At Home in the Huddle 2008: Friday

It's 61 degrees with thin overcast.

From WKTV: "On Friday, we see a mix of sun and clouds. Conditions in the atmosphere are unfavorable for storms, but there could be a few that develop south of Utica. Generally, a quiet day is expected, with warm and slightly humid conditions and highs in the 80s." Click HERE for details.

Tomorrow is Graduation Day at WCS!

CONGRATULATIONS *********************
to all the members of the CLASS OF 2008 *********************

and also to
Jim VanWormer

who will "graduate" into retirement after thirty-five years of "school" in Waterville!

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Sandy Martin has just sent me E-mail to report that "The Crimson Bonnets held their June meeting at a new Diner called Seymour's Diner & Grill on route 233 in Westmoreland. Twenty six of the 30 members attending. Sandwiches and salads were enjoyed along with wonderful pies and desserts. Caroly Harris and Patricia Ostrander hosted this meeting. Pat made red hat decorations for each member. There was also door prizes of plants won by five of the members. A new member Norma Emerson was officially welcomed.

Anyone looking for a different place for lunch should try out Seymour's, the food and service were great.

July's meeting will be held on Thursday, July 31st at Cavallo's in New Hartford and will be hosted by Joan Howard and Bev Prye. Members are reminded to RSVP by July 24th."

Thank you, Sandy!

The first of the "Turk's Cap" lilies are blooming in the dark woods next to Loomis Road.

A beautifully set "Gazing Ball" on June Stetson's front lawn in Stockwell.

(From Wikipedia) Gazing balls originated in 13th century Venice workshops where they were hand-blown by skilled Italian craftsmen. King Ludwig II of Bavaria is said to have adorned one of his palaces with Classical and Romantic statuary and lawn balls. Thereafter, they became a fixture of European gardens and are associated with Victorian English gardens in particular.

Legend

A mirror ball is alleged to bring prosperity to those who own one and, alternately, to ward off evil spirits, particularly witches.

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Hummingbirds, of course, are supposed to bring good luck!

Jody Hildreth has brought more pictures!

Look at how much "the kids" have grown!

See those little white dots that appear to be falling toward the camera lens?

(Ah, yes: it's the legendary "poop shoot!")

For some unknown reason, the mother hummingbird got upset with Jody's presence yesterday, and, when her own admonitions did not drive his camera's flash attachment away, she went and (apparently) summoned the male hummer who came and zipped back and forth in front of Jody and gave him the hummingbird equivalent of a good "talking to!" That's the first we've seen of the male - it's nice to know that he takes an interest in his family's welfare and is not terribly far away!

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The hummingbird family lives on the North side of my kitchen. Now - right next to my back door on the South side - I have another nest: a pair of Carolina Wrens! There are three or four eggs in the nest and there will probably be another three there before the mother begins incubation.