Pleasant Pheasant!

Click on the photo for a better look

Last Saturday I looked out the window and noticed a hen pheasant pacing slowly and inquisitively up the lawn between a couple of our gardens. You guessed it, I grabbed the camera and ran to the closest window! She saw me, but didn't seem perturbed by my presence.

People sometimes raise them and set them free to be hunted. I see the males occasionally, wandering on the side of the road as I drive to and from work. I've never seen one in our yard before though, and this is my first hen sighting.



She found a good vantage point in this garden, somewhat hidden, but luckily, still visible. Very curious she was.

I wanted to find my hubby, who was working outside, so he could see her too, so I threw on a coat, hat and boots (there was an icy wind blowing) and went out the back door, camera in hand of course. Wouldn't you know it, there were 3 cats waiting for me by the door (there's always at least one). I couldn't see the pheasant anymore, so I moved toward the garden wondering if she was still there. Not a smart move....I can't go anywhere outside without at least one cat in tow. Grady immediately sensed her presence and went into stalking mode. Out she came from her hiding place in the garden, and off she flew, over to the hedgerow across the road!

Oh well, at least I got 3 pictures from inside the house. I didn't really expect her to stand still and pose for me outside anyway :) Perhaps she'll visit again sometime. I hope so.



Colorful mums


There hasn't been much opportunity to get the fall cleanup work done outside because of the

nasty weather that has continued over the past week. Dreich (yuk/miserable) weather Claire of Claire's Garden in the Scottish Highlands calls it :)

The chrysanthemums look bright and pretty on the front porch, but have spent most of their time inside because I don't want them ruined by the rain and wind. I've taken the containers and baskets off the porch now because we're having frosts at night. I'm slowing cleaning them out for winter, but some are still blooming nicely inside by our sliding glass doors and on our enclosed, unheated side porch.



The ivy has turned a lovely reddish brown. I don't remember noticing this before. Having the digital camera has vastly improved my appreciation and observation of the beauty of nature.



Such a lovely blend of colors.



A few Gloriosa daisies are still bravely struggling to bloom.



and Halloween is just around the corner! Don't the days just seem to fly by?

My voice is back this week, but I'm still very croaky. I had the great pleasure of talking to Val on the phone last Tuesday night. Some of you know that she's visiting her parents and family in California at the moment. It was just a short chat because unfortunately, I developed a tickle in my throat and couldn't stop coughing. We're going to chat again next week when I hope to be totally over this croaking and coughing. She sounded exactly like I thought she would! Sue said the same thing when they chatted last week :)