Critters of all sorts

We did quite a bit of bird watching

Logan and Alyssa have a squirrel proof bird feeder right outside their dining area window. We saw cardinals, woodpeckers, titmouses or is it titmice?, and nuthatches. Those nuthatches are the messiest eaters of the bunch. But the squirrel population appreciated the seeds that were strewn around the area by the birds. 

If you look closely, you might be able to spot the eight squirrels that are in this picture. I think 9 was the largest amount that were eating there at one time.

Moths, at least I'm pretty sure they are

There are butterflies flitting around all over the place but they are pretty hard to photograph. These moths were a bit easier to snap a picture of.

Tiny little frogs sing every evening

The little creek running through their property is home to many frogs. Some are bigger, but most of them are little like this guy. I reached down to pick him up and he jumped onto my arm.
The neighbors turkeys visit from time to time

These pictures were taken on two different days. One in the woods in front of the house and one under the bird feeder in back. They are two different birds.

The resident cardinals

This male cardinal is so beautiful but also very illusive when it comes to getting a photo of him. Both of these somewhat successful shots were taken from the porch with my camera zoomed as much as it would go. Lyssa said that there is a mated pair of them in one of the big trees in front.

Another nesting pair

There are a pair of small finches or wrens of some sort that have built a nest in Lyssa's hanging begonia basket. I thought they were building a nest up on the edge of the gutter but I then saw them fly out of this plant and Lyssa looked in to see if there was a nest. There was! Along with 4 of the tiniest eggs I've ever seen!

Kelly's Kitties

Eisley (on L) and Pixie (on R) are two sweet cats. They are a lot more dog-like than our cats are. I know it looks like Eisley is aloof in her grooming photo here, but she is the most affection needy cat I've met. Pixie is a people cat too but not so much a dog fan. She made herself scarce when the dogs were visiting.

Speaking of DOGS...

Alyssa and Logan's 6 month old Lab mix. They suspect the "mix" may be great dane. He's a big goofy lovable puppy buddy.

Good thing he's got a kid like Evie around! She loves animals. Especially dogs. She was never far away from Dave and Michelle's dogs when they were there. I think next to Rob, Phoebe and Mia were such a novelty. They're so little.

Dave and Michelle still have their female golden retriever, Lily. She's a sweet old girl. Phoebe has been Dave's little traveling companion when he was doing long haul trucking for two weeks at a time. She likes to sit up on the back of the couch like a cat ;)

Back home to see Lyla

Lyla is staying at Jess and Joylynn's for the time being. We'll see if it ends up being a permanent residence. She is a dream dog. Quiet and affectionate.

I feel like my grandmother sometimes because...

"I love my puppy loves!"