Thoughts for the Work Week Ahead

Bon Bon Babies: Part One

I am so proud of William and Leona, Bon Bon Pond’s resident pair of Canada Geese.  This year, six eggs hatched and ALL goslings made it to their teen years!  The parents have been extremely careful this summer, disappearing with their brood for the better part of a month.  Now that the babes are past the most vulnerable stage they have returned to my shore for corn and naps in the freshly mowed backyard.  Yesterday, while delivering their breakfast, I was able to snap a few photos of the handsome family.  

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Summer Weekend Wishes

An Afternoon with Friends

Weeding and hand trimming are favorite summer tasks for two reasons: first, they put the finishing touches on a freshly mowed lawn; and second, my new lower vantage point allows for some great up close and personal interaction with the Bon Bon Pond wildlife.  

Tuesday's outdoor work gave me the opportunity to spend some time with Humphrey, the new and very bashful resident woodchuck.  And, of course, my beloved best friends, the turkeys are never far from my side when I'm outside working.  I am so honored to have earned their trust and companionship.

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My beautiful boys:  Larry and Moe.

Patti, Maxine and LaVerne--my sweet girls

The ever-elusive Humphrey.

 

Warmest Wishes

More Summer Scenes

 

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My front yard!

Another view from the tracks.

Blue Flag Iris

A visit to Pine Point Pond last week revealed a lovely surprise. Growing on the water’s bank amidst a sea of green vegetation was a lone Blue flag iris.  A native wildflower to Minnesota, Iris versicolor is hailed for both its beauty and healing properties.

The Cree, Montaignais, Chippewa, Seneca, Meskwaki, Ojibwe, Potawatami, Mohawk, and Tete de Boule tribes considered this plant strong medicine with many uses.  Externally, it was used in swellings, bruises, burns, sores, inflammation, and blood poisoning resulting from contusions. Internally, it was used to treat colds, sore throats, lung troubles and as a drastic purgative/cathartic.

Later, the colonists used it to treat leg sores and other slow healing wounds. Then, in the 1800s, it became popular as a cathartic, diuretic, astringent, purgative, laxative, and pectoral.  Physicians of that age said it was also effective in the treatment of syphilis, rabies, sore mouth ulcers and wounds. Today it’s recognized as a detoxifer, skin rejuvenator and restorative liver aide.

Wow—all that in one lovely little flower!  Pharmaceutical properties aside, it was far too pretty to pick.

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Thoughts for the Work Week Ahead

Summer Scenes of Bon Bon Pond

 

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Beautiful Bon Bon Pond June 2014

A Pond view from high atop the Canadian National Railway Track

Beyond the overgrowth is the culvert that connects Bon Bon Pond to Baird Pond.  Originally, this was all one lake--before the destructive hand of man.

It's Official!

Summer Flowers

Even with the monsoon-like rains these hardy and oh so pretty perennials have flourished this summer.  When the wind and the storms beat them down they just pick themselves up and keep on bloomin’.  And on top of hardiness, they are deer-resistant.  Talk about the perfect country flower!  

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Water, Water, Everywhere!

It’s been a wet and wonderful June!  While people in many parts of the state are crying foul (weather) and admonishing the rains, we here at Bon Bon Pond are celebrating the storms and pleading for more, more, more!  The pond is higher than it’s been in ages and we’re all lovin’ it! 

The two photos below showcase the difference in water marks with the first picture taken on May 27, 2012 and the second this week. Notice the fallen log as a reference point in both photos. 

P.S.  The “scum” in the water is warm weather-induced duckweed. These small flowering high-protein plants are the bane of suburban homeowners with swimming pool like ponds but serve as a valuable food source for many birds and fish, especially ducks. Additionally, duckweed provides shelter, and protection for aquatic animals, such as frogs, snakes, fish, insects, crustaceans and others. 

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The old fallen log has been a favorite spot for the geese and ducks for years.

The perching place has gotten noticeably shorter.

 

Spray Day!

 

Without a doubt, the best moment of summer around Bon Bon Pond is “Spray Day” when the filthy old cow path otherwise known as East 120^th receives dust control treatment.  Ah, blessed relief from the clouds of rolling dust—at least for a few weeks.  Many thanks to the combined efforts of the Stillwater Township and May Township Boards for this year’s effort.

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Turkey Barbecue

In summertime, cookouts are a staple around Bon Bon Pond.  After a hard day of yard work nothing quite hits the spot like a grilled burger.  "Turkey" is always a cherished part of the proceedings—just never on the menu!  In appreciation, our resident toms faithfully show up when its dinnertime to add the entertainment to our evening meal.  

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Sage Thoughts for the Work Week Ahead