A Second Look--August 15, 2012

This week I did a Second Look at wildflowers. These were not from my yard, but I have many of the same kinds growing there. For more details on my wildflower walk read Sunflower Fields.

Here's what I found this week.

Finally!

or You Can Teach an Old Cat New Tricks

A couple of months ago, I did a post about learning styles using my cats as examples. I discussed how they learned to get kibble out of a cup by using their paw as a tool.   When I say they, I mean that all of them learned how to do it except Lucy. She just couldn't seem to catch on despite years of watching the others.

Well, that all changed this week. Instead of trying to stick her head into the cup for food, Lucy actually put her paw in and drug out a piece.  Hooray! You can teach an old cat new tricks. Or at least an old cat can do something when she decides it's time.

Sunflower Fields

or Always the Last Place You Look

Yesterday, Ward and I went in search of sunflower fields we had heard about in McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area, MD. Apparently they plant sunflower fields every year as part of their bird management program, and they are spectacular to see. This quest was inspired by a lone, beautiful sunflower that bloomed in our yard this year.  

The inspirational flower in our yard

Our first two stops yielded only a historical marker and several overgrown fields. No sunflowers. We then decided to rename our sunflower quest, our wildflower walk. 

Some sights from our wildflower walk.

After our wildflower walk, we were on the road again to find the elusive sunflowers. During this part of our search, we had another "wildflower walk" and found a tree across the road that made things look pretty grim. 

Another field with no sunflowers

This roadblock was almost the last straw.

Ward was ready to give up after the tree across the road, but I encouraged him to try one more area. And guess what? We found them! They were in the last placed we looked. Isn't that the way it always goes.  :)

Our beautiful, vine-covered sunflower field

However, they didn't quite look like what we had seen in the pictures. Vines had engulfed them, only sometimes leaving their bright heads exposed. But they were beautiful all the same. I think it was the thrill of the hunt and the success of the find that made them that way.

Thankful Sunday--August 12, 2012

I am thankful that seven years ago, we went to Petsmart on cat adoption day.

Lucky, Leo, Lucy, and Annie

Note: Actually, Annie and Leo were adopted from Petsmart. Lucky and Lucy were "Free to good home" cats.

Reasonings of Wally

or The Logic of the Young

A conversation with a young Wally.

"Wally, I see you were eating ice cream again without asking first. This has been happening too much lately. I am worried about your lack of will power."

"Mama, my will power is usually very good. Except when I get caught."