birds of a feather

Birds of a feather do not always stick together. The typical "I am bigger than you are" bird feeder squabbles happen fairly regularly. Scolding for being too close to a nest one can't see -or- squawking "fill our feeders" reminders also happen. 

We have seen more unusual birdee interactions this past week. Walking in our woods, I watched a male Cardinal aggressively chase a Blue Jay away. An Oriole closely followed the action.

Ruffled feathers of Red, Blue, followed by Orange were first heard then sighted, not far overhead. I was glad they kept their squabble amongst themselves.

.................

On a semi-related note, Brad finally got our first crop hay baled. Without getting rained upon! Not for the lack of wishing he could bale earlier. Considering our weather, it was nothing short of a miracle. 104 large square bales left our property! A record for us. All sold to a repeat buyer. It sure feels good to see hay off our fields. You would be surprised how many people watch and share the status of neighboring fields. Along with their own (cough, cough Brad).

Brad raking hay (6.21.26)

While our hay was down drying, numerous crows and other critters were having their own hay-day. One particular Turkey Vulture kept swooping close to our house roof line. Over and over. It made me concerned. They soar over head regularly, but never come close. Perhaps something perished in the surrounding field.

field behind our house (20 secs)

The following day, a Turkey Vulture once again circled low. Swooping over our house. It flew close to Cierra. She gave the bird a big tail swoosh and glance. The bird landed elsewhere in the pasture. Perhaps Turkey Vultures speak horse. It briefly ate what I assume was undigested seed, before taking flight. It went back to doing the soaring they are so well know for. 

We both stopped what we were doing and watched the action in wonder from our deck.

I couldn't resist the unexpected photo opportunity. I hustled inside to grab my big camera. Of course it was packed away. No time to change settings. I shot the way it was set. Some of the action didn't turn out clear, but I did get a few images to share. Note to self; My tracking was off. I am rusty!

Turkey Vulture

Shortly after, a second large winged wonder joined the soaring vulture. 

It didn't take long to recognize it was a Red-tailed Hawk. 

These two spread their wings and shared the open sky nicely. They circled together, not far from us. Almost as if dancing, over the field shown in the video above. The field, not the dance.

Until a band of Crows half their size came out of nowhere and chased them away.

What an noisy aerial show that was!! Caught us by surprise. It happened so fast. I didn't even get a single shot fired off.

Red-tailed Hawk

I was reminded how long I waited for one of my favorite in-flight photos. Taken over a decade ago. Back when I was really into photography.

We lived near a rock quarry. For years, I watched what I believe was a juvenile Red-tailed hawk flying the same pattern over our house. Usually landing in a backyard tree. I couldn't tell you how many times I grabbed my camera and ran outside. Only to be disappointed. The hawk frequently saw me and flew away. I started to notice it would call out shortly after leaving the quarry. I listened and watched for it. A lot.

One fine day, I managed to be in the right place at the right time.

I first saw the hawk way off in the distance. Grabbed my camera and ran to stand where he could not see me. Camera pointed towards the sky. Standing on our deck. With baited breath. Listening for the hawk to approach. Waiting. Waiting. More waiting. I could not see the hawk, but I could hear him approaching. It was then, he crossed over our garage roof line. Saw me, locked eyes and for a brief second was suspended in air. I will never forget it. The look of surprise on that hawks face was priceless!!

Click!! Gotcha!!!

  

fire and wood ~ 1 of 2

After 6 months of Koda's recommended stalling (plus bute and no hand-walking) we decided to try a different vet clinic. One that offers treatments our long-time clinic does not offer. Especially when we were given the same recommendation all over again. 

I mentioned in my last horse related post that our vet is retiring. It is a big deal in our horse circle of friends. We tried whatever vet was available when Hope had her mysterious issues last Fall. We thought the on-call vet did a good job with Hope. Although everything was run past our long time vet. However, we are less impressed with how the vet handled our Spring wellness visit. Especially Koda's lameness recheck. The follow-up took weeks and made it evident this will not be our replacement vet. 

We were in agreement that the original stall recommendation was appropriate for Koda's injury. For his sanity, we hand walked/grazed him a little. He has improved and his care should reflect it. With no end in sight, we, especially Koda, needed some hope. Something in addition to stall rest. Koda has handled his looong incarceration surprisingly well. However, Spring fostered a new level of unhappiness for him. In human emotions, Koda seemed depressed, frustrated and angry. Fecal Water showed up. He was more edgy. His ocassional bursts of sassy FU increased. He was calling out more. 

Endless months of 24/7 in a 12' x 12' stall is not good quality of life for a horse. 

When Western Medicine is lacking, it is time to try Eastern. I do not think we are being unrealistic with Koda's diagnosis. We have to advocate for our animals. 

Koda has had two Acupuncture treatments to date. Brad and I are both very happy to have a plan that ease's Koda's stall sentence. Even if the plan doesn't work. At least we are trying s.o.m.e.t.h.i.n.g. We know acupuncture won't necessarily heal his injuries, but it should at least help with pain.

I find Koda's acupuncture appointments fascinating!!! We like the vet's approach and are learning a lot. My needle shy husband cringes, but does see the positive effects first hand. There are only a couple certified acupuncture/chiro vets in our area. We feel fortunate to have a good one that services our area. 

After initial discussion, Koda is offered Lavender or Peppermint as choices. He went back and forth but seemed to favor Lavender. The vet then applied it along key meridians, where Qi (Chi) energy flows. Before inserting needles.

After essential oil is applied, thin pink tipped needles of various lengths are inserted into key locations. The needles stay in around 15 minutes. Some worked their way out, most are removed. Koda handled everything well and didn't even flinch. 

Koda being treated for lameness & digestive health.

The vet said Koda is a bit of a mystery to figure out. Yes, he is. Always. When I got the vets follow-up report, it stated Koda had a Fire and Wood constitution. There are tons of layers to Chinese Medicine. I do not pretend to know much of anything about it, but I do find it very interesting!! 

Of course I had to look it up. In part, Google said this about Fire/Wood constitutions:

Fire Constitution (The Charmer)

Energy & Traits: Fire types are charismatic, expressive, and emotionally open. They thrive on connection, warmth, and joy. When balanced, they are enthusiastic and loving; when imbalanced, they may struggle with emotional volatility, anxiety, or insomnia.

Wood Constitution (The Pioneer)

Energy & Traits: Known as the visionary or pioneer, Wood types are goal-oriented, decisive, and natural leaders. They value growth and forward movement. When balanced, they are confident and inspiring; when out of balance, they can become easily frustrated, irritable, or stubborn.

I think Koda is much more like the Fire vs Wood based on description above.

Vet recommendations are: taking daily notes of what movement seems to help/hurt. Hand walking with a goal of increasing (on his own) pace. More grooming to help move Qi. A follow-up around 3 weeks.

May 20 (9 secs)

We instantly noticed a softening in Koda's demeanor and think his mobility has improved some. His pace has increased for sure. He is reaching out more, taking less choppy steps. Yes, Koda is still lame. His digestive system (gas/manure) improved a little. Maybe. 

May 27 (19 secs)

Koda just seems happier overall.

May 29

I have dabbled in other Eastern practices for decades. Over the years, I have been on the brink of having acupuncture done on myself. I never ended up doing it. My injuries were resolved with PT. I am almost there again, as I continue seeking help for arthritis. It has been fun seeing Brad learn and be open to more new things. 

Have you experienced acupuncture yourself, or with your animals?

** Coming soon is part 2 of this topic. Covering a second appointment, recommended herbs, another horse getting treated etc.

happy be lucky day

Everyone is Irish today! I saved 11 four (and a couple five) leaf clovers that I found in 2025 to share on St. Patricks Day. You would think I would have 11X the luck. Nope. Still looking for that pot of gold.

The clover are grouped by find, and showcased with rough rocks I tumbled. I finally found something to do with my polished rocks! 

same two clover as above

2025 four/five leaf clovers




Happy St. Patricks Day! May the Luck of the Irish be with You.


p.s. sorry about the unintentional funky phone colors and edges

floating into Fall

We made it out onto the water to kayak one last time this season. It marks our fifth float this year. One less than last year. I normally don't track activities, but wanted to remind myself that we are indeed kayaking enough to have warrant purchasing. 

Kayaking is an activity we both enjoy. I am able to continue, thanks to my husband who does most of the heavy lifting and lends me a hand when needed. Kayaks are a much better water vessel choice for us than a Pontoon Boat. We seriously considered getting one more than once in our lifetime. The logistics do not make sense.

On a warm October 18th, we stopped the endless chore list to pause. As we headed out on the water at our favorite spot, it was easy to see the mirror part of Mirror Lake was back!

Ohhh how I love floating into fall!!

The reflections were stunning!

We shared the water heading out with one lone kayaking guy. He was far behind me, but I could hear his conversation clear as day. He kept his voice low and wasn't loud or obnoxious. Are you wondering who he was talking to? Me too. The water was so still you could hear a pine needle drop. Which means, I could hear his companion as well. He was taking to some women via Facetime/Zoom, or whatever video calling format. Ugh.

I wished for his phone battery to run out or connection to drop. It did and "hello, hello are you there?" could be heard. Thank goodness he came to his senses. I think perhaps he noticed he was missing the serenity. He said good-bye to chatty Kathy and stillness was restored.

I was so absorbed in the beauty of my surrounding that it was a while before I even noticed the lone kayaker had turned around and headed back.

color me happy

Early Fall is the best time to kayak. It is quieter and more colorful. Even with the occasional other 'yakers. They have just as much right as we do, to enjoy the water as they choose. 

The wind had picked up as we paddled out of the narrows and into the wide open. You may recall they were dredging this area on an earlier float. I spotted the parked barge at the public boat launch and paddled to take a closer look. 

hello barge-y

Wow, they really opened this area up! There was so much more open water to explore. 

They had moved dredging equipment to an area that had became impassable. We went to investigate. 

Some nesting area's remained

I noticed a black squiggly thing floating in the water. Eek!! It was a dredging line. Oops. I had no idea they left lines in the water. Needless to say we paddled outta there and headed back.

It was then I became overcome with emotion and stopped paddling. I didn't want to leave the peacefulness. Thoughts filtered through my mind, as the breeze slowly pushed my kayak along it's way. Swoosh. Swoosh. The calming swoosh of water was all I heard.

Brad had paddled waaay up ahead. He is the little tan spot next to the very last colorful left tree line above.

Further down I could hear wind chimes softly playing their tune. It was surreal. I wondered where the sound that matched the swaying water was coming from.

I found out near an older quaint cottage that was buttoned up for the Winter. They had pulled their dock. Water vessels were stored up by the cottage. Yet they left chimes by the shore. Softly playing their melody.

I was happy to see the crazy haired tortoise I spotted on the way out had not moved far. 

say cheese



colorful ferns

red & yellow glowing maples

My water lovin' heart was full. This tranquil float was the perfect way to close out season two. 

farewell summer? horse update

Labor Day holiday weekend marks a passage of time in several ways. At least at our household. Among some personal things, Summer's crazy @ss weather finally shows welcome signs of change. The WI State Quarter Horse final show of the season is always held on Labor Day weekend. 

Brad is continuing to enjoy reconnecting with Padame. After two off/on years dealing with her bouts of lameness, their partnership is growing stronger. They are having good weekly lessons and a lot of practice rides and time together during horse shows. However, Brad decided prior to the last show that they were not ready. He did not show Padame this season. His trainer showed her in Ranch Classes at the State show. They are both happy with Padame's progress. This was her third show this season. 

Sorry no photos. I did not attend this show as planned. New issues with one of my knees is severely restricting my mobility - and - both of our chore back ups were out of town. Brad came home from the show to help with chores each day Tuesday-Friday. Some folks stay onsite for 7 days! Saturday the Ranch classes ran late. Thankfully we have good horses with manners that are willing to walk at the pace of hobble!

Before all this, I took advantage of nice weather and managed a photo-a-horse. Without fly masks. Which is rare on a Summer Day around here. Doing what our horses do every day. Stand around grazing/eating. Not very exciting for an action loving photographer. The main reason/s you don't see many posts or photos of our horses on this blog. 

.................

A brief horse update in descending order of age:

Harmony (25 yrs old)

Harmony continues to be our easiest keeper. She raised Cierra, and now Hope. Hope really (really) loves her! If you asked Harmony, she would rather be turned out with Nemo. Not much to share about her. Happy to say all continues well with our daughter's girl.

trio of looks

Harmony, Hope and Koda (L-R)

Koda (18 years old)

Koda continues retired from riding. His lameness all but disappeared by using Streamz Bands, but has since returned. Likely due to the added stomping of flies. We make quite a pair gimping through the arena to come inside at night. What has not returned is his turn out/in agitation. Koda remains much calmer while using the bands.  No clue why, other than they help him feel better.

Our new lameness game plan is getting him trimmed every four weeks (vs six). Brads idea. It has helped Padame. Our farrier agreed it was worth trying. He mentioned about 200 lbs of pressure is added for every centimeter of toe growth.

Nemo (18 years old)

Nemo was born the day after Koda on the same farm. They are related but polar opposites in every way. Sadly, they can no longer be turned out together.

So far, there are no signs of his chronic bladder calcium build up. Knock on wood! I am convinced the difference has to do with Brad's expert field management, growing quality hay.

Nemo continues to self control his allergies during turn out. With the help of maintenance allergy shots. It is really obvious when his allergies get to be too much for him. Nemo's human staff brings him inside as needed. Being away from the elements quickly calms allergies down.

Nemo and Cierra enjoying the lower pasture

Cierra (15 years old)

Cierra's allergies made Summer challenging for her. I think it shows. We are doing the best we can to help Cierra breath normally and live her best life. She is such a sweet girl! Having Summer stingers gone is ideal for her.
 

I previously wrote about Brad tuning Cierra up and bringing her out of retirement for show practice under judges. It was a great idea and gave Brad confidence showing a horse he knows so well.

Checkers and Cierra were long time show buddies and remembered each other :)

(L-R) Brad & Cierra, Trainer riding Checkers with her owner standing.

(Borrowed photo was shared with me)

Hope (2 years old)

Hope is doing well. Over the Summer she was allowed to be a young growing horse, with intermittent lessons. She is always open and eager to learn. Brad really enjoys working with young horses. Hope takes everything she is presented with fairly easy. She continues to be handled at least twice daily, as with all our horses. Hope will get her teeth floated for the first time early Fall.

.................

When I started this post, our weather had cooled off and greatly improved. We have since returned to Summer weather :( Mosquitos have re-hatched and increased in numbers. I have never experienced anything like this.

Here is a short clip of the three dog walk I took yesterday, as we approach our woods. I almost turned around and headed back home. Almost.

9/11/25 (7 secs)

epic garden delight

I thought my Butterfly Garden was a failure this year. Nature proved me wrong. Tall flowering plants took turns blooming throughout the Summer. Various winged wonders fluttered about occasionally, enjoying the grass flanked blooms. At times the wings chose grass over flowers. Not a surprise. Grass offers various needs. 

From a distance, I noticed what I thought were a cluster of larger butterflies. I wanted to take a closer look. Alas, I had two velcro Labradors with me. Sigh. It rarely works out to approach wild things with the two hooligans. The dogs always scare them away. Especially winged wonders!

About an hour later I returned. With my camera and without dogs. Much to my surprise, the flutterby's were still enjoying the garden! Now I only had one pesky loveable animal to thwart my efforts.

classic Leo wrap around

The cat who shall not be ignored got some needy attention. It is never enough and I had to ask him to pluueze leave me alone! I wanted to focus on this:

Monarchs and friends

trio of Monarchs

Leo obliged, but did not go far

Just like potato chips, I had a hard time choosing just one Monarch photo.

see four

and five

The many Monarchs and friends were very entertaining!

fluers and a fuzzy bee

I would have stayed longer, but was getting eaten alive by the latest crop of blood suckers. Leo and I headed back to the house/barn for cover. 

If I did have to chose one photo from this series, this would be it:

8.26.25

A fun reminder our Butterfly Garden does not need to be manicured to be an epic delight. 

land of wonders ~ july version 1/2

The consistent rain continues this Summer and so do the fun(gi) finds. Some growths pop up willy nilly and disappear just as randomly. Others hang around and offer daily observation. Until they eventually give back to Mother Earth.

Photos have to be taken quickly while swatting mosquitos, even with my iphone.

The Woodland Fairies built a tiny canoe shaped cover to deal with the rain.
Complete with parasols, of course :)
7.1.25

hidden cactus started blooming mid-June and continue into July
7.3.25

wild milkweed getting ready to bloom

we only have a few monarchs fluttering about this year

so many dewy webs

orange coral continues morphing
(first spotted june 20th)


someone left lights on inside the tree


Two Lips are back. Not normally white.

I have seen a lot of white mushrooms this season.
One can only assume due to our excess rain.


The Blob mushrooms

Dainty horse nettle blooms.

dipped in white chocolate

Google ID says parasitic "bolete mould"

freshly "salted" golden mushrooms

I've been told they are as delicious as Morels.

Two days later they looked like this:

 I have always thought of these as wild Morning Glories,
but Google says they are Hedge Bindweed.

a larger parasol

I find the details interesting.

various Red mushrooms started appearing


No, I do not touch anything fungi/moldy with or without gloves.

Hoary Vervain, a wild type of Verbena

I leave the wild things grow where they please, but also grow these in my Butterfly Garden :)

Daily Surprises are here today, gone tomorrow

Two Lips, not fully formed. 

Yes, these are my given names.

yucky sponge

Google says it is an older version of the white chocolate mushroom above.
Perhaps.



Large Velvety and Yellow (commonly seen at bottom of trees)



fairy spa

this fuzzy wuzzy was not a bear



white phalic looking mushroom popped up and lasted for days
(ha! edit comment)

a couple days of finding fuzz

tan coral finally appeared & is very common in our woods



Cinnamon colored tops started popping up

same Orange Coral has lasted over 3 weeks
7.13.25

Tank says "every day in the woods is an adventure!!"
7.15.25