Wonders...

Nature is always surprising me at every turn with odd things to find.

After our last heavy rains [more expected this weekend], I found this white stuff on a large chunk of wood.
It looked like frost at first. 

No, it wasn't. It was some sort of slime mold. Eeeks, that name sounds horrible, but little slime molds that can be found in the woods are pretty neat and some are just odd looking and beautiful. I've found some incredible brilliant colors of slime molds growing on wood over the years.

Nature just keeps me smiling!

In my shady wildflower garden, I found these beautiful tiny pink flowers. The flowers themselves are no larger than a pencil eraser.
When I looked at the photo on my laptop, I found this!

Imagine! I found a Katydid Nymph and I wasn't even looking! Katydids make a lot of noise in late summer. I found it interesting that over the years I probably confused Katydids with Grasshoppers as they are very similar.

I found a much more common insect when I was pulling weeds. I was so pleased to see the Yellow Swallowtails fluttering about in the same garden.

I found this insect resting on some Oxeye Daisies in the morning pasture. One of the best ways to find summer insects is early in the morning. According to Insect People, find flowers or places that the bugs will rest in the night to catch the early morning sun and warm up.

Mystery Insect

I suspect that it is some sort of fly but who knows???

Meanwhile, in the pasture, I found beautiful but not so nice weeds. The land to the east and west of me do not do any weed control or mowing. Such is the nature of our wild woods and meadows. Both neighbors at one time had cattle which really cut down on many unwanted plants.

However, there is nothing to do about it, so I make the best of it. 

Oxeye Daisies are pretty
with dew on them.
Many mornings, they have 

cool insects resting on 

their petals.

I cut these down, but they love to 

grow on the fence between

or properties.

Nightshade

Multi flora Rose
Actually, the mules will eat blossoms 

and leaves off these

if there is nothing else

left in the pasture

to eat.

Sheeps Sorrel?
pretty, but not useful

for 

grazing.

From slime molds to insects, to dew drops on plants. Nature keeps me wondering.

I really do enjoy my walks and am glad that I stop to look now at everything I can find. Grasses, bushes, trees, and even slime molds can be beautiful.

PS~~ Mica update. She is walking normal now with her diaper cushion and shows no sign of lameness. Her abscess is healing nicely and we do a daily foot wash and wrap for now.

Mules in the Meadow

Just for fun

Rainy day walk.

Saturday was pretty gloomy looking but when it looked like I could get a bit of time between rains, I did a wander about.

I didn't take Charlie because I let the mules walk with me down into the deep woods.

Fred is the last one following Siera. Once he was past me he loped ahead of the chubby gals and let the way. They charged around through the woods checking fence lines to make sure they were up. Then they all hurried back to the meadow.

I just sort of ambled around and was so amazed at how quickly the plants are changing in the forest. 

I even walked down the valley onto the neighbor's land and discovered that the grasses and weeds in the valley were already thigh high. When cattle roamed the woods, one could walk around fairly easily. The forest has been without any grazers since 2005 so the land has reverted to invasive weeds and tall grasses. It makes it rather un-fun to hike in the summer. 

I dislike making my way through wild parsnip that is taller than I am. 

So, until fall, I'll keep hiking our land and enjoying the interesting things I can find. [Along with hikes at KVR!]

If I have my 'bug' ID correct, this one should be:

Common white wave moth

 I found this insect that I'd never seen before on a wild geranium.

Here is a  cropped close up of it. It is stunning in its colors.

Apparently this is a Katydid Nymph?

Squatch and Hobby Gal decided to take a trip downstream on some bark they found. Apparently they are still looking for relatives for Squatch to reunite with.

Having a good friend to have your back at all times is so incredible thinks Squatch.

Off in the woods there are some interesting things happening. 

Big Foot is further upstream playing with a friendly slug.
I don't think he is prepared to meet Squatch yet. 

And then....

Abominable Snowman is sitting and thinking about the summer weather...

Since the weather is warm and wet he and Husky will enjoy eating fungi and slime.

Maybe I should just title this blog: Diary of a Mad Housewife/Caregiver.

Except I'm not quite mad. I'm just entertaining myself.

And enjoying what Mother Nature brings to our forest.