors too soon. The new one won't be mature enough to produce a giant bean that came from it's mother seed because there isn't enough time before Jack Frost strikes it down. I'll just have to try again next year. 

James is aging just fine after his surgery and I might be able to dress him again this winter. (See previous blog.)

James Had Surgery in July.

 August James

August James

The wonderful seedum that surrounds the cabin is starting to turn to a lovely light pink and then will become a rich dark pink. I will miss it again! At least our daughter can pick some for her dried flower arrangements. When we return all growth will all have been struck dead and it will return next year. My husband will cut it down to the ground to overwinter.

The lake has been treated for pond weed. It was heavy this year and was treated late, due to the usual person who is licensed to apply it this year isn't doing applications and it was a bit difficult to find another to get the job done - without using any motorboats.

See the difference from May 2 to August 22?

Soon the lake will "turn over" as it usually does each Spring and Fall. This thermal stratification is necessary.

Lake Turnover

Now to top it all off, the blue heron came for a visit. I wasn't prepared for him and was indoors making lunch and took these through the double paned door window, wearing the "wrong" eyeglasses for taking pictures!  Isn't he lovely, though?