Tuesday, September 3, 2013

HUMMINGBIRDS, ZEBRAS AND JAKE

The trail of white smoke rises directly over the recently burned brush piles in the windless air.  There is a light fog hanging low putting on a lid that holds the smoke close to the ground filling our nostrils with the scent.
Hummingbird wars are in full swing as they vie over the food that will will build them up for their flight south.  The Salvia greggii, with it lipstick red bloom,  outside the front window is prized territory, as it has started it's  fall re-bloom  The fierceness of the battles are shocking for such a little creature.  4 or 5 will engage in a chase taking the battle up,  high into the air, then one breaks away and darts back to feed undisturbed until the others realize what is happening, they all dive back down to drive the one away, then the battle rises into the air again, over and over.  Great window TV.
I was finally able to observe my rare visitor to the garden up close and personal.  Spotting the Zebra Swallowtail again back by the Paw Paw tree feeding on the Hepacodium near by.  So striking with the contrasting black and white and that little dab of red, he made a perfect study for my camera.  I can't believe he waited for me, because you never have your lens available when you really need it.
Parker and Zoe have been feeling the heat and humidity these past days, as have we, so walks are early, and afternoon runs have morphed into short ball games.  Parker who likes to trail along with me out in the yard, finding a cool clump of grass in the shade to relax in while I work, has not lasted long, coming over to poke me or insisting on climbing onto the tractor under the shade of the canopy. He happily retreats back into the house to lie on the air conditioned cold marble floor when given the opportunity.
Fall is for me laced with a bit of  melancholy.  There are thoughts seeping in, as the days shorten, that are strong with the memory of my beloved Jake.  He walks with us still.

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