When the Dog is Away...

...the squirrels will play!  After spending most of the morning running errands, I had lunch with Hubs and then went out to the garden for some photo-therapy.  The light was crappy but I found some shadowed areas that were actually very nice for photos.  And as I was sitting on the patio, camera in hand, I watched this squirrel approach.  I always wonder if their sight is poor because they will often approach way closer than seems wise for them, even when Jax is out.  Of course, they have their escape routes well memorized and always seem to get away well ahead of one brindle dog...  Anyway, this was my pick because you can see the dirt all over this squirrel's nose where it had been digging holes to bury its treasures.  Although they are frequently annoying, they are also undeniably cute at times.

I also cut back some things in the garden including most of the very sad milkweed.  The poor little monarch caterpillars who arrived so late in the year seem to be mostly gone now.  I knew none would survive because it is simply too late in the season.  I will leave a lot of plants until spring because they provide habitat for overwintering insects, but most of the annuals will be pulled up.  

Last night was my weekly immunosuppressant dose so I'm feeling less than perfect today.  In fact, I think the next thing on my agenda this afternoon is a nap.

I just finished reading a really fascinating book about the Evangelical movement in the US.  It would not be a book for a casual reader but if someone is looking for a deep dive into the various factions of the religion and how they have come to be so divided, it's a great read.  The name of the book is "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory".  And to give my brain a rest, I've started a fun psychological thriller Freida McFadden  - it will be a fast read.

I think dark with almonds today.

xo
Debbi