
Author: Roadtirementvintage
Peering from the grass

This is a Chipping Sparrow peeking through the grass. Notice the cute little red cap on its head. We see this sparrow quite often in our yard, and this guy likes to feed on the ground instead of the feeders.
The state bird of seven states
Seen in our backyard…

The Cardinal is one of the most well known and recognized birds. It is the official state bird for Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. That is the most states having the same bird. Cardinal brings a striking splash of color whenever he comes into our yard.
Refreshing drops on the leaves

The dense morning fog deposited a multitude of water droplets on the leaves of our rose bushes. Every square inch was touched with a moisture laden blessing.
Yes its name is Question Mark

This unique butterfly was spotted in our screen room tent right outside of the back door. This butterfly is interesting as it will winter over by hiding in protected spaces. It lives on tree sap, rotting fruit and animal droppings. It only drinks nectar as a last resort. We’ve never seen one before.
Roses opened

A couple of days ago we posted a picture of two buds. Today they both opened and showed off their color.
Recent hospital stay’s good, bad, and ugly
Here they are in pictures that tell it all:

The Good: a decent breakfast

The Bad: Two failed attempts at blood draw, these hurt

The Ugly: They had a time finding veins. They never did.
Mallow Run Rhubarb wine
It was time to open the bottle of Rhubarb wine that we purchased at the Mallow Run Winery yesterday, catch up on that story here. We were interested in the Rhubarb wine after reading about it on the winery website.
It is listed as their number one seller, sweet, but with that unique Rhubarb zing. They recommend pairing the wine with a cheese plate or green salad.
It is unique and delicious! We are having it with Triscuit crackers and we love the sweet Rhubarb taste.

The cork states “work hard, picnic often”

Mallow Run Winery, award winning wines
Blue Jay blue
The Blue Jay is a very striking, large and loud songbird. It is one of those birds that we always enjoy seeing in our yard and at our feeders. Jays like shelf feeders over hanging feeders.

In the picture you can see the bird’s crest is down. This is common when Blue Jays are feeding peacefully or interacting with their family groups.
Pretty phlox picture

Couldn’t resist the alliteration. These phlox are pretty, regardless.