OniOniOniArt

Pseudemys floridana peninsularis , through binoculars Maceo spotted her first through the window, I was too busy making paper flowers. I think this was his first turtle. His posture was hyper-alert, a cross between sitting and crouching on his haunches, with his ears pointed forward and his eyes wide. At first I wondered why the turtle was wandering back and forth around the yard - seemed like odd behavior. Then I saw her attempt a few scrapes...she's going to lay eggs! Lucky for me, she settled on a spot right outside my rear window. I took a few photos of her through my binoculars from the window, and also through the cattle gate at the rear of the Dirt Patch. I know some people have walked right up to turtles laying eggs before and didn't seem to bother them, but how do we know it doesn't stress them out? I decided to stay about 20 feet back while outside. I was a lot closer through the window, but the screen at least formed a bit of a visual barrier since it was...

Kinosternon baurii This little fellow was observed today on my afternoon walk through the backyard. He dove into the water when I tried to get a little closer. The three stripes on the carapace were clearly visible on this individual, but that is not always the case with this species. The shells of three-stripes usually max out between 4 and 4.5 inches in length, making it not much larger than the smallest turtles in the world.

Opheodrys aestivus hanging out in the  Dracaena The rough green snake is so-called because it has keeled scales. The 'keel' is a small ridge which runs the length of each scale. I accidentally poured fish emulsion on this poor guy, which tipped me off to his presence. He was nearly invisible in the foliage ("that's an odd vine... oh !"). What a gorgeous little snake! (And I really am sorry for pouring stinky fish water on your tail.) The keel is clearly visible in this photo It was a rather warm, humid day with a high of 79 F. A good day for basking in the garden.

My camera cannot quite capture the night's beauty The last full moon was the night of the 6th. I sat in the Dirt Patch in quiet contemplation and burned things that needed burning. A rather restorative exercise.

These beautiful dwarf pak choi became a quick stir fry accompaniment to my dinner. Sesame oil, garlic, and a splash of tamari. I love pulling stuff out of my garden and eating it. 

Just a note, some people do not consider these tiny - just small. And that's my disclaimer to appease those individuals. :) Thank you! Since I'm at least halfway there financially, I've spent some time comparing my current house (which I rent) to the tiny houses I'm considering building. The Bodega is my top choice and I have already purchased plans for it. The Marmara is my fall-back house should something suddenly happen and I find the need to build now (its biggest drawback is the micro-bathroom...I do need a bit of storage in there what with lady items and such things having to go somewhere) . The Whidbey is what I would build should I need to accommodate an additional person in my life (my cynical side wishes to comment further... I will refrain because I do really like the Whidbey).  Please note that the photos and information for the Bodega and Whidbey come from Tumbleweed Tiny House Company  and the Marmara comes from Four Lights Tiny House Company...

Net-winged Beetle ( Calopteron reticulatum ) - Lycidae Observed at Green Springs 12/1/2014 Stilt Bug ( Stenocoris ) - Berytidae Observed at Green Springs 12/1/2014 The bug that got away...perhaps in the Lygaeidae?  This was the only clear good shot I got of it - it could run ! Observed in the Dirt Patch 12/1/2014

Between the twin trunks of this large oak is the most perfect spot to sit, enjoy nature, and clear my mind Really, it's my LL's backyard and I am lucky to have access to such a place. The property is bordered by a river, so it is pretty much all wetland - you can see the high water line on the trees in the above photo (let your eyes wander out of focus a bit). The water is very high right now after a soggy cold front stalled right over central Florida earlier this week. The area in the photo above (which was taken last weekend) is now under about two feet of water. The water is flowing - it is part of the river. The following photos are all from the "yard" taken within the last week or so including some of its inhabitants.  Short boardwalk/bridge (after a storm) Cypress knees and duckweed Greenfly orchid ( Epidendrum magnoliae ) is a native epiphytic orchid and the only one to also occur north of Florida. Everything I've read (includi...

The Johnnies are finally starting to bloom!  Behind it are marigold and Black-eyed Susan vine blossoms. Devil's Trumpet bloom a day before it opens Syrphid fly on echinacea (something else has been munching on it) Thread-waisted wasp on marigold Thread-waisted wasps getting it on in the thyme Dwarf pak choi...I'll be enjoying this in stir fry soon Overall the Dirt Patch is enjoying the cooler weather...

During a work-related trip this week to Gaffney, South Carolina I was, for once, rewarded for being unable to locate the Fed-Ex drop box: in the church/courthouse parking lot was this gorgeous little historic log house. Its style was common to the mid-Atlantic region of the country during the colonial/post-colonial era. Comparing its size to my current dwelling I can only guess that it is likely around 300 square feet, possibly less, not including its loft. From reading the signs, one gathers that the house has had some restoration work done and is not in its original location, but I'll let the signs speak for themselves... Click on the photo to zoom in for reading There were no signs stating that any furnishings in the interior were original to the house. Plexi-glass barriers at either doorway prevent one from walking around. Mr. Gaffney may or may not have scoffed at such a sentiment, but this house is simply adorable. It m...