Vole hole

Russ found another vole (or the same one again).  Same window well.  We've noticed a hole in the screen and now I know why.  Actually there were many holes/slits in the screen because that's how I chased this little guy out.

Not knee high by the Fourth of July

As I've posted before, my milkweed are not as high as a normal plant.  I'm hoping by thinning the plants out that they take root and have a better Year Two.

But there is improvement after thinning the plants.  They are still growing.

 

These are some plants I planted more into the woods.

 

Here is a "bonus bunny".  I think Russ missed him against the rocks.

Vole-a!

Russ was zeroing in on one of shallow window wells this morning.  I didn't see anything at first but  upon closer inspection a vole had found his way down there.  I don't see how it could climb back out so time for a rescue...

 

 

Rosy Maple Moth

I spotted this by our front door the other morning.  I've never seen one.  I had to Google it.  I tried "colorful moths of Iowa" and saw a picture that matched.

This is a Rosy Maple Moth - species Dryocampa rubicunda.

Well it's not Jack and the Beanstalk

I wasn't sure what to expect with my milkweed experiment.  I've learned I need to thin out my seedlings if they are clumped and mine are definitely clumped.  I continue to thin out without taking too many away.

My neighbor rolled through the other day with a riding lawn mower and took out a few spots.  I knew this might happen which is why I planted some into the woods and some closer to my fence.

Here is a picture of one the plants my seed pods came from.  Clearly this plant is ahead of mine.  I'm hoping that mine continue to grow and the in Year Two, I will have a more mature root system which will lead to a taller plant.  We shall see. 

 

 

Here is what mine look like as of Sunday compared to a plastic knife...

 

 

Flying the flag proudly today for D-Day

70 years definitely worth commemorating.  Hats off to Gene Stientjes for his service.

New Grill in Town

Haven't grilled since the '90s.  Cindy thought it would help us eat healthier.  Hope to fire it up this weekend.

 

Here's our view from the deck.  It will be nice to enjoy it finally...

 

 

And of course Russ has to factor in somehow...