This and That

Since returning from Oregon, we have been back to our routine, with little projects and adventures thrown in.  We have started a re-do of  a section of the front yard, volunteered at the library, and have taken some bike rides and hikes.  Gail is still needing to spend much time in Escondido helping her mom and taking care of that property - a difficult and dangerous task as proven by her scars from blood thirsty cacti and succulents.

 We had a little celebration of Father's Day and Gail's birthday last Sunday with the Johanson family.
 

Gail and I made a puppet theater for Soren and Nora out of a water heater carton.  We hope to see some puppet shows in the future!

On a hike this past week, I spotted this pretty lizard with the mysterious name of "blue-tailed skink".

A roadrunner leads the way!  Lookout, skink!

Yesterday, we took a bike ride up the coast to San Onofre State Beach.  For some reason, people were pointing and saying,"You have an alligator on your back!"

Actually, we decided to take Nipper to see the ocean for the first time.  He displayed his characteristic smile, seeming quite pleased.  He was also pleased that the adjacent San Onofre nuclear powerplant will be shut down for good.  It hasn't been operating for over a year since it was discovered that its cooling tubes were leaking and wearing out prematurely.

 Our finch family is back at it again, and have started a new clutch of eggs.  They made a pile of grass on the ground below the same nest site over a few days, and then built the nest in one day.  We had taken the old nest down, as it was rather poopy, and right over our bedroom door.

Gail discovered that we have 4 monarch butterfly catterpillars on one of our milkweed plants - just what we were hoping these plants would attract!

Tonight, we have plans for a full moon hike after a late afternoon visit to the Wild Animal Park in Escondido - more to follow!  Have a splendid weekend!