Actually, we’ve been here all the time. We’ve just been too busy! A house and 12 acres sure keep us occupied!

Sometime in July, Gary took Sparky for a long walk. After well behaving for a long while, Sparky smelled something interesting and decided to run after it. Gary didn’t see what it was. But sure enough, Sparky ran in the ditch and crossed in the culvert under the road before responding to Gary’s calls. Well, no need to say that the poor dog was pretty smelly after his escapade (I’ll spare you the details ). However, a bath was in order!

The wildlife around us never ceases to amaze. On the morning of August 1, around 7 a.m., I walked in our living room and was graced by the sight of a buck right in our front yard. Here’s a little bit of information: Contrary to popular belief that a deer’s age can be guessed by the size of its antlers, the only way to tell for sure is by looking at its teeth. The growth rate of the antlers is influenced by genetics and diet and thus is not a sure way of telling.

Remember the swallows I mentioned last month? Their second attempt at building a nest was successful and they now have a little family to feed. There are four chicks in the nest. Can you spot all of them?

The parents are very protective of their young and every time we go by, they start chirping and flying in circles, away from the nest, trying to get our attention. I tried catching a picture of them faking a broken wing in flight, a common practice to attract predators away from their young. I was unsuccessful (geez, they really make sharp turns!) but got a beautiful in-flight shot.

And speaking of couples, it’s mating season for the dragonflies and damselflies. Caught these two in the act, right on our living room window frame.