Tuesday, July 28, 2015

JULY JEWEL

Beautiful Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
I don't think there is another backyard bird that gets me as excited as a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. We don't get them every year, and we don't see them regularly, so when they are around we really appreciate it.

I've been seeing this handsome fellow for a little over two weeks now, usually in the evenings when Rob is at work. He has his favorite branch to preen on after feeding. This past Saturday he was around quite often allowing Rob to get a few pics of him.

Excuse me, I'm eating here. 
His favorite spot in the pine tree.
I've been really careful with his feeders and sugar water this year after learning about the fungus and disease that can kill these beauties because of black mold. Wash your feeders regularly with nothing but hot water, change sugar water 3-4 times a week, daily in humid conditions, and remember it's 1/4 Cup of Sugar to 1 Cup of Boiling Water (let cool). Keep them healthy and enjoy them while they're here! 


Friday, July 24, 2015

MERRY & MOLLY - GO TO THE VET

Ready for the short ride to the vet.
Last Saturday we took Merry & Molly back to their first home, the Royal York Animal Hospital. It was time for their second round of shots and a check up. From the moment we walked through the door we could feel the love for them from the staff. Everyone came to see them, to hug them, pat them, they are truly loved there.

We found out more about their grim start in the world. I was wrong in my original blog post thinking they were a couple weeks old when Toronto Animal Services brought them to RYAH, they were only 2-3 days old, their umbilical cords still attached. And three kittens were brought in, they had a brother, he didn't make it. They are known as the "Wonder Kittens" at the clinic, for beating the odds and surviving. I am so grateful to RYAH for stepping up to help these kittens. I know when I watch them play, run around and sleep so soundly, I should think how lucky they are, but I don't, I think how lucky Rob and I are to have them.

Cuddles from Judy.
Treats!
Dr. Allen was Meadow's vet, and will be Merry & Molly's as long as he's there.
WHEE!!
Glad that's over!
Hey! Whatcha doin?!
Checking the teeth.
Listening to her heart.
Wore her out.
Parting gifts and more hugs for the kitties when we left.
Check-ups went great! They are looking great, at a good weight and we all left happy.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

MERRY & MOLLY - IN THE KITCHEN

"Merry, get in here! I hit the jackpot!" ~Molly
For the first two weeks after bringing Merry & Molly home we didn't let them in the kitchen. The living-room and the hallway to upstairs was a large enough area for them. All that changed a week ago Sunday, when we opened it up to them to play and explore.

The kitchen is also where our budgies, Misfit and Moonie spend the day. We have decided the new additions will only be allowed in the kitchen when we are home and can be supervised. We have taken measures to ensure our budgies safety, installing a door between the kitchen and living-room area. We did notice quite quickly that the kittens only want to be in there when we are.  Everything was new and exciting in the new room!

First meal in the new room.
New places to sleep.
Watching their favorite nature channel, the cricket tank, wears them out.
Uncle Steve doing some kitty proofing.
"Don't worry Molly! I will kill the evil blue stuffy!"
"Get it Merry!"
"Die stuffy die!"
"I will destroy you!"
"Mission accomplished." Now she needs a nap.
So many adventures a head of us, like keeping them off the counters, off the table, and outta the cupboards!

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

WORTH THE WAIT

First time I have ever taken a sign to a concert.
The first time I saw Def Leppard in concert was June 7th, 1988 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, just 3 days before my 19th birthday. Tesla opened for them that night, as they did a week ago here in Toronto, but unlike Def Leppard, who I have seen many, many, times live, I hadn't seen Tesla live since. As  excited as I always get about seeing Def Leppard, I had a extra bounce in my step about finally seeing Tesla once again. (Click on pics to enlarge)
Waiting for the concert to start.
Shaking, I was so excited when Tesla hit the stage!
Finally, after 27 years, Tesla!
My sign got acknowledged by all the band members.
NOBODY had a better time at Tesla than I did!
I wished they had of played longer.

Brian & I are in this pic posted on Facebook by Rick Allen, Def Leppard's drummer.
And 45 minutes later, Tesla left the stage. I hope they come back again soon, and headline. But the night isn't over yet, we still got Def Leppard to see!

Making friends between bands.
We had 6th row, floors.
Brian and I before Def Leppard started.
Joe and Phil.
Cheers Joe!
A better shot of Joe.
Always a fun crowd.
Vivian and Phil
It was another grand time with my concert buddy, Brian, who took these photos with his cell phone. (except the one Rick Allen took) We'll do it all again next time Def Leppard comes to town.

Friday, July 17, 2015

A BACKYARD FIRST!

 Mourning Cloak 
A Mourning Cloak had Rob and I channeling our inner 5 year old this past Sunday. We've had them and many other varieties of Butterflies visit our backyard, but we've never had one land on us before! 

What fun!
He took turns landing on us both, as well as the many native plants and bushes in the yard. 

Close-Up
The last pic is from Winged Beauty, so you can see how pretty these Butterflies really are.

To see some of the other winged beauties that we have seen on our yard and other places, click HERE.


Sunday, July 12, 2015

WILDLIFE FRIENDLY

All critters welcome.
Everyone has told us how "wildlife friendly" our backyard is, so we decided to make it official. To date we've had 54 bird species visit our backyard, many of them regulars. We've also had an assortment of mammals, including: Chipmunks, Squirrels, Skunks, Opossums, Raccoons, a Red Squirrel, and a Ground Hog.  We pride ourselves on being pesticide free and love seeing the many Butterflies visit every summer.  We grow a variety of native plants that not only look pretty but feed the birds and insects. We love our backyard, and welcome the many different critters that enjoy it also.

Our favorite place to spend our time. Taken in May 2015
A Blue Jay checks out the new flag this morning. 

Thursday, July 9, 2015

WEEK TWO WITH MERRY & MOLLY

Molly pointing out her new family.
We're well into week 2 with the kittens. Things are going well. I wish we had more time with them together, but being on different work shifts, it's impossible. Still, we are making the most of it, and they are only alone a few hours every day. We've set up routines around our different work shifts for their care and well being. Still kitty proofing to be done, be we make progress every day. They are two loving, playful kittens who are growing, learning and exploring more and more everyday. Their personalities are starting to take shape. To me, Molly is the more sensitive one, quiet, while Merry is high spirited. They certainly compliment and love each other, it's very apparent in how they interact with each other. We purchased a couple new things for them on Saturday to celebrate their first week with us. Please enjoy a few photos from week two.

Molly liked the new bed.
The play box was a big hit too.
Sleepy kitties.
Holding paws in their sleep.
Rob's shoe makes a good bed too.
Wanna play?
Merry liked the new bed too.
They like to play in it too.
Kittens are hard work, but worth it.