Spring Woes and Wonders

Where does the time go?  When I'm following along on someone's blog, I get so disappointed when days or even a week goes by without some little tidbit to keep me going.   And here I'm doing the same annoying thing!   Sorry!!    I suppose I could use the excuse that I've been busy, which I have, but not that busy.  So, I'll try to do better. 


This time of year is consumed with leaves, leaves and more leaves!!!   I counted them up a few days ago, and I have 17 live oak trees of varying sizes in my yard.  Do you know how many little leaves 17 trees can dump????? 

Trees on the West Side 

Trees on the back 

Trees on the east

And you'll note, I didn't even show the big ones in the front!!!  


 Unlike most deciduous trees, live oaks lose the vast majority of their leaves in the spring, just as the new leaves start to come on.  It is nice to have green leaves through the winter, but sometimes I think it would be nice to have all those leaves fall at one time so they could be raked just ONCE, rather than at least every week.  Right now, the whole yard needs to be cleaned up again, and we raked exactly one week ago. 


I've discovered that my neighbor has a leaf mulcher/grinder and he is willing to let me borrow it!!   That's wonderful news because I'd really like to make use of some of these leaves as compost for my garden beds, and also for the yard.  Over the years, the organic matter in the lawn has diminished and it's looking sad as a result.


I've been doing some fun things, too.  Went to Gainesville for an Audubon Assembly and got to do some birding there at Payne's Prairie.  

Little Blue Heron in breeding plumage

Osprey soaring over pond while fishing 

Bison approaching lake 

In addition to bird life, there are also bison, wild horses, wild pigs, deer and more alligators than you ever want to see in a lifetime!!!   I couldn't even bring myself to photograph them on this trip.  Just seeing them was enough.  (I'm not a fan.)  Oh, what the heck, I'll show you a picture from an earlier trip. 

Two of too MANY to count 

Song Sparrow -- see that dark spot on the breast?

Moor Hen -- lots of these around and they are noisy

Great Blue Heron intend on lunch -- poor light

I haven't mentioned Hubby in a while.  There have been some good days and some tough days, but right now, thank God, he's doing very well and enjoying life somewhat again.   He actually played golf this week for the first time since September 2009!!   Now that was a joyous day all around.  Psychologically it did wonders for him to be back out there again.  He's played since he began caddying at a country club back when he was 14 years old, so golf has been an important part of his life for a very long time.    Please keep saying prayers for his current status to continue and to improve.    Oh, and now he no longer has an excuse to get out of yard work!!  :)


Happy Spring!!   Y'all take care.