Monday, May 31, 2010

Poison Ivy

So, I have just recently learned that you  can get poison ivy from your dog!!

This is from a short blurb in Family Circle Magazine, June 2010 issue, page 128.

Apparently, most pets don't actually get a rash after coming in contact with the poison ivy plant.  They can, however, give YOU the poison ivy by rubbing on you.  Who knew?!?!

They suggest giving your pets a warm soapy bath if they have been outside in areas with low bushes or vines.  And wear rubber gloves when bathing them.

I don't really know what poison ivy looks like.....will have to look into that.  

Well, have a rash free summer.....

Enjoy the day♥♥

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Keep Your Pet Protected

Here are some tips taken from an article in Family Circle Magazine-June 2010 Issue, page 100.

These are suggestions for taking care of dogs during the hot summer months.

1.  Apparently animals don't sweat like people do...I didn't know this!  So they suggest limiting strenuous outdoor activity in the hottest part of the day.
Also suggested having a shady spot available for the pet to rest and cool off.

2. Pet's can get a sun burn.  Now, this I DID know since our dogs got sunburn on their noses when we spent a day at the beach.
Anyway, they suggest using a pet-safe SPF sunscreen (found at pet supply stores) on the belly, nose and ears and to reapply after the pet has been swimming.

3.  Specific fertilizers can be dangerous to pets....even if you don't use them on your own property, your pet my run across them in other areas.  Pay attention to where your pet is going and watch for any signs of distress.

4.  Watch out for those pesky bugs!!  The primary offenders are mosquitoes, ticks and fleas.  They suggest checking with your vet for the best anti-tick and bug repellent for your pet.  Also, check daily for any bites or unusual sores on your fur baby.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy summer.

Enjoy the day♥♥

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Junk Mail Be Gone!

This is a great site to use if you are looking to reduce the amount of 'junk mail' you receive.

catalogchoice.org

It seems pretty simple to use and it is offered at no charge.

I like to do anything I can to save the trees!! Love my trees!!

Enjoy the day♥♥

Friday, May 14, 2010

Puprle Clematis

This is the lovely Clematis vine that grows on the other side of our trellis.  It doesn't have as many flowers as the lighter vine on the opposite side.  But we love it also.


It still has a few flowers yet to open and then it will be finished flowering until next spring.


Enjoy your evening♥

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Time to leave the nest


The babies have left the nest!  Two fell out yesterday....well they flew a bit but didn't really have the whole concept under control.....
So, in my pj's and rubber gloves (not a pretty sight!!)  I chased them around and managed to get them back in the nest. 

But, while getting them settled back in, the third one took off.  So...I managed to get him and when I went to put him back in the nest, the other two were gone.  I looked everywhere, but could not find them.  I did chase away a HUGE owl that I think was after them.  The parent robins were dive bombing the owl.  I guess the babies were out there in the trees/bushes somewhere and looked like a nice snack to Mr. Owl.

Anyway, I hope they made it.  The third baby stayed in the nest all day yesterday and the mommy robin continued to feed it.  When I looked out this morning, he was gone.  

I will miss them.  

They did leave us something to remember them by....
Heehee......looks like a good clean up job for my husband!  Ha!

Enjoy the day♥♥

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Growing Babies



The three babies are hanging in there.  They are squished in this little nest, but so far, they are all staying put!! YEA!!

The parents are working hard to keep these youngsters fed.  Lots of worms and bugs coming on a regular basis.  

This corner of our porch is getting a bit messy.....heehee.....but we'll just give it a good clean up after the babies take flight.

I am hoping that will be soon as I don't know how much longer they can all continue to fit in this little home.

Have a wonderful day♥♥

Monday, May 10, 2010

New Wind Sock

So I have this new 'wind sock' that I am enjoying. It twirls and twirls.  So fun......of course I am easily entertained.

As for the baby robins...so far, the three are still in the nest.  I hope they can all hang in there until they are ready to fly away.

Enjoy your day♥♥

Sunday, May 9, 2010

And then there were three.....



Well, the baby robin saga continues.  
This morning I went out to check on them.....one of the babies had fallen out of the nest.   As you can see they are rather crowded in there!!


So I put on rubber gloves and attempted to place the sweet one back in the nest. The other babies thought I was trying to feed them, and stuck up their heads and opened their mouths.  This pushed the baby right back out.

It landed on the concrete porch below.  I picked it back up and it was not in good shape.  So I laid it on the porch railing and watched to see if is was going to revive itself.  

It did not.  I watched as it took it's last breath.  It was so sad......

I am hoping that the remaining three babies can manage to stay in the nest until it is time for them to fly away.

After my 'renesting' attempt, I was afraid the robin parents would not return to the other babies. So I sat and watched for a bit. They came back to feed them.  Thank God!!  I was already thinking about what I was going to do if the parents didn't return.

We will see how it goes and hope for the best for the remaining robin babies.  Apparently, navigating the growing up process can be difficult for all creatures!

Let's hope these sweet ones do well.

Enjoy your Mother's day♥♥

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Vacation time!!

It is about time to be thinking about some good ol' vacation time.  I know $$ is an issue for a lot of us these days, but there are still great ways to have fret-free fun, food, frolic, and general frivolity (I ran out of useable "f" words!)

I found this site and it has some useful info.  Thought I'd pass is along.

vacationfun.com

We live near the Carolina beaches and this is always a wonderful place for some relaxing vacation time for us.

I hope you have some terrific get-away plans for the summer.

Enjoy the day♥♥

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

How Many????


So, I still can't tell how many babies there are in this little nest!! It sure is a bunch of birdies squished in there though.

I don't like to stay around the nest too long because it upsets the Mommy and Daddy Robins.

I think the babies are beginning to open their eyes.  So sweet.  

I am loving this♥




Enjoy the beautiful day♥♥

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

EFA

 I am happy to be a member of this group!

Check out the blog:
http://efaartistshelpinganimals.blogspot.com/

 Enjoy your day♥

Monday, May 3, 2010

Three Babies!




So this is the front porch pillar that I have tried to 'cat proof' to protect the baby birds in their porch nest.  

I am sure the neighbors are wondering what type of new decorating sense I have adopted with this look.....

Just hope it will keep the cats away.  I think I'm going to add a bit more plexiglass, but have to go and get it cut to fit.  I had to break the pieces I already had hanging around in the garage.  This was no easy task and it splintered a LOT.

The babies are not chirping yet, but I really love watching them through the window that overlooks their little nest.  I have a bird's eye view....pun totally intended!!

Mommy Robin is bringing a steady supply of worms and other delicious bird treats to her ALWAYS hungry, wide mouthed babies.  

Watching how hard she is working to keep these little ones fed has given me a whole new appreciation for the convenience of breast feeding.....it was great especially in the wee hours of the morning when I was half asleep!!

I'm looking forward to watching the progress of these little feathered friends.  And I have a great deal of admiration for this very dutiful Mommy Robin. She is awesome!

Enjoy the day♥

Saturday, May 1, 2010

I AM WOMAN

Another beautiful spring day here♥

I wanted to share this website that I found. It has great information for women on many different topics. And it is easy to navigate around in the site to locate areas that may be of interest to you.
healthywomen.org

Great to find a place dedicated specifically to women.....YEA!!



I am WOMAN ...... see me be healthy and happy!!

Enjoy your day♥♥