A beautiful "California Sister" on a Cedar Incense tree in the backyard.

 

This is one species of butterfly I can count on to come back every spring.  We usually have several in the year.  

They are beautiful both inside and out, whether their wings are up or down  - both sides, all around.  

ANOTHER DAY - ANOTHER CAT STORY

(obviously I'm bored a bit)

 One of the feral kittens decided to sit on the chair just outside the kitchen window.  I decided to mentally interact with him.

I guess it worked or did it, lol.  At least I can make up stories about how it worked.

Show me your "thoughtful" face.

Show me your angry face.

Now show me your smiley face.

THE SAME BRAVE CAT WHO KEEPS THE WATER CONTAINERS CLEAN FROM TREE DROPPINGS

 Is a huge Scaredy Cat when it comes to raccoons visiting.  He gave me a good laugh when I saw him at the window.

"I'm scared....Let me in will ya!!"

THE SHOW OFF - THE PELICAN HAS ALL THE RIGHT MOVES

 A couple days ago we went back up to Big Bear .  We left late in the day around 3:00  and got home around 8:00.  I had wanted to see a sunset from up there but where we ended up I couldn't see it.  We will be going back soon  because it's becoming my favorite mountain spot to go.

So even though the pelicans marsh is drying up quite a bit they are still hanging around.  There was a fire just over the mountain and down a bit and we watched a few water planes come to the lake and fill their water tanks.  This went on for a couple hours.  Our last stop was Boulder Bay where some kayakers were taking out for an evening ride.  

HOW I SPEND MY TIME

Following cats around and taking their photos and of course keeping bird feeders filled.  

This is  a full time job and the pay is nonexistent but here  in the yard it's like looking at a big aquarium of nature - sometimes it can be mesmerizing but it has to be kept up - clean water and food.   What was in the water - just a small branch that had fallen from one of the trees.  

It's Bootsie's job to keep the tree droppings out of the water.  He's a good worker.

I ALWAYS TAKE MY CAMERA WHEN I GO TO LOWE'S OR A NURSERY

 I love the colors in these plants.  I can only take photos and admire the plants in this way  because I don't have enough room in my house to create a space for lots of plants but I would love to do that. 

TESTING TO SEE IF THIS UPDATES ON MY BLOG ROLL.

 been having trouble with sidebar blog list updating on other blogs.

A DAY OUT IN BIG BEAR

He was really little but  M saw him first.  We were walking along the footbridge enjoying the pelicans across the water when he  saw him - and he saw us at the same time.  I wonder if lizards get use to people walking near them.  He seems almost to freeze at some point and just give in to getting his photo taken.

There were so many pelicans yesterday -  they were all on a little island area where what water was left surrounded the area.   Stanfield Marsh aka Baker's Pond is definitely a seasonal pond and since we are into August there's still water but probably by October the pond will have shrank quite a bit more.  Some years it has been so dry and empty of water that the ground has cracked and just looks like a drought  ridden field.  Just a few months ago the water went under the bridge and close to the road.

 First time in days we felt fairly cool while walking as it was only in the mid 70's, compared to 90 plus we had for days.  

On the way back along the footbridge a few pelicans were flying so I was able to get some photos of them.  All this open land not long ago was under water.  i like seeing what grows when the water has evaporated.

Today the peaceful feeling of yesterday is filled with the sound of more big trucks trimming trees above the Edison lines and chipping the branches.  The last two years has had more activity by the power company than since we have been here in seven years.  It's actually a noise that is welcome because that means when Santa Ana winds come in the fall and then snow in the winter, more care has been taken to avoid trees falling on power lines.  Last year was unbelievable how much damage was done in winter.

ALONG HORSE TRAILS, BRIDLE TRAILS -

Just a friend  i made along the way - at least long enough to get his  photo.

FINALLY AFTER SEVEN YEARS THEY DON'T FLY OFF THE MINUTE I MAKE A MOVE

I have fed them, talked baby talk to them, or tried, ....and still...even at the slightest movement of a curtain they would fly off.  Two weeks ago everything changed.  More and more came to the yard and one or two actually listen when I try to make Raven sounds.   I've actually have had them stay for a bit eating what I put out while i stand at the screen door, open it and talk to them.

 Now...however, I expect treasures left at my doorstep.  I've read they will do that.  I never miss  a day without putting food out for them and at some point I will expect a gift every day I do that.    No, not really, I'm okay with them just staying put long enough for me to get a photo.  I have taken photos before but it was usually with me hiding behind a curtain waiting for them to turn their head and I could grab a few shots.