This Week at Iten's Acres: Miscellany June 14, 2014

A week of rainy days and good books. And rainy walks as well, of course. Why do misty rains turn into downpours when I'm all the way at the back of The Acres? Ahh well, storms always seem their worst when your farthest from home. I did get to actually Feed the Swallows this week, A pair of them joined me as I mowed the pasture and wild area. A pair now means a family later. Can't wait. Shouldn't a family of swallows be called a Gulp?
Rose-breasted grosbeak are here. They stay for a little while and then move on. The catbird is back. He'll be here all summer. When the Homesteader is sitting in the window and hears its mew--drives her insane. I should get a tape recording. The real avian highlight of the week was the Baltimore Oriole. He shows up every spring for a day or two. Exquisite. Wish I could convince him to hang around all summer. I wonder if changing his name to Morrow County Oriole would work? All in all, a gloriously fowl week.
Kind of in a transition week flower-wise. A few Japanese iris have yet to bloom--a few being four. Not sure they'll all bloom--two are loaded with buds. The last Siberian iris bloomed--blue ruffles is its official name--a perfect fit. First time it's bloomed for me here at The Acres. Lots of spiderwort, as I mentioned earlier--and showed you in the pictures. Some dark blue, some paler, some more purplish than blue--all gorgeous. The wild area is a sea of greens with islands of blue, yellow, and white. Spiderwort, poppies, daisies. Not much on the lily front yet, but they're getting ready. And the future looks bright for the hibiscus and morning glory. I was a little paranoid about the hibiscus, but they are flourishing! Everywhere! Going to be a colorful August! Especially with the morning glories coming up everywhere as well. Nice little annuals that seed themselves magnificently. Oh, one triteleia finally bloomed--little purple and white beauty. Six weeks late!!!--But bloomed; so all is forgiven. No detention.
I think I may be cured from pathitis. I love the new configuration of the highways and byways in the wild area. I can't imagine changing it. Hey, don't raise your eyebrows at me! Really. I love it this way. I may cut a little path here or there just to have some daisy stripes next spring. But nothing permanent. I promise--sort of. Honeybees on the clover, too! Not many, but some. I still need to get that bumper sticker for my mower--"This vehicle stops for honey bees."
One last addendum and I'll let you go off and pout because you don't have an Acres. I found a backroad route from my place all the way to 36-37. Doesn't go anywhere near the freeway! Winding route right through farm country. Ooooh, nice. Very nice.

Okay, go and pout now!