Had the first annual block party yesterday

Took Russ up the street.  He was a big hit with kids and adults alike.  Met some nice people the neighborhood.

Started painting - first up...the kitchen

Saw two fawns this morning

Russ was barking and I came in to see what imaginary thing he had seen and we actually had some deer.  They looked toward the house while I was muzzling the hound.  They didn't seem too bothered by the noise.  Then they went into the woods on a trail we've seen them use before.

Everyone needs a good walking stick

Our window well (and just above it) seems to be a good place to hang out.

Russ and the owl

Russ was out last night around 9pm doing his business.  An owl swooped over the backyard low enough that he saw the silhouette and then it let out a hoot or two.  That was enough to spook him and he stayed away from the back fence.  The owl ended up in a tree but couldn't make out what type.  And I hadn't heard an owl sound like that so I'm still trying to figure out what it was.

View from the bike trail

This view is looking at the woods behind our house.  This trail goes along the Des Moines River.

View from our back window on Al's birthday

Cindy spotted the mom and by the time I got the camera and muzzled Russ, the baby came along.  Not a surprise for where we live, but a treat to enjoy.