Pennsylvania Country Summer

Time is a precious commodity these days.  Summer in NE Pa is fleeting so there is a lot to pack into a few short months.  I'm doing my best to prioritize chores, and still enjoy the smells, sights and sounds of our Country Summer.  The milkweed is in bloom, sending its sweet fragrance on the winds.  The summer warmth permeates every boulder and bone with an energy all its own; the monarchs have arrived with the milkweed and the first Japanese beetles have been sighted as well.  It's always a 'dance', trying to allow the habitat to be its natural self, and trying to grow vegetables that are NOT fodder for the wildlife. With each passing summer, the two-step becomes more familiar but never "the same".  I took a little still-photo tour of the garden and yard today,  and put some of the photos together in a montage, set to music so I can't upload it here but please go to this link:  Country Stroll

Japanese beetle traps are a necessity, because those bugs do the most damage in my garden.  Ironically, I saw last year during the bears' hyperphagia phase, they completely enjoyed eating the bugs from the traps! Of course, now I have to buy all new traps this year rather than replacement bags....

Speaking of the bears, our Spooky Cub is usually here early but I haven't seen him yet today.  It's supposed to be even hotter  ~ 90*+ ~ so I will keep on the lookout for a bear in the pond.  This little video is one of the best yet ... for me at least. It holds so much promise, I get a bit giddy with excitement and anticipation for the future, although I surely do not want to wish away my today; after all, who knows what it may produce :-)

PostScript:  They're back!!!! No mating going on in plain sight, but sure looks like a boy (confirmed, if it's Buddy, he's a bit more scarred and has all but lost his copper pennies above the eyes...) and a girl bear♥ 

**********

"Native American isn't blood.  It is what is in the heart.  The love for the land, the respect for it, those who inhabit it, and the respect and acknowledgement of the spirits and elders.  That is what it is to be Indian."
White Feather, Navajo Medicine Man

**********