Death Defying Tree

During the 2004 hurricanes, this tree in our yard almost split in two. I thought for sure it would die by now, but so far it's hanging on.

I think the patterns in the exposed trunk of the tree are interesting. The trunk is cut in half from where the main branches start to sprout, all the way to the ground.

The tree does lean over some but has yet to fall or rot out completely. This is also the tree where I feed the birds and the squirrels. They love all the nooks and crannies in the trunk filled with bugs and hidden nuts.

Who knows how long it will live, but at least it's leaning away from the house if it does decide to fall!

The Vultures Win by One!

Last week went to the birds, literally! We have been counting and charting birds we see in the neighborhood. Actually we saw quite a few more, but ran out of chart space.

After naming the species, we noted feeding and nesting habits, plus our best guess on beak types.

When the week was through we added up the tally. Lo and behold, the Vultures win!

Not exactly sure what that says about our neighborhood (ha ha) but we sure had fun with this chart.

Mr. Tabby

Is he not gorgeous!? I told you recently about my new visitor and he is getting a little more relaxed around me. I was able to get within 3 feet of him to take that head shot.

Mr. Tabby is now showing up for a breakfast and dinner of cat food, much to the relief of the birds and squirrels I'm sure. I have yet to hear him make a sound, but at least he felt comfortable enough to roll in the grass while I was near.

Hopefully it won't be long before we are friends and I can get him neutered and vaccinated. I don't want to rush him though, he might bolt and not come back.