May is here and it’s time to sing and dance. Mother Earth is awake and bursting with green shoots, and love is in the air.

Harry and Franny basking in the warm, spring sunshine!

Harry and Franny have been spending more time around the yard. He is ever vigilant, keeping prowling drakes away from the beach. All Franny has to do is rest, eat, and hopefully, lay some eggs!

Until her eggs are laid and hatched, Franny gets loads of R&R.

Eat up Franny. It’s time to lay some eggs!

Isis has arrived and has been staking out her territory across the river. Actually, I’m not sure if she’s a he, but if so, he’s still a she to me.

Welcome back Isis!

I’ve managed to get some planting accomplished, between working two jobs and napping. The first project I started was Sparky Park. It’s not actually a park in the true meaning of the word. (“park – a piece of public land in or near a city that is kept free of houses and other buildings and can be used for pleasure and exercise” Merriam-Webster) Although, we will be using it for pleasure and exercise and it is free of houses and other buildings, and we are near Billerica center, sooooo, in my kingdom, which, in this case is my side yard, it’s a park!

Before beginning work on Sparky Park, the wheelbarrow needed fixing.

A wild rabbit stopped by to check out the progress.

Even a purple finch got curious.

The first plant to go into the ground was a dogwood tree for Sparky. It looks a little short right now, but given time, love, and plenty of food and water, it’ll grow to be a big, healthy tree.

Sparky Park’s official dogwood tree.

And, now, drum roll please!! The big news of May (besides Chris turning 21! Wow, where did the time go?) is that we’re adopting a puppy! Yeah!! His name is Steve Ray and he’s a blending of Australian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees. He’s adorable, lovable, sensational, energetic, extremely smart, AND, he’s coming home on Mother’s Day!

Me and Stevie, doing a little bonding.

I’m adopting Stevie through Big Fluffy Dog Rescue out of Nashville. It was fate that led me into Pet Supplies Plus where Peggy, his foster mom, and Stevie, were shopping. Stevie Ray, just like his namesake, is blind. But that doesn’t stop him from charging into the world with all the enthusiasm of a dozen sighted puppies.

Peggy is a miracle worker with his training. Under her guidance, I know Stevie will continue to grow and flourish in my care.

I’m in love again, Sparks. Thank you for sending me Stevie.  Blessed be :}