Iris

These flowers were blooming when Mary died. I think I will transplant some over her grave. The previous owners of the property planted a lot of them around various evergreen trees which have long since grown over the top of them. The second picture shows some flowers that are tangled in the branches of a pine.


Fortune cookie: Opportunity is knocking on your door - answer it tomorrow.

Tulips

These pictures are from last year, just before the ground squirrels snipped all the flowers off. Notice the one white tulip. I would like to plant some of these on Mary's grave if I can find some.

Daffodils

With her nodding ears and bashful demeanor, Mary was a bit like a daffodil.


Fortune cookie: A friend will soon reveal an exciting secret to you!

Goodbye Mary

My dear, sweet, gentle Mary passed away last night. She was over 15 years old. Mary came to us eight and a half years ago. She was the mother of our foundation litter, which includes my number one leader Current and our overall best dog Charge. I am going to do a tribute to Mary, so look for another post in a few days. Meanwhile, the next few posts on flowers will be in her honor.

Domestic Flowers

The grape hyacinths are in bloom now. These bright blue flowers are all but hidden in the grass which is growing up tall from all the rain we have had this month.

This is how my tulips looked two years ago. This year, the doggone ground squirrels are snipping the blooms off before they open. They don't eat them; they just leave them all limp and dying on the ground.

Fortune Cookie: Someone is speaking well of you at this very moment!

Dinner

There is nothing quite like fresh home-baked bread.

Sparkle says "where's my dinner?". She likes that dog crate because sometimes she gets good things in there, like a fresh caught mouse that Eggnog brings in.

Fortune Cookie: Your lost possession will be found within the month.

First Harvest

My rhubarb plant is so thick and crowded that I am harvesting stalks even though they are still quite short. Yum!

Norris Geyser Basin

Yes, that's a big snow drift around this geyser, left over from winter and beautifully carved out on its inner surface by the hot steam. (The pictures were taken several weeks ago.)

More Canyon Shots

Here is a better look at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Fortune Cookie: You will make a change for the better within the year.

Canyon

This is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with its spectacular "Lower Falls". The name of the falls refers to its position on the river, not its height.
Fortune Cookie: Take that chance you've been considering.

Old Faithful

We got in to see Old Faithful on the day the park opened, April 17th.
The parking lot was nicely plowed out. This is Mike next to the snow berm.

We watched Old Faithful from the truck while we had a picnic lunch.

This is the plume from Grand Geyser, way, way off in the distance.

Fortune Cookie: You will take a chance in the near future, and win.

Picky Eater

This solitary buffalo was nibbling at this bush last month in Yellowstone Park.

I guess it wasn't very tasty. What he really wants is grass.

Fortune Cookie: You will soon be crossing desert sands for a fun vacation.

A Walk in the Park

These buffalo were taking a walk in the park last month.

Sandhill Cranes

See those two black dots between the fence posts? Those are sandhill cranes. They arrive long before the snow melts. While I can see them during the day, I mostly hear them at night.

Fortune cookie: You will soon receive a letter from a loved one.

Parked In The Yard

My last post may have given you a hint, but here is a perspective from the house that will leave you with no doubt. I am now parking in the yard! A strip along the driveway has melted down to bare ground, so I can now drive straight on in.

True, I am not able to park right in front of the house yet. That spot is still inhabited by deep snow and a partially buried dogtruck. Nonetheless, I am excited! When I can park in the yard, then summer is very near.

Fortune Cookie: Do something unusual tomorrow.

Please leave a suggestion in the comments as to what I might do tomorrow that would be unusual. I am coming up blank, and I don't want to mess up my very first fortune!