smile

new arrivals

this morning we drove down to the post office in mariposa to pick up our six new fawn and white runner ducklings.  they were starting to get a bit chilled after being in a cardboard box for 2 days so i popped them all down my shirt to keep them warm on the car ride home...

they're all doing well now, cozy in their 90 degree brooder, eating and drinking and running around like crazy. 

the persimmon tree

    the persimmon tree
    stands silently in the sunlight
    glowing the most brilliant, fiery orange
    like it's no big deal

six tiny travelers

six tiny travelers
huddled together in the dark
hungry
uncertain
afraid
soon
there will be light
and warmth
and love
soon
your bellies will be full
so, be strong
be strong, little ones
soon there will be light
and warmth
and love
soon

oak titmouse

found this little one bouncing around in the greenhouse this morning.  must have come in through the open ridge vent.  feisty little bird and not happy about being handled but definitely needed a little help finding its way out.

tarweed

            the clean, resinous scent of tarweed

            bittersweet memories of a past life

            mingle with

            gratitude for the present

            a past-life's dream come true

bullfrog

found a bullfrog in the kitchen garden today while i was doing a little watering.  first one i've seen up here.  not sure what it's doing so far from water but maybe it's none of my business.  sure has some beautiful eyes though...