Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Blogging for One Year

My first blog post was one year ago today!
 Over 7,000 pageviews since - WOW!
Short on words...long on pictures...a busy 12 months...just flew by!

with Uncle Tyro
one year ago today
Pointing Diva
one week ago

 Diva trying to Sunbathe
one year ago today
one month ago

Monday, August 27, 2012

I Spy

While nose-to-nose with a Red Admiral,
I spied something that





is black and yellow 




is much larger than most of our winged visitors
 




 Papilio brevicauda
"Short-tailed Swallowtail"

 

Friday, August 24, 2012

Caught in the Act

Listen closely!
What wild beast is devouring the butterfly bush?


A voracious avian?  A behemoth butterfly?
 A colossal caterpillar?






Alas, it's the elusive and industrious
Blonde-Bellied Burnished Twigshredder!


(And I'll bet you thought my dressing like a lumberjack at Christmas
was just a random novelty!?!)

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Unwelcome Visitor

Not happy to see this incredibly destructive pest clinging to a window pane!!!

Lymantria dispar
Gypsy Moth


Gypsy moth caterpillars defoliate trees, shrubs and hardwood forests thereby weakening their hosts and leaving them susceptible to disease and other pests. Apparently, Gypsy Moth outbreaks come in 7-10 year cycles and last for 2-3 years. The last outbreak here was about 5 years ago and in spite of aggressive multiple pest control measures at that time it looks like a new outbreak is on the horizon far earlier than expected. According to the city's urban forestry website, plans are currently being made for aerial spraying and other pest control measures to occur next year.

Monday, August 20, 2012

I Spy

I spy,with my little eye, something that








has a wing span of 62-75mm





is the state insect of Montana







Nymphalis antiopa
 
one of the first arrivals to the garden this summer

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Caught in the Act

"Look what happens when I blow into Elsie's right ear!"

"You take that back!!!"

"Make me!"

"Tee hee, pretending to be ferocious is FUN!!"

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

What a Weekend!

August 10th and 11th
Stormy weather at Kilbride CKC show in Milton
One of the perks of waiting to go in the ring
Becoming a Conformation Champion was
very exciting and we went to Paris to celebrate.

WOW!
That was the most exciting fun ever
 AND
I earned my first Lure Coursing Q!!
August 12th in Paris, United Greyhound Club, United Kennel Club
Judge: Lee Warden
Thinking of my wonderful long weekend ...

... makes me want to break dance ...


Monday, August 13, 2012

I Spy

I spy, with my little eye, something that




flies during the day




hovers in mid-air while feeding




is commonly mistaken for a hummingbird






Amphion floridensis
"Nessus Sphinx" moth   

Look at that proboscis
sharing a "bud" with a "Red Admiral"

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Cha...Cha...Cha...

CHAMPION

August 10th
Kilbride and District Kennel Club
Milton, ON
Judge: Ms. Cecilia Martinez (Puerto Rico) 

 Best of Breed

Judge:  Ms. C. Martinez and Handler/Breeder/co-owner Sylvia Dorosh

My CKC registered name is now:

CH Varazs Mokany Kiralyi Orban FDJ, CGN




August 11th
Ontario All Pointing Breed Field Dog Club
Multi-Breed Specialty Show
Milton, ON
Judge:  Mr. Juan Carlos Vasconcellos (Paraguay)

 Winners Dog

Friday, August 10, 2012

Elsie

At 30 days of age, Elsie very patiently allowing me to try out my new chompers on her muzzle!

Here she is trying out her own chompers (or, is she preparing for payback?).
 

Elsie has always been an independent thinker and a bit of a daredevil. Here she is, eyes newly opened, insisting that yellow "is not my colour!" and attempting to squirm out of the fashion faux pas. 


At 45 days of age, Elsie took up rock climbing.




So then, it is not surprising that Elsie has aspirations to join Cirque du Soleil.  Here she is demonstrating her barrel spinning technique.  I knew "payback" was just a matter of time!