Trees are so amazing

Whew! You're avoiding my diatribe on how trees might have intelligence and feelings. Lucky you. This time it's about the amazing growths and patterns trees have. I'm sure a botanist could explain all these things, but all I can do is wonder at how magnificent they are. There are two trees next to each other that are displaying the same bumps. How does this happen? Inquiring minds want to know (well not enough to actually look it up and try to understand the science).

Then there's this tree trunk with the most fascinating spirals. Nature is flat out amazing.

Again with front door obstacles

Scratching my head again why someone would put an obstacle right in the middle of the path to the house's front door. What is the purpose other than to discourage visitors and mail carriers? Ideas?

 

An arty village just keeps growing

The same house that built the amazing little library (June 3 post), has now created an amazing little art scene that is inventive and charming. It certainly brings a smile to my face every time Nellie and I pass by (which is almost every day on our morning walk). I can hardly wait for their next addition.

Dragons clearly like books as much as retired librarians.

I've put in two pictures of Snoopy because he apparently been very busy on his book and he needs appreciation for his efforts.

So, you invite someone over only to give them the finger?!?

There are a couple of houses on our daily walks that confuse me no end. Imagine for a moment that you are invited to this house. The path to the front door is up a dirt slope on uneven ground and the steps are uneven sizes. The driveway side is blocked off with a concrete wall. Makes you wonder whether they have any friends who have mobility issues. I'm willing to bet the family only uses a back door.

 Then there's this obstacle course. At first it looks like an interesting swale to make the garden pretty. 

Upon further inspection, you realize this is the path to the front door. Yup. And no way from the driveway either. So, anyone who is not very dexterous or balanced (like those who might need a cane or walker), have no safe path to travel. Again - what were they thinking? Or were they thinking?

My suspicion is, they are simply telling the world what this trimmed tree is so eloquently showing:

Now -- to demonstrate adequate front door etiquette, this front door entry that is actually inviting:

Frank BetaMax saga continues

The good news is that Frank BetaMax is being fed - confirmed by a neighbor who has been looking out for him for some time. The more interesting news is that Frank has not accepted the new terms at Nick's house. Nick's Mom explicitly told Frank he is feline non grata at their home, that his behavior (swatting at a wobbly dog) is unacceptable, and he is not welcome in these parts. Frank's response:

 Flopping down on the porch at the front door. The NERVE.

Cats in sticky situations

Frank Betamax has returned to put up his regal nose at the food offering. We're guessing he's receiving better fare elsewhere, though that doesn't explain his slim to skinny physique.

He apparently drops by just to hang out and make people feel guilty that they haven't figured out what he wants from us other than pets and attention (albeit briefly). However, on his last visit, he made a HUGE mistake. He took a swipe at Nick, who is now called Mr. Wobbles because he's none too steady on his four paws. Nick fell over, traumatized his Mom, and is now officially banned - that is, until he can apologize profusely and charm his way back.

On another sad note, a friend in Washington state sent this picture of a neighbor's beautiful cat who is now in search of a home along with other siblings. The tragedy of the death of a family member is too often compounded when the fur friends are then left without a planned family to take them. Fortunately my friend goes over and makes sure all is well while looking for another home for this gorgeous creature. Let's hope she's successful soon.

Now this nuttiness I can get behind

We have multiple Little Libraries in our neighborhood, and as has been posted before, some have wonderful decorations. This new one is quite the eye-popper and clearly the person responsible likes squirrels as much as I do (even though they are destructive little creatures, they do steal your heart with their cuteness). As an avid reader, and one who has had a career in encouraging reading, it's always good to see this type of community engagement.

Butterflies work too.