Big and small. Several of the groundhogs have started to come back for food. They disappeared for a bit with only a few rare visits. But now it looks like they are starting to pack on the pounds to prepare for winter. #groundhog #woodchuck

Luckily I took this a few days ago before the smoke turned everything to sepia. I think this came from the wildflower seed mix I used to create a partial lawn alternative. #sunflower

Groundhog buffet is very popular. We have four adults and several young ones who regularly visit. This is the largest one. She/he often runs away when the smaller ones appear.

A Monarch paid a visit to the butterfly patch.

First young groundhog siting this year.

Range map courtesy of Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

The Fish crow enjoyed some apples today. #birds

Fish crow taking a bath. I had to take it through a window so it's not the best photo. They are so huge. They wait for me to fill the bath each day. #birds #Connecticut

American Robin. Their evening song this time of year is quite haunting. #birds

I don't know what's going on here, but I like the style of this vintage Waterbury Watch (+- 1880's) American trade card. The Waterbury Clock Company was founded in 1854. It later became Timex which is still headquartered in Connecticut.

We occasionally get hopeful news in these times. Here's a picture of Arlene Francis holding a kitten to cheer you and inspire hope.

Glass objects on a windowsill. Taken years ago at my parent's 💗house. #BlueSkyArtShow #New

Here's a picture of my best girl. She's with us only in spirit now, but she always makes things better.

We all need inspiration in these times. Here's a photo of Marlene Dietrich to cheer and inspire you.

While a large portion of the country is sweltering, it's still winter weather in Connecticut. So I'm posting a photo from a past summer of sailboats to hopefully chase the winter away. If you are sweltering, please be safe and keep hydrated. #sailboat #lighthouse

Could be a yearbook picture pose. Meow, meow, meow. #cats #Caturday

The hardest part of dealing with a blizzard was not having to shovel a poop path for the first time in 23 years. I miss them so much. 💔

Waiting and preparing for the storm but thinking of spring. Soon the Cabbage whites will emerge.

Song Sparrow never disappoints. It's 6F with 0F wind chill, but that doesn't stop her! I look forward to hearing her spring song very soon. #birds

Arhat seated in front of the Great Buddha Hall: Chuang Yen Monastery, Carmel, New York. www.baus.org/en/

My take on 2026 so far.

Masonic Temple (King Solomon's Lodge No. 7), Woodbury, CT. The lodge was founded in 1765. Building dates from 1839.

2025 has been an extremely difficult year for me and for so many of us. Lots of losses and grieving not to mention the injustices and injuries being unleashed in the United States and the entire world. I hope 2026 is better, that monsters are defeated and that kindness grows.

Thankful Arnold House, Haddam, Connecticut (1800). ctvisit.com/listings/tha...