Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Sticky Notes




    Honey Bunny walked down to the barn today to turn out the horses. He carried his big stick with him. Because, as you know, snakes are a big threat this time of year.
    When he returned Kira barked at him loudly. I thought it was just because she didn't recognize him. I watched out the window as he approached closer and closer, carrying his big stick but not waving it around. Kira became more and more alarmed with each step he took.
    As he ducked under the fence behind the house he spoke to her and I saw her body language change. Her tail wagged and her ears went into a relaxed posture. But still she barked and backed toward the house.
    Finally she ran onto the porch, ducking behind he porch furniture to protect herself from Stick Man. I reached the porch door as she scratched at it frantically. When I opened it she practically fell into the house.
    I don't know anything about Kira's past and I don't want to read too much into today's behavior. But I couldn't hide the emotion in my voice tonight as I laid a hand on her side and promised her that nobody would EVER hit her with a stick.
    
  

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Stroke of Lightning, Stroke of Luck


    Whenever I go out with my camera I always spend time carefully checking the trunks of dead trees for the creatures that make their homes there. 
    A few months ago a thunderstorm caused a large dead tree to fall onto my pasture fence. I spent my morning sweating and cursing as I pulled the tree off of the fence with a pick up truck and a sturdy chain.
    Suddenly I realized what a stroke of luck this was. Previously I could only access the first six feet of a standing tree trunk for close up photos. Now that the tree was on the ground I had access to all forty feet!
    A short walk to the house and I had my camera in hand. No photo expedition would be complete without my trusty canine assistant Kira to accompany me, dashing around playing with sticks and crashing into me and my camera gear. Even Charlie the cat got in on the action, following at a safe distance in order to avoid the collision prone Kira.
    Upon our arrival we were rewarded with the sight of this fellow patiently stalking ants for a high protein breakfast.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Groundwork


"And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair."
KahKahlil Gibran