Category Archives: Fish

Keep Calm and Blog On

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That’s what one tells them-self, when said person is a bit more than two weeks behind on the blog.

When one needs to keep calm, it never hurts to have an extra cup of coffee. So I did.

And with this post, I thought it would be nice to say a few blurbs of what’s been going on around here. Sprinkled with a smattering of photos, to keep things real.

Things like – Taking an image of our hard work, what a beautiful wood pile. The hubs did the chopping and I did the stacking. A great big cheers to having that job finished and we will celebrate with many a fire in the fire-pit in the coming days/years.

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We started hiking the hood again.

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I especially love hiking, just before sunset with the hubs.

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I’m back to painting the walls in the house.

Do you know that Christmas music has filled the space in our home, going on 3 weeks? I admit, this is a first. I really don’t know what’s into me, but Christmas is in the air and I feel it. And I’m shopping for a new Christmas tree. I think I found just the one. This is not a non-sequitur people. It has everything to do with painting, as it truly filled the air with every brushstroke and roll of paint with the roller.

Below – A finished image of the family room. The paint color is Behr – Summer Bliss

Don’t mind the stuff on the window ledges, I didn’t have everything back in place when I took this image.

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After painting a couple of days in the family room, I took a two-day rest. And I read for two days. The great news = I finished the book for my book club meeting this month.

Fry – Who knew goldfish/fish young were called fry? And that they hatch a brownish color? And they can take up to a year to develop color? And they can change color up until they have fully matured? I’m pretty jazzed with the little yellow and black guy who is changing color before our eyes. And it’s hard to believe that some of the little ones look pretty close to 3″ in size already. I knew none of the above going into this, but it’s a joy learning as we go…

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And one day while sitting at the edge of the pond, the reflection begged to be captured.

Speaking of the pond – The fountain sprung a leak and water was seeping out (a little drop at a time). Thankful for a good pond guy who was able to repair the leak for us last week.

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Speaking of repairs – The washing machine broke last Thursday.

The best load for the washer to break = the last load. The load you debate even throwing in the wash. You know, a few sweaters that would be nice to have fresh for our cool San Diego nights. I was feeling a bit smug (Thursday evening) to have all the clothes put away and the ironing all up to snuff.

And it’s still in need of some tender loving care. But I have hopes that the appliance man will have things under control tomorrow. Fingers crossed…

I have to put in a big plug-in for the St Louis Cardinals, the hubs hometown and team since childhood. The hubs predicted (before the playoff series) that they would nail it in 6, in honor of #6. What do you know, he was right on the money! We’re looking forward to our Cards in the World Series!

We helped our friends do a little moving down here from LA over the last two weekends. And we enjoyed a nice dinner with them last weekend.

Snapped this guy on one of my little outdoor garden jaunts.

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The garden is one of my favorite places to relax.

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Let there be birthday cake! Red velvet birthday cake. I whipped this guy up over the weekend.

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Our daughter came for a visit (down from LA) and it was her birthday. I couldn’t think of any other cake to bake, than her favorite red velvet.

And I decorated her card with fingernail polish. It’s my new favorite way to decorate the envelope.

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 Twas a big celebration weekend of whining and dining.

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I spent a bit of time in the garden this morning. Remember? One of my favorite ways to relax.

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And shot several images.

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 And sipped on coffee.

And spent some time on the phone with my pop.

And I’ve been really good about staying out of the leftover ice cream. I call that a big accomplishment.

And I’m ever thankful we sent “ALL” the leftover cake with Kristy. Lord knows I would have a hard time staying out of that.

And I feel blessed getting this new week started off on the right foot.

Blessings – Debbie

That Nagging Frustration

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When you just had your hand on something and next thing you know, it’s gone.

If I were a pencil, where would I be? That is still the question two days later.

We just had the hubs 0.9mm Pentel P209 pencil the night before last. By morning we could not put our fingers on it.

So I started in on the 4 day holiday weekend laundry + checked all pockets per usual. Searched high and low. Found a stray sock under the bed while conducting the search.

And what do you know, I found the other missing pencil (image below), but there is still another missing as he has two. This guy was found in the stuff we were working on over the weekend. Goodness knows where the other is lurking.

And why is this driving me nuts and consuming me for two days? The hubs and I chalk it up to bizarre. Who knows, maybe the aliens took it?

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Crystal Clear – So I was in the mood for a little abstract today. I took this image of a small crystal votive, held up to the beveled glass window with the garden providing the background light and color.

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And a few blurbs running thru my head:

  • This week feels rather short.
  • The fish are happy as ever. And the little fry are getting SO big! I dare say we have 100 if not more little babies from all that spawning. Anyone out there want some free goldfish? I’m serious! As far as the big birds go, we have been able to successfully keep the birds away from the fish. Knock on wood.
  • It’s hot in So Cal – The “summer” came unannounced a week or so ago. But we don’t look for it to last too long.
  • I’m already thinking about Thanksgiving dinner.
  • I get such a hankering for candy corn this time of the year. I usually splurge at some point with one small bag. And then you know what else I could go for? A small bag of peanuts mixed in with the corn. Love those two together.
  • We’ve talked about where the Christmas tree is going – Speaking of which, we’re getting a new pre-lit tree this year = Excited!
  • The hubs played a little Christmas music over Pandora the other evening. Makes me happy.
  • And I’m particularly looking forward to the weekend.

Blessings – Debbie

Some Days Are a Flop

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Like today, what I really wanted was for the babies to be still. But I rolled with the flop.

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And took what I could get.

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And took images of them doing what they do.

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But really, it sort of felt like one of those flop kind of days.

  • I wasn’t super excited with any of the shots today, as I wanted to get some nice close up images. Just didn’t happen.
  • Perhaps it had something to do with having to wait around (finally late afternoon) on a service call from the arborist.
  • And it was one of those days where I don’t feel like I got much accomplished.
  • But I did have a nice visit with the neighbor.
  • Enjoyed the best watermelon and cantaloupe early morning.
  • Loved lunch on the patio.
  • Sat by the pond for probably too long.
  • Talked to the fish. I did tell the neighbors “if you hear me having a one-sided conversation, you’ll know I’m off the deep end, talking to the fish.”
  • And came to the conclusion that everything balanced out.

On a brighter note, this is the message I received when I called in for Jury Duty, last evening. “Your Jury Service is over. You are no longer required to call in for service.” Yay! I’m filled with relief such that I can start planning my days and weeks again.

And looking forward to the plan I have scheduled tomorrow.

Blessings – Debbie

Gardening

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Good evening! I hope all is well in your world.

I’ve been busy around the house these days. I spent the last couple of days working in the garden = I feel pooped with a capital P, but in a good way. And I suspect I’ll be right back out there again tomorrow.

Shot this image (yesterday) while working around the roses in bloom.

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The babies still have me at hello.

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As I was working in the pond today (I get in there about once a week) cleaning up the lilies, I got tickled all over my legs and feet. That’s because the fish nibble on me and it really does tickle, especially when 3 or more are nibbling at once. I can’t get over how they are getting a lot more friendly as the weeks go by. And I love that they follow me all over the pond while I work. It makes my heart smile.

In the news today – Have I mentioned how much we love our neighborhood? Well, it’s an ongoing wonderful thing that we truly have really nice neighborly neighbors.

Just today, as I was working out front, I hear the warm friendly voice of my neighbor as she greeted me “Hello Debbie”. As I looked up, I saw her across the way, working in her front lawn too. And from there we began to visit. She came over to my house to see all that I’ve been up to in the garden. And I shared with her the updated paint color in the kitchen area. Then we moved on over to her place where I got the grand tour of her lovely home and garden. It’s little things like this that made this day extra special.

Feeling extra blessed to live in such a friendly neighborhood.

Blessings – Debbie

A Month of Stuff

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Where did the month go? Tomorrow will be a month since I last posted. And things continue to move at record speed.

So like the last post, I’ll begin where I left off. I’m using the images and comments I posted on Facebook and going by the date. Off we go!

July 15 – Image from the pond this morning – There are times I get the tendency to get really excited. Especially when this gal landed. It’s hard to tell in the picture, but she’s the biggest of the dragonflies I’ve seen yet. I believe she was laying her eggs and was not pleased with me.

Having a nice Monday ~ a little lunch date with the hubs ~ a little reading on the patio ~ and taking care of the babies. We went from 10 fish to well over 50 fish in our pond. Happy Monday Peeps!

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July 16 – On Yer Mark, Get Set… – I’m having a lovely Tuesday. Fish watching and dragonfly watching and bird watching = Oh My!

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July 17 – Nature Weeps – The image today is honoring the little baby fish I put to rest today. I found the little 1 and 1/2 inch guy on the bottom of the pond during my morning cleaning of the pond. Cause of death – It appears a larger fish was hungry for protein.

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July 18 – Joy Comes In The Morning – We woke to the fish spawning this morning.

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July 19 – Having a beautiful day – It’s the hubs friday off ~ we have a friend coming over for a visit ~ It’s another breakfast, lunch and dinner on the patio kind of day + another female is spawning this morning. Happy Weekend!

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July 20 – Fish Lips – Good Morning to those on the west coast and Afternoon for you on the east coast.

I would like to spend more time taking images of these guys at meal time. They are so much fun to watch.

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July 22 – Capturing things around the pond is such a delight. This is one of the images I snapped this morning.

It’s a busy day – Paid a visit to The Home Depot – Picked up two different samples of paint color – Picked up a nice paint brush – Sampled both paint colors – Made my selection – Finished applying the paint from one of the samples to the walls in the kitchen – Allowing paint to dry for a final decision – And hopefully we’ll have a fresh painted kitchen tomorrow! Happy Monday!

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July 23 – Somebody’s touching me – I thought it was pretty cool to watch these two fight over the same post yesterday. And then the funniest thing happened. That blue dude landed right smack dab on the orange guy’s wing…

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July 26 – Chillin’ – So the last four days, I managed to paint the kitchen and dining room. Well, almost, I’m almost finished. But for today and the weekend, all paint brushes, rollers, paint and equipment are on strike until further notice.

Just for today – I managed a nap – laundry in the works – fish/pond sitting – Tea infused with honey sipping – and enjoying our new paint color. Happy Friday and the best to all of you this weekend.

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July 31 – We celebrate our 14th commitment to love and to cherish each other for life. As the hubs sat across the dinner table, he said “I still remember the first time I saw you across the room”…And we reminisced from the time we first met 17 years ago. This has been an amazing journey and I’m blessed to spend all my days with my very best friend. There truly is no place I’d rather be.

This image was taken in the backyard after our anniversary dinner.

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August 7 – Question ~ Can anyone tell me what this creature is? He/She lives in water as I just scooped him/her out of the bottom of the pond this morning. And scooped many others out the other day. And it’s no more than 1/2″ in size.

Note: I discovered after posting this image that he/she is dragonfly naiad! Remember all the dragonflies I shot while laying their eggs? Well here’s one of many babies I scooped out (not knowing)…

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August 7 cont… – In other news, It’s been crazy ~ fun ~ busy around here the last couple of weeks. I’ve been to book club ~ To a dinner party with the hubs ~ Neighborhood picnic with the hubs last weekend ~ Getting ready to have a few neighbor girls over tomorrow morning for coffee on the patio ~ Having fun with painting the “inside” of the house ~ spending quality time with the babies ~ fortunately, we’ve been able to keep the “big” birds out of the pond ~ All of the fish are still with us, sans losing a few babies ~ And the little fry are getting so big, some are over 2″ already ~ I can’t believe how fast they grow.

August 7 continued – Kitchen before and after images. Unfortunately, I did not think to shoot before images. The before shot was taken after I unpacked the kitchen boxes. So the lighting does not do justice to that dusty pink color. But the new yellow is so cheerful. Now to decorate the upper ledges on both sides of the kitchen…

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August 9 – I had a guest back to back two days in a row. How fun to do round two for coffee on the patio with my new friend.

And that brings us to the weekend. The hubs and I enjoyed a nice weekend around the house. Trees were trimmed, the lily’s in the pond were divided up as they are getting so big – the garage was tended to and garage organization is well underway.

August 12 = Today already! My goal was to hit the grocery store first thing = check! Catch up on the blog = Check! And tidy up my office space = No check for that box, yet. But I still have the afternoon. And as soon as I hit “publish” for this post, I’m moving right along such that I can put a nice check in this box by the end of the day.

Blessings – Debbie

Things Happen

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So the last couple of weeks, things happened.

And when things happen, I tend to get behind on the blog.

And then I really get behind on the blog.

So I would like to do a quick one post update. All right, there is nothing quick about this as there will be a smattering of pictures and material that range all over the place. So if you’re up for a smattering, please do scroll along with me.

And for this post, I plan to post the date with the pictures, to keep some sort of order to the post.

June 29th – The Jacaranda Tree – Enjoying the beauty of summer in the backyard.

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June 29th – The little baby goldfish are hatching from the (first) spawn on June 20th. And the fake egret sort of got the name of the stork that day. And dragonflies gathered ’round for the grand occasion.

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June 30th – Happiness Is – Quality time with family. We had the joy of spending the day with my cousin and her beautiful family. We kicked back around the homestead and talked into the early morning.

This shot was a warm up shot for my little second cousin. I was taking her senior pictures that week too.

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Side note for June 30th – The fish were spawning again that morning! Woo HOO!

July 1st – the hubs and I gave the family a grand tour around San Diego. First stop, Mount Soledad.

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July 1st – Mount Soledad

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July 1st – Lunch at Joe’s Crab Shack – Pacific Beach.

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July 1st – Pacific Beach from the pier.

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July 1st – My cute little second cousin checking things out.

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July 1st – On over to Coronado Island and a visit to Hotel Del as she celebrates her 125th year birthday.

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July 1st – Second cousins pose at the beach behind Hotel Del.

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July 2nd – Senior Pix of Liz underway!

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Can you tell we had a blast in the backyard?

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And Jordan, I got to take pix of this cool guy too!

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He provided a lot of emotion and it was difficult to sort thru the nearly 2,000 images shot of the kids.

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And my little second cousin, do they come any cuter than this little guy? I tell you, he likes ice cream more than anyone I know. I think that’s how he got to be so sweet.

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July 4th – Beautiful weather to be outside – watching dragonflies – counting fish, I counted 11 little fry (that’s what little baby fish are called) on one end of the pond alone – keeping an eye on that heron (in the neighbors yard) – listening to music – enjoying time with the hubs – and thinking what a great time we are having with my cousin and family – feeling blessed.

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July 5th – Our last evening with my cousins. He was all over those yummy ribs with very special BBQ sauce. The hubs was manning the other grill. Oh what a lovely evening spent together with good food, fellowship, outdoor dining and stories into the night.

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July 7th – Sunday – The Dragonfly Fun Facts – The dragonfly spends most of its life in the larva state (up to three years) – The adult winged stage only lasts a few weeks – Mating is the primary reason for their winged stage – So when you see a dragonfly, you know it’s toward the end of its lifespan – So this image is a female laying her young in the pond, see the splash? Not a perfect shot, but fun for me to observe these guys and girls daily.

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Monday July 8th – I never knew the many hours of enjoyment these guys and girls could bring. They’ve been with us going on 4 weeks and have spawned x 2. And I counted 20 + little fry (babies) on one end of the pond alone, the other morning. I still can’t get over how fast the fry are growing.

I think this has to be my favorite hobby of all time + I get to take pictures of them = my other favorite hobby of all time. That’s blessed x 2 if you were to ask me.

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Tuesday July 9th – What the fuss is all about – I shot a fry, finally! Goodness, the little guys are so hard to capture. But now that they have at least tripled in size, the images are getting better. See him in the bottom left corner, above the lillypad?

It was such a lovely day for a visit on the patio with my dear friend Beth.

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Wednesday July 10th – Distractions – Sometimes it takes awhile to get into a book, especially when distractions are all around. Like the sound of fish flopping, birds chirping and the constant desire to fish watch instead of read. But finally, I got into my (Book Club) book this afternoon. And was able to enjoy the great outdoors without too many distractions.

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July 11th – I talk to the fish – I recently learned that fish can get to know their owners better when you speak to them. As they learn the tone of their owners voice . So each morning I say “Good morning guys” and drift into chitter chatter with them.

So this morning as I was out with my skimmer net doing my daily morning clean up of the debris and fallen leaves, I was singing clean up – clean up to them. Yes, I’m off the deep end with these guys, and loving every minute of it.

When all of a sudden, I heard something “big” coming in for a landing. I spun around on my heals, and looked up to see a huge egret in the process of landing up in the top of the peppermint willow. You had to see me as I scurried over to the tree with my long skimmer net in hand while yelling “HEY” to the big bird in the tree. Apparently I talk to big birds too, just not with my happy voice.

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July 12th – My Favorite: Shot of the day = these two going after the same piece of food. Meal of the day = Lunch date with the hubs. Chore of the day = Having the food shopping checked off the list. Happy Weekend Friends!

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And that brings me to today, July 13th. I have no image for today. But I do have good memories. Like talking to my dad on the phone, visiting with the hubs, fish watching (I counted 38 fry on one end of the pond this morning), catching up on a few things, more fun time with the hubs and even a little ice cream date this evening.

I’m thankful things happen. And I hope to continue capturing things, to remember the days, as they pass.

And just like that, I’m calling things up to date.

Blessings – Debbie

What Friday Is Made Of

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I got to spend the entire day around the house, it’s just what I needed.

There was a little:

  • coffee sipping
  • gardening
  • picture-taking
  • rose and flower admiring
  • flower transplanting
  • fish tending
  • afternoon tea
  • back-porch sitting

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And a stop at the little gardening station in the far back.

This little can on the shelf drew my attention. And I paused to think of the previous owners who grew over 150 roses on the property. They did scale back on the roses and we’re enjoying the few that remain.

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Copper Pipe Guard Posts – So the hubs hammered some copper pipe around the pond. And my what a difference it makes when I need to find a new place to move the fake egret.

All I need to do, is slip his one (straight) leg down the pipe and he’s standing “firm” and guarding the fish – like so.

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The dragonfly seems to like the pipe and he thinks his job is to be on guard too. And as soon as I move the fake egret to his spot, he flies over to the spot the egret once stood.

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I change the “fake” egret at least a couple of times a day. That lets the big birds understand this guy down here is busy and not hanging out in one place too long.

The heron did visit the neighbors backyard again this morning. I’m watching him, as I’m on my post too!

And I hope we can discourage him enough, such that we can enjoy having fish without too much concern.

We are two weeks in and the fish are really happy with their new digs. And I find it cute that they follow me when I pace in front of the pond.

I wasn’t so sure how they would respond when I got in the pond today. I had a little lilypad clean-up to tend to. And would you believe they came right up to me? Those little guys are something else. One of them slithered up against me and caught me off guard.

I hope to have them eating out of my hand one day.

For now, we’re enjoying them and taking things one day at a time.

Blessings – Debbie

Plan A

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It appears the “Plan A” that was shifted from Monday and put in the Thursday slot (today) is just not working out.

So I really wanted to go to the fair. Alone. At my pace. To view all the spectacular images entered into many categories of the photography competition. I have friends who have their work on exhibit. And I wanted to see those images. I have a couple of friends who came in first place in a couple of different categories. And I’m bummed that my plan A just didn’t work out.

All plans are fun when we make them. But sometimes, something has to give.

Like having my roots colored because my girl had a cancellation this morning.

And if my girl didn’t have a cancellation, My plan A for the day was to stay home sweet home. After a busy week with the neighborhood girls, I was in the mood to be around the house.

And perhaps the fish had something to do with it too. As I missed them.

Would you like to know one of the sweetest things the hubs did yesterday?

So yesterday, I was involved with my very first book club with my new neighborhood girlfriends.

I was invited to come to the meeting even tho I had not read the book. Now after sitting thru the discussion, the novel is in my hands and I already have a good start on this book.

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Back to yesterday. I was going to be away (at the book club) from the babies for a couple of hours.

And the hubs got worried that something could happen to the babies, especially since I would be gone during the usual hours the heron shows up for food.

And he couldn’t bare the thought of me getting hurt and losing a baby to the heron.

So the hubs checked his work schedule, came home to guard the babies. And he made sure our back-up decoys were armed and ready to scare the big birds away. And was back to work in time for his next meeting.

And he left the sweetest note, letting me know he had been here.

That is just like my guy and I love him so.

In other news:

Enrollment Begins July 2nd – So I received the college course schedule in the mail yesterday. Actually, the hubs brought it in.

And all I could see = Enrollment begins July 2 – WHAT!

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And all I could think about is how nicely I’m sinking into summer and how I wasn’t ready for this.

So we turned the pages to the photography section and discovered thru the process that I need to take off this fall semester.

Sometimes we need to take a load off.

Cheers to hunting for paint colors and other things for the house. And cheers that school is not part of my “Plan A” this fall.

Blessings – Debbie

A Supermoon And Trouble

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The Supermoon last evening – From our home. It was pretty overcast, but beautiful.

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As we said goodnight moon and drifted to sleep, I was not thinking about trouble.

Nor was I thinking about trouble this morning when the hubs asked “what are your plans for the day”? My response went something like this. Well my plan A did not work out today, so that is shifting to Thursday.   I think today will be one of those days spent around the house. And I mentioned a few things on my list.

While working on my little list, I had a visit. A visit I wasn’t expecting and it changed my whole day.

And the fake egret was not able to deter Mr. Big Bird today.

And I had to yell at him again today, as he ruffled my feathers. I can’t believe he just nonchalantly landed on the patio like it was his surf and turf. Shame on him!

I’m so glad my plan A failed.

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So today I hooked up the other decoy. It’s a scarecrow motion activated animal deterrent. I set the motion sensor so strong that when I opened the patio door, it went off. And I was at peace.

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Turns out, I wanted to be on the patio today. So I turned off the scarecrow motion detector sprinkler and decided that I wanted the afternoon shift.

It was another beautiful day.

The patio is where I normally have coffee, lunch and our dinners. The weather has been amazing. We’ve yet to turn on the AC. And so the patio was just the place I felt like chilling. My sore muscles from working in the garden over the weekend, enjoyed the rest.

So, I loaded up on reading material and learned a lot more about fish, water gardening and a few more tricks to use to deter Mr. Big Bird from our fish.

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Sorry about the wilted roses, I picked those a few days ago for the patio and it looks like I need to refill with some fresh blossoms.

We still have 10 fish. But I’m beginning to worry.

The hubs contends that as long as I’m here, nothing will get by me.

But I worry for the days I’ll be away. The hubs reminded me that on the days I’m away, we’ll arm that pond with a little extra back-up.

We are already looking into a few more options, as we see trouble on our doorstep. And we hope to protect our little fish from all harm.

Right now, I’m in writing the blog while Elvis is playing “Are You Lonesome Tonight” out on the patio. I understand the radio can deter birds too.

Blessings – Debbie

A Blog About Fish

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You would naturally think this blog has turned into a blog all about fish, predators and the egret decoy. And rightfully so, as that is where my heart has been all week.

While others have gone before us with this pond filled with fish, we are still learning the ropes. And making our way step by step.

And I can’t begin to express the amount of enjoyment these little guys bring into our lives.

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And learning the heron makes his rounds, Every. Single. Day. Sometimes he’s here 2 and 3 times. But our decoy egret has done an amazing job keeping all predators away. We are amazed.

The heron is back in our neighbors backyard again this afternoon. And he’s still mad. And we wonder if he will eventually make a move. Or will he eventually catch on that this pond is not for him.

The crazy thing about him today, is that he’s been over there pacing that yard just over 2.5 hours and still counting.

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In the meantime, our fish are happy. Our waterlilies are in beautiful bloom and all is right  with the pond.

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True, the hubs and I have an eye out back. But we’re still getting things done in the house.

The hubs has been working with the electrician in the house all week. He’s having the house wired with speaker cable for surround sound, the patio speakers wired, new TV cable, new internet cables and installing a home network center. Most of the above is beyond me, but it should pretty cool.

It’s nice to see things taking shape and we look forward to making this home for a very long time.

Blessings – Debbie

One Week Anniversary

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The fish arrived one week ago (yesterday). And on the first week anniversary, one of the gals began so spawn.

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We were told that it’s the time of year for spawning, but getting to watch it unfold was truly amazing.

There was one very unhappy visitor. Remember the heron and our fake egret decoy from the post yesterday? Well that heron had a fit as our fake egret was guarding all the commotion. So the heron landed in the neighbor’s backyard, once again. This time he was HONKING, loud! I take it he was mad that he couldn’t enjoy fish for breakfast.

While sitting at my desk (windows open) I could not only hear the mad heron, I could hear the splashing and commotion from the fish.

I’m glad I thought to grab the camera to shoot a few images.

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It’s times like this that remind me of the circle of life.

And how blessed I am to be a part of God’s beautiful creation.

I would like to call this the love dance.

It’s really cool to watch the males swim with the female to fertilize the eggs as they fall.

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I also did some reading up and found that the female can lay from 500 to 1,000 eggs. I would have never guessed. But I am aware that they do eat the eggs. And I’m aware that the babies can hatch anywhere from 3 – 5 days.

So, I’ll sit and count the days. And watch and wait and wait and watch, and sit on the edge of my seat, waiting to see if any babies will make it. I’m hoping for at least one little baby, just one. Time will tell.

Guess who the hubs spied at our house again this morning?

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I really wish we didn’t have to worry so much about trouble lurking.

But it’s yet another reminder of the circle of life. It’s nature, it’s what big birds do.

So we’ll do our best to protect our babies while understanding these guys are here doing what they do in the circle of life. And hope they find food elsewhere to keep them strong, beautiful and a part of our beautiful circle of life.

As of this evening, we still have 10 fish!

To be continued…I’m sure.

Blessings – Debbie

Heron, We Have A Problem – The Egret Has Landed

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One of the things we’ve known about having outdoor fish as pets, is that trouble could lurk. Ok, trouble more than likely will lurk. No, take that all back, trouble WILL in fact lurk. And if we’re not careful, a really big problem could arise. And the fish could be no more in a matter of days.

As we’ve heard, birds are the biggest threat.

And yesterday morning, the egret landed in my arms from FedEx. I could not get him out of the wrapping fast enough. As we needed back-up “Right Away”!

Standing at a whopping 41″ tall, I’d say he looks pretty cool and real to life. Don’t you think?

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So, the hubs ordered the egret as a decoy. As we know, birds do not share space while hunting for food. And we learned that a large statue of an egret would send a heron flying for the hills.

I love that the hubs is all about protecting our babies. The Egret stands as Top Cover and more reinforcement is on the way. The hubs also ordered a Scarecrow Motion Activated Sprinkler.

The cool feature about the scarecrow, is that it will blast the bejeebers out of anything that moves. I’m fond of the motion sensor feature with an unexpected noise. It’s harmless, but quite effective to any creäture who dare crosses the line.

All the above to say, we had our first encounter with a heron on Monday, just 4 days after our fish arrived. As good luck would have it, I so happened to hear something coming in for a landing. Right there in front of me he was there, a huge heron! And I yelled “GET OUT OF HERE!”

Now, I’m not one to yell, but when it comes to protecting, I surprised myself. And that would be a first that I have ever yelled at a heron on my patio or anywhere for that matter.

That guy (I don’t even think he fully landed) went, up, up and away as if his dear life depended on it! Don’t tell him, but I would never do anything to hurt that beautiful creature. Just for kicks, do you know that harming one of these guys could result in as much as a $10,000 fine? So yea, I’m going to play, but play nice.

I scared him enough that he didn’t dare come back the rest of the day.

Tuesday – I was ready for the heron, as I had a feeling he would return. And return he did. I was out on the patio when I heard him coming in for a landing, so I gave him another tongue lashing.

And over he flew and landed in the neighbor’s yard. (Grin) I don’t see much for him to feed on in the neighbor’s backyard. It’s time to move on, young man/lady.

While he did move on, he was back later in the afternoon. But he still could not get past me. I’m learning that I make a pretty darn good blocker, all by my lonesome.

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After guarding and protecting the last couple of days, I could hardly wait for the back-up to arrive.

Wednesday = yesterday, the pond was armed and dangerous. VERY dangerous with our brand spankin’ new 41″ egret. Reference the first picture up above. He’s worthy of another little peak.

And just like clockwork, the heron was back!

I could feel the blood race thru my body and my heartbeat was more than just a regular beat. And I was on edge as I watched from inside.

Don’t mind the picture quality of the shot below. It’s just the shot I was able to get looking out from the dining room and thru the screen door and share the proof that he’s been here.

Can you tell he’s scared?

No?

Me neither. Other than the fact that he didn’t dare come any closer.

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The heron trolled the mid to upper backyard for nearly 30 minutes. I was the eye from the house looking on as I didn’t want to disturb his behavior. I had to see who was going to win, the “fake” egret or the heron.

May I insert that I had little faith in our fake egret. I really expected some sort of bird fight. And I knew the heron would knock the fake egret over with one swift blow to the head with his long gigantic bill.

For starters, let’s just say, the fake egret did not flinch! He stood his ground. And he made me proud.

But the heron, on the other hand, had some funky movements going on with his very long neck, but he didn’t dare move in.

I could see defeat when the heron lifted up and over to the neighbors backyard where he stayed another 30 or so minutes waiting on the egret to leave.

I have to hand it to the heron, he was one very patient bird, but the egret has patience that will outlast the hunger of the heron.

And one more thing. I played with the heron’s head, I did. I moved that egret 3 x’s yesterday. I hear you’re supposed to move them around, as herons will get wise to one standing in one place for months on end. The pond man told me to move him around at least once every 2 weeks.

So in my mind, I’m playing a game with that heron and he’s going to learn that my fake egret means business.

Just wait ’til the hubs gets his scarecrow motion sensor sprinkler. We will have the safest fish on the block. No worries little babies, we got ya covered.

Blessings – Debbie

Around the Pond

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Good Day!

It is a beautiful good day.

I would like to give a little update on the goldfish.

Let me just say, they are coming around. I mean, really coming around. And they seem to be getting to know us.

They no longer “dart” for cover when we approach the pond.

They are beginning to feel freedom and it’s obvious for us as they now play and make quite a splash as we look on.

And each morning when I feed them breakfast, I count all 10 of them.

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And I count all 10 of them when I’m not feeding them. And I count all 10 of them each time I visit. I can’t help but want to know that they are all safe and doing well.

We are quite smitten with our babies and find them to be an extra special addition to our home.

Blessings – Debbie

Dragonflies

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Dragonflies are some of the most interesting creatures to watch.

Today, I had the opportunity to spend some time capturing them on their turf.

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By the pond.

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Can you believe I watched these guys defend their turf by shooing a bird from their perch? Made me chuckle just a little.

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And the fish, how could I leave out an image of them? Well I can’t. This shot was taken at dinner. It’s shots like this that pull me right into the world of abstract images.

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Today I spent several hours outdoors. It seems to be my favorite place to chill, reflect and shoot images.

Days like this are so refreshing. So, tomorrow calls for a little gardening, a little photography and a little more porch sitting.

Blessings – Debbie

Day One

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I found it so difficult to relax, most of the day.

I worried about the fish.

And why they would not come out of hiding.

And called the pond place with a bunch questions. Like “why are the fish hiding and why won’t they come out to eat?”

And was told that I need to relax and give the fish a few days to adjust to their new home.

So I sat on the patio overlooking the pond for hours.

Watched their every LITTLE move.

And I find the shot below reflects my day. NOTE: the ghostlike fish in the bottom left. I don’t know how I captured the shot, but I love it. It looks like a goldfish should be there. It almost  looks like a ghost. Perhaps it’s a reflection playing tricks?

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And it made my heart flutter just a bit to get the shot below.

Meet Shirley!

Yes, I named her and two others today.

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And if Shirley is a boy, I’ll just have to call him Sherman and name his girlfriend Shirley.

It was around 4:15 when I noticed all 10 fish playing. Oh how I counted each and every one.

And watched as they moved around the pond in one large school.

And you know what else made my day?

The hubs not only was the first one out to the pond this morning, to check in on the fish, he also sent a message, later, to check in on the babies.

That right there made my heart skip a beat. And it makes me so happy that he really cares about these little guys and girls.

I’m sure we’ll be pros at this in no time.

Blessings – Debbie