"My mind sees that I am nothing, my heart sees that I am everything, between these two poles my life unfolds."

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

This 'n That

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time."
- John Lubbock


You may recall that we were hit with a hailstorm two weeks ago. I'm happy to report that my tomato plants have thankfully recovered (though only in part) from this assault. You can see some of the damage on the branches above - needless to say, I had to remove a lot of leaves - and flowers along with them. 


Looks like I'll be harvesting only half a dozen or so tomatoes now from this 'Big Boy' plant -- it was positively laden with flowers prior to our storm. I'm thankful to get something at least for all my efforts!

My zucchini plants are also rebounding and have sent out all new leaves and blooms...


I happened to spot this creature while watering the other day. He was quite well camouflaged against the wooden post he'd perched himself on. I think he's really beautiful, but have no idea what he is... any ideas?


I also watched this fly for a few minutes the other day. I was hiding in my vines hoping to snap a decent pic of the cutest tiny brown birds that spend a lot of time arguing amongst themselves in my strawberry plants - no luck so far, but then I noticed Mr. Fly who hadn't moved in quite some time. Notice the water droplet he's 'holding' :) Expand this pic for a closer look.

Seeing as it's (already) July 31st, I thought I'd announce this month's recipient of the 'Whoo Loves Ya Baby!' award. Congratulations to turquoisemoon from 'Daily Om'! This wonderful blog is, in her own words, the "Daily life of a dreamer, a doer, an old hippie, girlfriend, astrologer, adventurer, artist, traveler, worker, sister, mother, chocoholic, grandmother, animal lover. This is where I'll whine, laugh, complain, grow, nag, share, brag, and anything else I may come up with." When you have a chance, head on over and show her some love :)

21 comments:

  1. These are so unique!

    I love seeing them...no clue what the odd insect is...but he looks dangerous!

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  2. Hi Jane, my post is also about tomatoes today. Great minds...you know the rest. That is one weird looking bug! I have no idea what it is either! I'll be checking out the "Daily Om".

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  3. I have to tell you, Jane, that mysterious tiny critter is the oddest thing I've ever seen. I have no idea what it is, never seen it before, but let's hope it's a 'good' bug. As for the other bug, I love that photo! That is amazing the way s/he is holding that water droplet. Tiny little creatures in their tiny little worlds.

    I'm happy to hear that your veggie plants pulled through. It's too bad you lost a few flowers, but yes, things could have been much worse. There's no telling how much damage Mother Nature can cause if she gets really pissed off...:)

    Congratulations to turquoisemoon from 'Daily Om'. I will check out her blog.

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  4. Shame about your tomatoes Jane, but at least you'll have a few to sample. I have no clue what that insect is but he is a handsome little beastie. Congrats to Daily Om, I'll pop over there now!

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  5. Ooh my...thanks Jane!!! I worked all day and tired. Thought I'd check out some of my favorite blogs before I call it a day and "surprise"!!! Sorry about your tomatoes, but at least you will have a few. Hope those zucchini plants recover. I have no clue what kind of a bug that thing is. Very scary... Thanks again for the attaboy!!! :)

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  6. My what a hairy little fly. You know its just amazing when you stop and think how the world all works together.

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  7. Daily Om is a favourite blog of mine too. Congrats, turquoisemoon!

    That is one crazy looking little critter -- could it be some form of stick insect, perhaps? Other than that, I don't have a clue. Let us know if you find out what it is!

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  8. Wise words from John Lubbock!
    The picture of the fly is incredible. Although not my favourite things at the moment, as one landed on me in the woods last week and gave me seven bites, and that was through my top!

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  9. Fotografie molto belle!! buona giornata...ciao

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  10. I hope your tomatoes will flower some more ( mine are flowering away) and although the tomatoes might not get quite as big, you will have more. Zucchinis are nearly indestructible!! That interesting insect might be a Caddisfly, family Trichoptera. I checked a bunch of sites ( I always love a research questions!!) and that seems the closest. Do you live near water--that's their habitat, although they have been known to fly up to 40 km. away from water sources. Check www.insectsofalberta.com/main.htm and 'Other Insects'.

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    1. Thanks Dianne :) I followed the link and have to agree that it seems to resemble a Caddisfly closest of all - my guy looks much neater and cleaner than every pic I've seen of the Caddisfly - which make me want to scratch! He reminded me more of a grasshopper (which of course he isn't) than a 'fly' if you will - & he was over two inches long. I have a very large pond directly behind my property, so I expect that's where he lives. Never seen one before.

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  11. Your tomatoes look excellent. I'm actually getting a few from my miniscule garden right now. As for your bugs... aren't you the same person who introduced us to giant ants? I prefer looking a tomato pictures, Jane, ha ha! I'm going to check out the new award winner right now. Happy august!

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  12. Jane, your vegetable are looking beautiful. The tomatoes look so yummy. I really want to start a vegetable garden, but am so afraid I will kill them :(

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  13. oh wow...that fly with the water ball is quite fascinating.

    i would eat him if it were me instead of admiring it...but then, you ARE a peep. BOL

    Your plants look beautiful and my peep is somewhat jealous...even half the tomatoes are twice the tomatoes that she can grow. * sigh * Not everyone has the same gifts I guess.

    PS. Wondering about the fluffy tailed one....did the food amount get decreased or did you all decide her backside looked just pawfect in size:)!

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    1. Haha Scrappy, I just realized that BOL means 'barking out loud'!!! You are too funny. I love it and I'm lol'ing cause I'm a peep :) Btw - what does 'peep' mean?

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  14. You have a great speciman in your odd looking bug there. Never ever saw anything like that here in Ontario. (Kinda hope I never do either)

    The fly photo is stunning, you captured it a the right moment. I think it should be entered into a photo contest...seriously, it would win.

    Your tomatoes are looking super good, soon they will start to turn colour a bit. Do you like fried green tomatoes?

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  15. That bug is pretty interesting and fun to check out (from afar;). Gorgeous tomatoes and wish I could grow some here. It's just too hot (or I'm hopeless in green thumb department):)

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  16. Jane, I love the quote, your tomato plants, and the interesting photos of the crawling creature, and the fly (ugghh) ...would not want that flying in my house! Unique and interesting post:D

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  17. I had to chuckle when I saw that you watched a fly for several minutes. I do admit the water droplet was interesting though!

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  18. I know that insect! It's a called a freakasaurus. Weird looking little guy :-)

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  19. Tomatoes look good. Shame about te flowers, better luck next year...well captured insects.

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