Friday, September 25, 2009

Friday Critters

Here's a little Friday Shoot Out of Critters in my neighborhood. Sort of. Okay, I know this isn't the right topic for today, but I'm doing it anyway. Okay? Call me a rebel. Or out of order. Anyway...

These ducks are actually at a private little garden we go to now and then called Discanso Gardens. It's nearby and there's a little pond there filled with ducks and snapping turtles.

This little pair, a male and female mallard, seemed unwilling to leave each other's side. Sweet.



Here is a mature, at the other end of his life Praying Mantis that said hello to me on the arm of our front porch swing. He didn't seem inclined to jump me, but he didn't want to take his eyes off me either. He's like, "Hey! You lookin' at me?"



This is Bailey, my daughter's beautiful chocolate Lab, who really enjoys a good splash. Here, he's trying to fit his bigness into this too-small pool for a quick cool off! He made me laugh as he ejected most of the water by simply displacing it. But he thought it was pretty fun.



I'm a little smitten with coy. How do they get that big? Look at it. He's substantial. I mean, I've had the school carnival goldfish. This is a mutant goldfish. A beautiful, mutant goldfish. Who eats from your fingertips.



Have a great weekend, everyone!

8 comments:

Snap said...

I love all the critters. Bailey is a hoot! I love ducks. I haven't seen a real live Praying Mantis in such a long time.

Sarah Sullivan said...

Oooh I love them!!! How fun is this!! I love Baily - LMAO - how happy he looks! The Mantis is amazing and huge!!! I love coy - Kate has some where she lives and Nonni looooves them. Wonderful critters hon!! Love ya, Sarah

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

Cute critters Barbara. Must have been a hoot to see Bailey jump in the little kiddie's pool! Are your daughter and grandson still visiting?

stregata said...

Amazing, how animals so easily make us smile! Thanks for sharing!

Holly said...

I have to say, I'm glad you were a rebel and did it your way. I loved seeing this shots. You're lucky the mutant goldfish didn't eat your finger tips instead of simply from them.

Barbara said...

Thanks all, for your sweet comments. Animals always make me laugh. They're so amazing. :p)

And Bonnie, Sniff, whaaaahh, no...My grandbaby is home with his mom and dad in TX and I'm trying to hold out a little longer before I get on a plane and get my fix. :P) The shot of Bailey, (I confess) was taken this summer. But it was so funny I had to share it. He's a character.

Renee said...

I will be with my bubble wrap and you sit with your blankie and we can whine all day if we want. How does that sound.

Love Renee xoxo

Barbara said...

Hahaha, Renee! That sounds excellent!

((hugs))xoxo Barbara