Introducing, Xerox the Budgie

This is Xerox. He's finally adjusting to his new home. He seems to like us, but I do wish he wouldn't carry on so when we leave the room-it is worse than a newborn! Danny has tried reading to him, singing to him, etc. but as soon as we attempt to move...Chirrrrrp! I know this one is going to be a talker, I just hope his first word isn't, Bugger!

Xerox has plenty of toys, a cuttlefish bone to sharpen his beak,, and plenty of delicious millet treats in addition to his food. He spends most of his time looking in the mirror at his own reflection. He's figured out it isn't another bird, and I imagine him saying to himself, "Xerox, you are one good looking bird. Do you know that?"

I should say, we're not positive he's a male. You can tell by some of the feathers as they age, but without a thorough examination (which we're not going to do now as he needs to calm down before we can handle him) it is almost impossible to say. The general rule of males being more brightly coloured than females doesn't really hold with budgies. 

Speaking of "Brightly coloured" things, here's what I saw in bloom outside the Swanson branch library today.

You're probably thinking the library is in some country meadow...not the busy city intersection of 90th and Dodge Streets. 

It really is a beautiful spot in the middle of  Omaha. The library isn't half bad either.

Since everyone and everything around me was bright and colourful, contrarian that I am, I went monochrome. I didn't think the bra looked that bad in person, but the pictures are making me think it is a bit too-pointy, and needs to be brought up several inches in the straps (Sometimes I wonder if I need a bra or a construction crane). Anyway, this is a good lesson in the importance of selecting the correct bra as it ruined an otherwise nicely put together  outfit. 

Sleeveless sweater-Can't remember it is about 15 years old

Cardigan-I think it was a Dots store in Revere, MA (also about 15 years ago)

Da-Rue linen-look skirt-Hand-Me-Ups

Vintage vinyl handbag-Goodwill

Straw hat-K Mart, last season

Mother of pearl earrings-World Market-about 10 years ago

Belt-Shop Ko

Fragrance-Chanel No. 19 (vintage formulation)

Later in the day, I ended up back at Heron Haven, another beautiful place to enjoy nature hidden away beside a busy, major city road.

I didn't see any heron, but I saw a cowbird. They have a bad reputation for eating the eggs from the nests of other birds. They're not alone in that behaviour. 

This is a baby woodchuck that was hiding behind the visitor's centre. He wasn't shy at all, and happily posed for a photograph. I didn't see mama or papa around. I still didn't get too close because tangling with an angry woodchuck isn't my idea of fun-they bite!

Finally, here's a look at some colour in my garden

I'll leave you with an unflattering gardening photo-it was HOT outside (and humid). I planted more okra and carrots today. Fingers crossed, we'll get a good crop. 

We're expecting rain for the next five days-that ought to do the garden well. 

I hope you have a lovely week.