The Joy Has Left Our House

All of our little hummer friends have departed for points south. The cats watch the window expectantly, but there is no more activity. April is a l-o-n-n-g-g way off! I think Terrie is actually having withdrawal pains.

The National Harvest Festival is well underway at Silver Dollar City in Branson. We've seen several people who we met last year and even some of our neighbors from Camdenton. It was terribly hot until last week, but with fall weather finally here we expect to see even larger crowds through the end of October. There is some TERRIFIC art to see. I am always amazed at the amount of talent that lives right here in Missouri. PLEASE stop in and see us!

Hummingbird fact for today: There is good evidence that hummers do not fly very high during migration. Over land, it is unlikely they get much over tree-top height -- the better to see potential food sources along the migration route. (No, they do not ride on the backs of geese; the cold air at that altitude would kill them.)

Silver Dollar City!

The Best of Missouri Hands Village at Silver Dollar City opens this Saturday, September 11. The BEST handcrafted items will be on display for purchase and some INCREDIBLE Missouri artists will be demonstrating. Come by and see us in our 1890's costumes! We'll be down by the Red Gold Barn until the end of October (park is closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

Hummer season at Lake of the Ozarks seems to be winding down. We've seen just one male this week at the feeders along with eight or so females and/or juveniles. They're feeding like crazy, plumping up for their long journey back to the tropics. Ozzy and Izzy will miss their morning "kitty TV" out the kitchen window. The chittering and chest-bumping goes on all day and thinking of their imminent departure is rather depressing.

The Wolfe Gallery in Deland, Florida, just received a shipment of Ozarklake feeders. We're excited to have our work out in that part of the country. Chosen in West Volusia County as "Best in the West", co-owners Martha Ashley and Nancy Wagar invite you to stop by and experience Wolfe Gallery for yourself.

Hummingbird fact for today: Male Ruby-throateds leave the breeding areas first to open up food sources for the females and the young. The juveniles born this year will be the last to leave. Each bird migrates individually with no guidance except for that provided by Mother Nature.