(Chicka) Dee And Friends :)

For my Facebook friends, this album won't be anything new.  I posted it on my profile a few weeks ago.  Ever since the grackles took over the larger feeders in the backyard, we decided to move one closer to the house and hang it by the porch.  This helps us control the bird traffic and gives our smaller friends a chance at the snacks.  Although many a redwing blackbird helps himself when I'm not around, they are still timid to forfeit the feeder when show up. 

 

Finches and chickadees seem to get along just fine this time of year.  I wonder it they know that the cold season is upon us and that they need all the food they can get.

This finch feeder hangs from the clothesline and was also brought in nearer to the back porch to deter the redwings from making huge holes in it. 

We've had a little sparrow with no tail living in our yard all summer.  I love watching him zip around like he's the biggest and fastest of the gang.  It doesn't appear to slow him down in the least!

This one speaks for itself, and adds to the explanation of why I like to have a feeder near the house for the little birds...

Veggie Patch In Urbania

Thanks to my hubby's green thumb, our garden has produced a delicious variety of veggies this summer. Every year, we find that some things work better than others, only to be surprised the following gardening season with a twist to that theory.

In our northern climate, the conditions are ever changing, so we've stopped speculating about which vegetables to count on and simply grow things for the sheer pleasure and element of surprise. Here's a peek at what we've gotten so far:

foliage of the yet-to-be brussel sprouts

Dazzled By Zazzle

Over the last few months, I've been busy updating my Zazzle store. It consists mainly of blank notecards, greeting cards and prints. I've also designed a few tote bags, t-shirts, mousepads and mugs.

Designing all the products is tedious work because there are size guidelines for each of the products, so it takes a long time to produce just a few items. Nevertheless, the store continues to grow. I have plans to expand on the inspirational items as well as trying new graphic design ideas.