A moment of wonder

Lately, when I've been cutting the grass, it seems as though the moments have been melancholy. Today, thankfully, was more joyful. We have a small, fenced area in our back yard. Our dog, Lucy, has a favorite tree out there, and can occasionally be found lounging in the shade of the tree.


We've known for some time about the rabbit who hangs out in our yard. Surprisingly, Lucy doesn't bother the rabbit...doesn't chase it, bark at it, or otherwise torment it. Lucy is advancing in years, and hasn't chased little critters for quite some time. Nevertheless, if I were a rabbit, I think I'd stay away from a house with a dog. Just in case.

I cut the grass in a bit of a rush this afternoon. Trying to get it done before hubby starting grilling dinner, and before I had to prepare for my trip this week. The fenced area in the back yard is my least favorite spot to mow. The grassy patch within the fence is round, defying my need to create clean, ninety degree angles in the grass. As I was finishing the last little patch, I noticed a small area covered with a mixture of fur and dried grass. I continued my path, not realizing that piece of earth was moving...breathing, almost...until I finished and had shut off the mower. On my way back through the fence, I noticed some movement under the fur and dried grass. Carefully, I pulled the fur away, and noticed a nest of kits. After I made sure they were okay, I ran into the house to let the kids and hubby know what I'd found.

The bunnies seem to be stacked on top of each other in the nest. We didn't want to move them, so we won't know for a while just how many there are. My daughter ran back into the house to google for more information on litter size, diet, etc. What we learned is that a little can be anywhere from two to ten kits. Mama rabbit was nowhere to be found, but hubby thinks he saw her in the neighbor's yard about an hour prior to finding the kits. My daughter and I are trying to entice the mama to stay with her babies, so we got busy shredding carrots, gathering dandelion greens and clover, and setting out a small container of water. We aren't sure what will happen next, but whatever it is should be exciting.

Thank you, Lucy, for surrendering your favorite shady spot for the time being. We should have named you St. Francis.