Flame leaf sumacs have colonized the ditch along the pasture fence on the south side of the house. They’re robust growers and can get tree-like in a hurry. But they’re frail, and they break apart in high winds. Still, I’d let some grow and hung the bird feeder in them and enjoyed their blooms when they came. But their time has passed and I wanted to see the pasture again. So, I trimmed, and now I have little hedge row of sumacs, the bird feeder hangs on the porch, and I can see the pasture.

The nice thing about the feeder hanging on the porch is that I can see my clients up close and personal. The little black crested titmouse is a favorite as is the cardinal and his mate, although they like to ground feed. Of course, that can be dangerous given my cat population but there’s always one of them watching as they eat. So, I think they’re safe, and I’ve been known to chase away cats when I see them lurking.

The mesquite is blooming. It sits beside the sumacs, right on the fence line. I have another one in the yard. Both are doing well. The birds like the beans when they ripen. My grandmother had a mesquite tree in her front yard in San Antonio. It was old when I was young. I suppose it’s gone now since she’s gone, and the property was long since sold. And to tell you the truth I don’t care to drive back and see what happened. I know what McMansions look like.