"Bird" house

OK, so we have our lovely old birdhouse in the clematis, with the enlarged entrance courtesy of a Downy woodpecker. Some Chickadees built a nest here several years back, but it failed. Earwigs love it most years, but nothing thus far this year.

And Penny says, "Come quickly, there is something in the birdhouse", so I do and a face peers out the door at me. Big brown eyes, little black nose, beige snout, black/brown forehead, rounded little ears. "Cutie". Gotta grab the camera. Last I've seen of the cute little varmint, but I think it was a small squirrel - black or red.

Something is obviously inside the house as seen here using funky exposures. Bedding, I suspect.

So I unscrew the cleaning catch at the bottom of the house to allow the side to open if it wants to. I'm not thrusting my hand in there! Some hours later, this is the result. Definitely some kind of nesting material. That's that, says I, "Cutie" will move on.

Late in the day, this is the scene. Seems the varmint has not moved out, but is rearranging the furniture.

And this is today. Still cannot get a picture of "Cutie", but she is still working on the abode.

More later if anything further develops.

Happy anniversary

We went to Rodney's Oyster House (King near Spadina) to make use of the "gift" certificate I bought at Jack's big fundraiser. One of the best certificates you will ever see, done on an oyster shell.

Th event was part of a visit by Marnie & Gord Goodyear. They descended to Markham all the way from Bracebridge for a couple of night in the Garden Room. And some Bugger Bridge (I won - again). And we all had a great night out at Rodney's.

Then out to Lemon Bistro last night for the "official" anniversary celebration. Great food and company as always. The family who run the place are lovely hosts.

Erika telephoned to wish us a Happy Anniversary. We always liked her best. Bwahahaha.

Ben's egg

Eri and Bennett and Charlotte came over today after sleeping in from the Calgary trip.

Ben found a robin's egg on the lawn. Must the the 2nd or 3rd batch this summer.

So, we had to have a picture of the egg. Good thing, it is about to disintegrate.

Ben forgot to take it home.

After the after

This is the new tree, settling in. It will look fine in a few years as it fills out. Some pruning of the inner criss-cross branches may be needed, and the leaves are small and growth not too vigorous yet.

The town handled the whole thing well - clean-up and replacement.

Now, on to other things.