Hazy Morning Walk

Even before I stepped outside for my now-habitual morning walk, I could see something was strange. It wasn’t fog I was seeing out my kitchen window — it was haze.

Once I walked out into that haze, I knew we were experiencing some sort of environmental something-or-other. It smelled smoky.

About halfway through my quick lap around the block, I passed a retiree walking down his driveway to get his morning newspaper, appropriately decked out in robe and slippers.

“You should really be wearing a mask if you’re going to be out walking,” he admonished me.

When I asked him what this haze was all about, he told me that it’s smoke from the Canadian wildfires, and it’s likely to be around for the next day or two. I thanked him for the information and assured him I’d check the news when I got home.

Of course, when I continued on my walk and turned the corner to face east, I had to stop and spend some more time in the smoky air to take a picture of the red sun. No filter.

Morning Daylilies

I had just started out for my morning walk when these daylilies drew me in for a closer look. The backlighting from the morning sun gave them this amazing glow, and I felt compelled to stop and take a photo or two.

These blooms are in my front garden. I hadn’t even made it down the driveway yet. But I hadn’t felt that pull of I must photograph this in so long… it was a welcome pause.

Stop and photograph the flowers.

Chipmunk Feeder

Earlier this week, I moved the bird feeder from its original spot outside the dining room window to a sunnier and more accessible spot outside the living room window. I kept forgetting to fill the bird feeder when it was in its old spot, so it wasn’t fulfilling its duty as Prime Time Cat TV.

Looks like Cat TV is getting a ratings boost.

Baxter loves this new setup. While I’m not a fan of the chipmunks that seem to invade our yard and flowerbeds every few years, they’re entertaining to watch for pets and people alike. Baxter has taken to scratching on the window in his fervor to get the critters just beyond his reach.

Luckily, there have been bird sightings, too, and not just chipmunks. Just this morning, I saw a black-capped chickadee perched on the feeder, and I’m sure the robins have been enjoying the bird buffet.

I wouldn’t call myself a birder, per se, but watching wildlife does make me happy. It makes Baxter happy, too, so this new setup is a win for everybody.

Especially the chipmunks.