Dragonfly Ranch

Phil playing in the Trio he rehearsed with throughout the day.

Phil and his freelance group on Monday evening.

…. looks beautiful!

We had enough rain this year to attract a Great Blue Heron to the swale — that’s what we call the little depression that runs across our land near the county road and parallel to it. The swale was marshy and squelchy for several weeks at least.

The heron visited for about 15 minutes on March 21 (the spring equinox, appropriately).

The apricots and nectarines are in, and we picked the first baby zucchini. Some of the fruit is a bit cosmetically challenged, but it’s wonderful — juicy and delicious.

For the last couple of weeks the pool has played host to a number of young California Toads — Anaxyrus boreas halophilus (http://www.californiaherps.com/frogs/pages/a.b.halophilus.html)

I’m not sure where they came from. There were never any eggs or tadpoles in the pool. My best guess is that they hatched in temporary pools or ponds during the spring rains, and when those dried up they came in search of water to finish their development in. We had normal rainfall this year (25 inches) for the first time since we moved in, and though there wasn’t much in the way of standing water on our property (except right after the heaviest rains), we’ve seen ponds develop on other people’s land, and the largest ones haven’t quite dried up yet.

These youngsters range from about 1” to 2.5” or so. Right now there are about eight of them. Apparently the chlorine doesn’t bother them.

Here’s our thrift shop “booth” at the Coarsegold Historic Village yesterday. Long, hot day. But you know me: I’m a people person. Sold some stuff, got some donations, but more importantly got out info on the EMCSPCA and our new Thrift Shop in Oakhurst.

Sent from my iPad

A horse is a horse, of course. But Kirby is a sweet lamb. I’ve managed to learn how to put the halter on and get him out of the corral. Also how to put a fly mask on him. Thank goodness he’s the smallest of the four in the corral. And the only one I have to feed and curry.

Kizzy had to have some meds the first week I was here. Dispensing oral meds to a cat, even in liquid form, is a trick. Otherwise she just hangs out wherever.

Bug (aka Pup-Pup) is pretty quiet and just needs a little love.

Kiley is more high maintenance. She’s the one I have to roll under the electrified fence into the far horse pasture to retrieve.

It’s busy, it’s fun, it makes for a great learning experience and a change of pace.

Sent from my iPad

This little box came in the mail today, a gift from Bobbie Pires, a good friend of Kai’s (and us, too).

Enshrined in the lid of the box is some of Kai’s fur that Bobbie felted into a starburst, matching the exterior motif.

When the box is opened, you are greeted with Kai’s friendly smile and comforting eyes.

What a nice memento from Bobbie! We’re not the only ones who loved and miss Kai!