Bye Bye Bunnies

Last week Thursday it was time to say goodbye bunnies. They were in their nests when I checked on them in the morning, but gone when I came home from work. Since they weren't in the nest, I walked around the yard, picking up Misty's poop, throwing out the compost, etc. No bunnies in site. Misty has missed lounging in her yard so while I made a snack, she lay in the grass, sunning herself. I should have known better than to let her do that, because in just a couple of minutes, she had gotten one of the baby bunnies. So it was bye-bye bunny in more than once sense of the phrase. I didn't scold Misty, it's not her fault, she was doing what she was bred to do, hunt. I however, felt so awful, extremely guilty, and regretful. Although the bunnies weren't in their nest, I should have known they'd be close by. Sorry mama bunny, hope your 4 other little ones are doing well. We haven't seen any signs of bunnies since, though Misty is vigilant and keeps checking.

What a Treat!

We didn't know it, but we were in for a real treat two nights in a row. Last night, Misty and I went to DQ. Tonight, we had entertainment out the window when mama bunny came to feed her little ones. All 5 of them were under her and once in a while you could see a tiny leg kicking to get a better position. Misty was so excited, she was ready to jump out of her fur; she was shaking and panting like crazy. I finally had to close the blinds on the windows so she wouldn't send herself into convulsions of frenzy drooling over those rabbits in HER yard.

Mobile and Fast

Mobile and fast in this case, does not refer to your internet connection.......it describes these little ones. Here are four of them hovered in their nest, the fifth is smothered beneath the others. It's a very warm and humid day so no pine needles and rabbit fur covering them; perhaps they're getting too big for that and too big for the nest.

A couple of them got spooked and bolted.

Super-duper-cute!

The bunnies are growing like weeds and now have their eyes open. Can you see it's ear an eye? Misty is on to them - so I have to keep a close eye on her.

They are very "jumpy" in their nest and it's hard to get a pictre of them. I think there are three of them, but I'm not sure.

One decided to be adventurous and come further out. They'll soon be mobile on the grass, eating on their own - that means Misty won't be able to roam free in her own yard - she'll be so mad.

Flower Power

I love flowers, just like my mom. A couple of years ago, one of my advisees was very appreciative of my help and gave me this lilly plant - it's bloomin' like crazy this year.

The astilbe is doing great too - you can't help but smile when you look at them.

Baby Bunnies

Here they are...... about 4 days old. It's hard to see them, but you can see their cute little ears. There must be at least 4 of them in there, perhaps more................time will tell.

Backyard Critters

Here's a view of our screen porch and the humming bird feeder I put outside my kitchen window. I have a perfect view of those small birds that are lightening fast.

Then a few days ago, Todd noticed there was some dirt on top of the rocks.

Then, the next day we found this...........a nest full of baby bunnies. We found the nest the same day they were born. Smart mama bunny, she dug out the rocks, lined it with soft pine needles, had her babies, then covered them with her fur. Don't know where the mother's den is, but it has to be close by. This is the second baby bunny nest we found this year.

We were concerned Misty would find them and do some damage, so Todd put this nice contraption over the nest; it has since been removed because Misty doesn't even notice the nest - strange! I check the bunnies each day; they are growing very quickly, but won't open their eyes for about 10 days or so. Haven't seen the mother rabbit feed them; she probably comes at night when we're all asleep. Bunny nest right under the humming bird feeder - perfect!

He did it - made it to the finish. Here he is with his medal and Duluth in the background.

That evening we had a pleasant dinner on the shore of Lake Nebagamon; we celebrated Todd's marathon finish and Father's Day.

26.2 Again

Last weekend we headed up north; this time to support Todd in the 34th Annual Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN. Here are mom and dad while we waited for Todd to pass by.

Misty waited patiently too.

There were over 10,000 people participating in the half and full marathon. Here comes Todd in the crowd.

We were around mile 21 watching for him and there he was.........smiling - wow! I would have collapsed back at mile 4.

And there he goes......................

Here's to Tricia!

This is my friend, Tricia; she's a wonderful lady who is currently battling cancer. During the past year she has been THE MOST POSITIVE and inspirational person I know. She continues fighting this nasty stuff with grace and humor. Friends of hers recently held a cancer benefit and one of the activities was a walk in Carson Park - it was called Molly's Mini Miracle Mile.

Tricia and I have a lot in common; we're the same age, we're huge animal lovers, and we married awesome guys! It was a great event with all the people and puppies; here's Molly and Misty.