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Thursday, May 9, 2013

The Magnolia and the Pond


Our magnolia tree was in full bloom last weekend and, as we worked out in the yard on Saturday, I couldn't help but to keep returning to the west side of the house and admire it. I'm pretty sure the tree was actually glowing, perhaps with pride. Can't say as I blame her. An early spring followed by a devastating frost in these parts last year left most blooms unopened and completely black, and they clung on to the tree throughout the entire summer. I had visions of them never falling off but it seems mother nature has everything under control.

The magnolia was a wedding gift from one of our neighbours to previous owners. We didn't know what it was when we first moved here, and at one point we even talked about cutting it down as part of our landscaping plan. (Shudder.) I blame that completely on being fresh from the city. 

Once the petals have dropped and the leaves are full, this tree is a good source of shade during the heat of a summer afternoon. It's Callie's favourite spot to lie and while away the afternoon while her pack is away. 

Four pairs of geese spent the same afternoon lazily floating the day away in our pond. We don't usually have that many pairs at once, more often it is one pair, and they honk away at us incessantly as we go about our business, despite the fact we were here first. I guess mother nature hasn't told them about blending in quietly so no one will know you're swimming in their pond.

The Artist, since our first day living here, as been on a mission to keep geese from nesting at our pond, lest we end up with a multitude of geese returning here every spring to rinse and repeat. He has sort-of trained Callie to chase them away if they decide to check out possible nesting spots, but I think it's more likely that Callie has him trained. Don't tell the Artist, but she only chases them when he's home. She's a border collie, she herds, she rounds up the chickens into her doghouse by day and into the coop by night. She likes to know where everyone is. Did he really think she'd chase away the geese?

13 comments:

Babajeza said...

Hahaha! Have a nice day. Regula

Lynne said...

Four pairs of geese . . . I think the Artist's plan may have gone array . . .

Mona's Picturesque said...

What a delightfull post :)
And your photo is GORGEOUS.
Love the angle and proseccin!
Thank you so much for sharing ♥

Nancy said...

Well, actually, the geese might have been there first -- before you moved in. Lol.

I think it would be so cool to have geese nest on our pond. I have to take a long walk to get to it though. Maybe today.

Thanks so much for your 5 facts. Love learning about you and your homestead. xo

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh dear I am so happy you never cut it down it is so beautiful. I love border collies they used to herd the kids that came to visit the farm it was like a very cheap babysitter. I am not surprised The Artist gets what he expects those are the smartest dogs I ever seen.
Enjoy that tree Andrea it is truly beautiful. Have a nice Mother's Day my friend. Hugs B

abrianna said...

LOL about Callie. Beautiful magnolia photo.

Bev said...

Very Pretty!

Lynn said...

Your Callie story is a hoot..lovely photo

Mary said...

Callie sounds rather cat-like in some ways. Lol. Like she's on her best behavior when certain family members are home.

I love geese! They're kinda loud though. But beautiful.

Nicki said...

What an enjoyable visit to your farm.

Michelle said...

I another old house we previously lived in, seriously, we had a Magnolia tree. Nothing quite like them. I would always bring in a few blossoms to admire indoors.

Deb said...

I love magnolia trees...smart dog

Anonymous said...

My magnolia tree has been very beautiful for the last week, too. I smiled at the dog training the artist. :-) They are smart!