Eurasian Collard-Dove

Saw and heard my first Eurasian Collared-Dove in my backyard today.

Photo credit

Universal Peace

Know thou that all the powers combined have not the power to establish universal peace, nor to withstand the overmastering dominion, at every time and season, of these endless wars. Erelong, however, shall the power of heaven, the dominion of the Holy Spirit, hoist on the high summits the banners of love and peace, and there above the castles of majesty and might shall those banners wave in the rushing winds that blow out of the tender mercy of God. 
-- Abdu'l-Bahá

Firewood

I got the firewood stacked, and I'm ready for November.

The Arborvitae has grown to be the green privacy wall I had hoped it would be.  The Yarrow has found a home, too.

 I had a portion of the concrete driveway sawcut and removed the summer I bought the house (2001).

THE HOUSE OF THE BÁB

THE HOUSE OF THE BÁB, SHIRAZ, IRAN

Dogwood and Ceanothus

My Dogwood continues to put on a show.  I love the cobalt blue of the Ceanothus which is coming on.

Afternoon Sun

Backbiting Music Video - Mana

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BAD JOKE EEL

BAD JOKE EEL

Dark-eyed Junco

Saw a Junco in my backyard.  It was one of two that I've seen in what seems like weeks. 

I thought of Stephanie and her mother.

Photo from here.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

These little visitors to my backyard are very much like the Chickadees: They're about the same size and very friendly.  I usually only see one at a time, though, whereas there's a threesome of Chickadees (who seem to enjoy my company as much as I enjoy theirs).  They love being upside-down and sideways.

Just the other morning a Nuthatch repeatedly came to the feeder and we were eye to eye like in the picture--about 18 inches.  Moments like that are very rewarding.

Photo:  Jerry Oldenettel

JEFFREY COBB EWING

Western Tanager

I had a beautiful visitor to my backyard today...

I may have seen three females in the birdbath a week ago--I couldn't make a positive identification. Though subtler in coloring than the breeding male, the three of them were striking in the shadowy corner of my garden.

ADIOS, PELOTA!

Jon Miller has a great home run call for those hit by Latino Giants:

"ADIOS, PELOTA!!"

You can hear him in this vid @ 0.41.

Miller has been quoted for his call (which I saw and heard) of three base-running mistakes in one play by Ruben Rivera:


"THAT WAS THE WORST BASE RUNNING IN THE HISTORY OF THE GAME!!"




Here's the clip.

Dogwood

The Dogwood looks good this year.  It must like all the rain--over 26 inches this year and counting.

BORN BARNSTORMERS

CAT AND VASE

House of Worship, Chile, South America

O people of the world! Build ye houses of worship throughout the lands in the name of Him Who is the Lord of all religions. Make them as perfect as is possible in the world of being, and adorn them with that which befitteth them, not with images and effigies. Then, with radiance and joy, celebrate therein the praise of your Lord, the Most Compassionate. Verily, by His remembrance the eye is cheered and the heart is filled with light. --Bahá'u'lláh