Settling In

Way back on April 25th I wrote this blog about a nest we had found down at the pond. The little goslings did hatch and we've watched from a distance as the parents began parading their chicks around. We've kept count, expecting to lose a couple, but it seems they've all come through all right. They've joined another family and are quite a big flock. They caused the traffic to stop today on our busy lane while they all slowly crossed the road. This photo shows about half of the flock. It's a bit disconcerting to see so many of them and all turning out so big; yet another sign that the wildlife is taking over around our house. Yesterday two bucks were standing near the driveway when Ben drove up and they didn't move, even after he and Paul got out of the car just feet away from them!

We've been settling back in as well these past few days, getting everything unpacked and washed, cleaning up the camping gear, going through all the mail and papers that accumulated while we were away, mowing the lawn, and generally getting life back to normal. I must admit to being quite satisfied when I realized that by cleaning the shed earlier this year I had made room for the tent and sleeping pads. It felt great to free up the room they had been taking in the house and have them all organized out in the shed.