Mork's New Crate

This crate was flush with the wall and the dresser. Mork decided to move it by means of the sheep skin which he pulled through the "bars." He enters occasionally but usually sleeps on the foot of the bed. He's almost a year old and walking better (not so much pulling unless he sees one of the many rabbits that live around here.) He's been housebroken ever since he's been here and he has quit chewing everything in sight.
All together, a pretty good dog.

Neighbor's Flag

You can tell from this photo that it is partly cloudy and WINDY for our Memorial Day. The flag looks like the one flown on the moon - straight out - but this one is from a strong south wind.

Waffles for Supper

Something happened to the non-stick feature of the machine. Even though mangled, they should taste ok, right? I tried. Awful! Substitute: sandwiches.

The Back Gate

L. wanted to take a picture of me standing under this rose bush. Not wanting to do this, I stood there, trying to smile and knowing it wasn't going to be a good outcome.
He handed me the camera after two shots and I took this one of the driftwood, cement blocks used to stop any animals (Mork) digging under the gate and the lovely roses. The two he took have been deleted, permanently.

Surprise

As we were eating lunch near the sliding glass door that goes out to the screened in back porch, I saw a smiling man walk toward the south side of our back yard.

This was quite a surprise since we have all the gates locked. He waved and I automatically waved back! We had a request in to our cable/phone company to come out today to staple up a phone line that was hanging loose. HOWEVER, when the request was made, the clerk asked if there was a dog in the yard. I replied we would bring him in because she assured me they would call before they came out.

No call - so that was the reason for the surprise.   How did he get in? A handy-dandy step ladder he had on his truck let him climb up and jump down into the yard. A hint for burglars - carry your own ladder. ( I believe that's what the kidnapper of the Lindbergh baby did.)
L. grabbed the watch dog, Mork, before he could exit the doggy door. It was just dumb luck that the dog wasn't in the yard. I don't think he would bite, but he makes a lot of noise. He barks when I walk down the hall toward the bedroom where he and L. are watching television. I keep telling him that I live here but he's "en garde!"

Small Rainbow

The trumpet vine on the left and the honeysuckle on the right are framing our little rainbow.  L. was watering that corner yesterday. The pampas grass needed rain. . . I guess they all needed it.

N.side done: S. side ready

The first photo is the north side of the house/garage, finished yesterday by the house painter, L.
The second is of the shutters from the south side, propped in front of the house after power wash by same worker, L.
The sun is too hot to work on the south side so that will have to wait till evening or tomorrow morning.
In our previous house where we lived for 45 years, we all remember how it took four years to complete one paint job. One side each year on those striated shingles was about all he could handle. Although I remember one year when some neighbors helped him out! That was a good year.

Armed Forces Day

We have our flag out. However, this is a huge flag at a local car dealer's lot.
We thank all our armed forces, wherever they are serving.

The Hutchinson Lofts

Today was Open House at the new apartment complex resurrected from the old Grace/South Hospital. There are studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments, computer rooms, exercise rooms, meeting rooms and laundry rooms on each floor.   Residents must meet income guidelines for each size apartment.


Later:  I just read from the brochure that there is energy efficient construction; electric range with microwave and self-cleaning oven; frost free refrigerator; built-in dishwasher; garbage disposal; living room and bedroom carpeting; ample cupboard and closet space; bathtub with shower or walk-in shower; and combination windows with blinds. Water and sewer utilities, snow removal, lawn care and refuse collection services are provided.

Many local businesses were involved to make this happen. What a great addition to the housing situation in our town.

Clouds

Warnings, watches, rain clouds and not enough rain to make the sidewalk wet under the trees. We are over 7 inches behind the yearly average of 9.74 inches. We have only had 2.15 inches of rain this year and the crops are suffering. What a shame that there is too much water causing suffering near the Mississippi River.

Stretching Out

Mork relaxing on his back after a rough couple of days. It's cold!

Purple Sage

The sage is in bloom, the spirea is past blooming and the lemon scented plant in the back has no blossoms.
Plants that need no care are my favorites.
Is there a song about purple sage? I know a musical group is called "Riders of the Purple Sage."

I like spring.

The Peonies are blooming!

L. took this picture today. Very nice. . .

Reminds me of a Tiger

Someone planted irises in this yard many years ago. This is my favorite color but the lavender ones are really pretty too.

I wonder how they held up in the 48 degrees we had overnight. Very cool for May.

Dog and Flower

L. wanted to call this Bwana Mork on Safari. It's just Mork doing what he does.

Still No Rain

This is our attempt to keep the grass and plants alive.
Forecast for today: scattered thunderstorms, some severe.

Hoping for less severe and full coverage rain instead of scattered.

Boredom in the Dog Kingdom

The first clue - the two daisies on the bed which was sheetless due to laundry.

A walk into the dining room revealed the small table cloth had been pulled off, flowers strewn about and the vase half full but upright.

This cute little bundle was lying near by, surveying his work with the tea towel from the stove handle brought in - perhaps to sop up the water? He's had one walk early today before the temperature reached 99 degrees. If it cools off, another walk will be taken this evening. I'm thinking he needs something to occupy his time!

Small Butterfly

This tiny butterfly was on the spirea with an identical friend. When I got close, one flew. They remind me of monarchs but I'm pretty sure they are something else.

I love spring.

Spring at DNC

No, that isn't the Democratic National Committee - it's Dillon Nature Center.

Isn't it beautiful and green despite the fact that we're inches behind on the annual rainfall?

Puzzle Picture

I would love to have a prize for the first person who can identify this drawing, but I don't.

A very precise person made this map which is "almost" to scale. It would have been very helpful for us to have had a similar one when we moved into this house.

Water Dispensers

This is an odd view of the water park at the fairgrounds. It sounds as if it would be hot enough on Sunday for water to be spraying down from those white pipes that are shaped like umbrellas. I don't know when the water will be turned on but whenever it is, it won't be soon enough for the kids.

Blue skies

Another beautiful day. Dillon Nature Center is a good place to enjoy it by walking the dog.
Still hoping for a little rain here and sorry that others have too much.

After the Bath

Here is Mr. Mork after his trip to the groomer and after rolling in the wet grass when we arrived home.

We were checking the stations on the underground sprinklers and forgot we would be picking up a shampoo'ed dog who wanted to get rid of the foo-foo smell they spray on....

There went some $$ down the drain! Oh well, he's trimmed, toe nails trimmed, face and feet trimmed. And he'll dry. At least he didn't head for the mud!

Coffee and Other Necessary Fluids

A nice morning coffee with friends.  A good way to start the week.

Now for an afternoon at the Hospital with  pleasant nurses who do IV's skillfully - more so when I remember to drink a lot of water the day before.