Author: Roadtirement

Hunting for and finding some tasty morsels

/ Roadtirement / 25 Comments

We have been putting ears of field corn out on a couple of trees in the backyard. It has been fun watching the squirrels working the corn. They of course knock kernels off the cob, and some are consumed right away. However, most of the kernels were buried, most within about a 30′ radius around the trees.

This little guy was digging up corn kernels today. There has been over an inch and a half of rain in the last 24 hours. Digging up the kernels resulted in very muddy snacks for sure. It was fun watching him dig a kernel up, wipe the mud off and eat. We have enjoyed seeing squirrels burying corn, today we saw this one returning to and excavating a treat or two.

Peppermint is conquering the yard

/ Roadtirement / 26 Comments

Going everywhere

We know that mint takes over anything in its way. This peppermint is sure proving what is said about it. It grows fast and spreads faster. We planted this mint with the idea that it would take over the strip of grass between the house and the sidewalk. It is off to a good start, as it started with a single plant last fall.

Four weeks worth of sapling tree growth

/ Roadtirement / 13 Comments

Four weeks ago we went to a local park where the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was sponsoring a tree give-away.  We ended up with two black cherry and three Tulip tree saplings. We got all five planted on the same day, and all of them seem to be thriving.

Tulip tree, May 23rd

Tulip tree, June 20th

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Cherry, May 23rd

Black Cherry, June 20th

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Tulip tree is the State Tree of Indiana. Hopefully each start will continue to grow, and within a few years we’ll have some healthy trees filling our yard. The DNR program is a very good way to insure that property owners have access to trees for planting.

Young robin out back

/ Roadtirement / 17 Comments

Immature robin, about 6 feet away

Today was a good day to sit out side. Sher and I were enjoying our own little wildlife show. The feeder had a near constant flow of finches and sparrows. What seeds that fell on the ground below the feeder became a buffet for doves, cowbirds, Cardinals and Redwings. Young squirrels were romping around. We heard the tell-tale rat-ta-ta-tat of at least two woodpeckers. Then came  mature and immature robins. One young one hopped close to me.

And then he saw me

It is so relaxing sitting outside on a beautiful day. Sher and I have our binoculars, books, drinks, critters to watch, and most importantly, each other. We’re already discussing where we want to go this winter, but for now we’re grateful that we can stay safe in our home base.

Backyard visitor

/ Roadtirement / 10 Comments

I was enjoying sitting outside with a cup of coffee in the backyard this morning. Beautiful sunny day, temps approaching 80, and a lot of birds to watch at the feeder.

Then this young squirrel decided to join the birds in the yard. He hopped around for quite a while, and was still there when I went in. In the foreground is the Black Cherry sapling that we got from the DNR giveaway trees program. We are fortunate to have a nice yard where we can watch the wildlife and have space for gardening.

Remember to keep doing the things that keep you safe!

Lucky elephants and BLM protests

/ Roadtirement / 23 Comments

Hand carved resin, stands approx. 14 inches tall

Sounds like an odd combination, doesn’t it? Well, it is. Sher and I have been watching the protests on YouTube. There are plenty of channels that are showing the protests, and we have been watching one that has 6 feeds from different cities around the country. Believe it or not, it does make for interesting viewing. It will be interesting to see how the protests in Seattle with the “Capital Hill Autonomous Zone” will be handled, either by local or state government.

Now to the elephants. We just listed the figurine of seven elephants on our Etsy Store. Elephants traditionally are thought to bring protection, strength, good luck, prosperity and wisdom to your home, or even your office. A stack of seven is an extra boost. Notice that the trunks are uplifted meaning they are spreading the good luck. You can see the listing of the elephants here at our Etsy store. (Yes, this is a blatant plug for our Etsy Store! Not sorry…)

Historic Convent in Oldenburg Indiana

/ Roadtirement / 10 Comments

On our recent RV day trip Sher and I spent a most enjoyable time viewing an Indiana treasure: The Immaculate Conception Convent, which is the Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis.  The Sisters of St. Francis continue to serve the people of Indiana. Learn details at their Website Here including the fascinating history of the Order.

Motherhouse, right and church, left. Parking lot is for the Holy Family Catholic Church, out of view on left

Chapel and portion of the cemetery for Sisters

Beautiful Shrine overlooks the cemetery grounds

Not only is there beautiful architecture on the campus but peaceful cemeteries, shrines, a school and a  farm. Oldenburg is known as “The City of Spires” due to the many church spires visible on the skyline of this quaint Indiana town.