Here’s our resident Western Toad that’s likely en route to the compost pile. And yes, that’s toad scat in front of the toad. The toad has a circuit to complete every night.
Photos
Spice in the form of home grown assorted peppers. Turned these fine frozen specimens into hot sauce last weekend.
Our street is nicely obscured from the front yard by cultivated native California plants. They rarely get watered but has been more frequent the past two summers. California buckwheat is showy now with its rust colors and white flowers.
I don’t consider this Fujifilm X100V a toy but it sure brings me a lot of joy. Most photos I’ve posted lately are from it. Except this one, of course.
Sharp looking (spotted bird?) grasshopper! It was resting in our California buckwheat.
A little bit of excitement at an over crossing today.
Our first backyard Spotted Towhee!
A majority onion tarte tartin. This tarte literally has the flavors of French Onion soup but this is so much better.
September 22, 2021: full moon after dark.
Our replacement rear fence got finishing touches today. Very excited to no longer have a very old fence threatening total collapse because its wood posts weren’t set in concrete, had split boards, and rails severely sagged. Photos are after and before. Contractor did great.
Preying Mantis in our California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum). They sure do keep two eyes on you.
Sunflower seeds ready to be eaten by backyard birds. Bet the scrub jays will cache them all.
Saturday, September 25, 2021 →
I was not a fan of this Black Widow that was in my very well sorted irrigation parts bin earlier today. 🌱
Saturday, September 25, 2021 →
I’ve installed valves to isolate our crop rows so we can have slightly better control of what rows get water. Hope to get herbs seeded in the first (closest) row and the other two will be shutoff. 🌱
Saturday, September 25, 2021 →
California fuchsias still blooming, and that makes our hummingbirds very pleased.
Now that I’m adding to our compost pile at night, our resident Western Toad can be seen hard at work. Mustn’t let the bugs get too far away from the pile!
Here’s my annual “elderberries are breaking summer dormancy” post.
Before and after: California grape leaves.
Quick temp fence repair. Someone long ago didn’t set the fence posts in concrete so they’ll all rotting out. It’s time for a new rear fence. Cross braced it up on the other side with a long 2x4. Empty lot behind us fortunately.
Long time followers know I cannot not take the opportunity to photograph a mantis.
Last night the clouds and last light of the sun put on a good show.
Saturday, September 18, 2021 →
Korean Fried Cauliflower.
Saturday, September 18, 2021 →
Cooler weather today meant I could finally cleanup the backyard garden. I can’t believe how hardy pepper plants are. Most were still alive despite a few months of zero irrigation.
Saturday, September 18, 2021 →
Good morning! The weather in Northern California is starting to feel like fall. 😍
Being up when it is dark now means we get to see The Infinity Toad.
Saturday, September 11, 2021 →
A Katydid visited and rested with us today.
Autumn.
Got 0.29” rain last night here in California 🤗 I’m quite happy that our rain gage survived the summer.
Wednesday, September 8, 2021 →
California fuchsias and hidden mantis in the front yard this morning.
Grapes are now turning to raisins but the birds still love them.
