Monthly Archives: August 2026
The Useful Fig Tree
This fig tree came to my garden as a rooted cutting, a gift from a friend. It was about ten inches high in a small black pot. I found a place for it in the corner of my veggie garden. Little did I know that the compost bin next to it would seep out nutrition for it and turn it into a seven foot tree in just a few years.
This year it had 52 figs on it, and after I picked them, the branches loaded up again with a second crop. I think it’s one of the few plants in my garden that really likes me.
I live on Vancouver Island – not in the Mediterranean or western Asia where they originated – but my fig tree grew happily anyway.
Thank heaven, the Mediterranean fig trees had leaves that were supposedly perfect for covering the private parts of those famous ancient naked sculptures. Fig leaves must have seen a lot of use, as there are so many sculptures made in the old civilizations.
So now I know the answer to something I’ve questioned all these years. Why did the old masters make so many of their sculptures naked? The answer is of course, they had a lot of fig leaves available.
Musical Houses
Apologies for the cell phone quality of the photo, but this post is more about content than photography.
My neighbour who took the cougar video in a previous post, also took a picture of this house he built with birds in mind.
The birds didn’t even have time to get interested when the squirrels decided to move in and occupy the premises with their expanding family of at least three babies. I doubt if they stayed long, but it was a funhouse for the kids. Too bad the cell phone doesn’t take clearer photos. Mine is the same. It’s not a high end phone and pictures taken quickly and at any distance just don’t come out that clear. But if we overlook the blurriness, the idea of these little guys exploring the three-storey house makes me smile. I felt it was worth posting regardless of the quality.
I wonder if they played musical chairs with the houses. Remember that game? There was always one fewer chair than there were children. We marched around to the music not straying too far from the chairs and when the music stopped, we had to sit down on a chair. One child was always left without a chair, so he was “out.” Another chair was removed and the game began again. Each time one child was out of luck and another chair was removed. At last there was only one chair and two children. I shudder to think of the scramble for that last chair. I would be tempted to declare two winners.
I’m sure the squirrels scrambled around these birdhouses. Maybe they played “King of the Castle” instead.
Hopeful Sky
Sunday Sailors
What an opportunity to learn to sail! The protected bay is perfect for it. A very light breeze keeps the would-be sailors on their toes, lest they get caught making a turn in the wrong direction.
Yes, there is strength in numbers, taking courage from each other, as long as they don’t all need help at the same time.
The guide boats keep a close watch on their assigned groups and are motorized for quick access to anyone needing extra help.
As long as you don’t end up in the water unexpectedly, this could be a lot of fun.
One other day when the sea was less calm it must have been training day, and luckily almost everyone was prepared for this “rescue mission.”
Or perhaps it was done on purpose to show the would-be sailors what to do if they took a wrong turn and flipped over.
They were obviously prepared for getting wet that day.
I think I’ll just stay on dry land whenever I can.
Decisions, Decisions!
Do you see the tiny morsel of food that is crawling along the stucco wire towards the hummingbird?
Decisions, decisions,
A lunch snack for me,
A coming incision
Will soon have to be.
An ant suicidal
Is now within reach,
It’s protein not vital,
Won’t taste like a peach.
It’s truly quite bitter,
In more ways than one,
I say with a twitter,
Your good luck is done.











