William

I should check the long range forecast for here...were looking at lower 80's I think for this week but afterwards not sure. Humidity and dew points have been steady on the high side lately. Definitely still summer!

I remember this topic being discussed not too long ago with alot of the pros and cons above mentioned. Also a ton of respectful opinions and facts followed. I collected, dealt, bought, sold, and traded Sports cards for right on 30 years, give or take, so I shared my thoughts and opinions too on this. All are entirely different animals, coins, cards, marbles, etc.; with each collectible hobby having its own "system" of identification and value determination. Some are more established and more well defined than others. Some are based on "expert" opinions, some are not. Some are bound by rules, laws, etc.; some are not. So many twists and turns in the field of collecting. Then you've got the crooks, the scammers, and the fakes that have been infiltrating the hobbies for years, and their getting better at what they do all the time. With paper, metal, glass, etc. It's frustrating and scary at the same time. I don't collect sports cards like I used too, I might buy a pack once in a while. But I do remember telling myself too never send in any of my cards too a grading service. I never have and don't think I ever will. Guess back in the day I was always worried about the ol' switcheroo taking place behind the scenes. That's just me. They can profess all the safeguards they want to. Nope, won't budge. Not saying anything I have is perfect, even though they do go straight from package too plastic sleeve and top loader. I could rant for a long time but coffee, meds, and car repair is calling! This topic has always been a great discussion IMO. Benefits everyone for sure! 😊

The one Hairy I get here is quite vocal before he hits a suet block and during his whole feeding session!

Milkweed! Nice! That's the first Monarch Caterpillar that I have seen in some time...Awesome!

My Sunday's Best with Salt & Pepper Jim 😊

And my consistent woodpecker visitors would be the Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Redheaded Woodpecker, and a larger variety of what I think is variety of the Hairy Woodpecker. The latter resembles the tiny Downy Woodpecker, but is at least 7-10 inches. I know it's not a Pileated. I haven't had one visit for a couple years but have spotted one in the area in flight!

I am pretty sure a female sparrow. Not sure of what species though...and she is a dominating presence at the one feeder I call the "Cafe". She won't let anyone feed alongside her when she's there! If another Sparrow or Chickadee lands on it while she's there, they get pecked at!

Nice pictures, looks like a time well spent 😊👍...and very clever with the "passing of the sun" too your wife! I sincerely hope you expose, blow up, and frame those shots as a collage. Maybe a matte print. That would be outstanding. Thanks for sharing your wonderful time 😊

Not sure what would work for you but since we're both relatively in the same "area", would this work? Patty sprays a little mix of water and Dawn on the gardens, a misting if you will, and we don't have any problems with anything. Watermelon, Musk melon, Pumpkin, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Brussel sprouts, about a dozen varieties of sweet and hot peppers. All good. It even worked on the earwigs, who love burrowing into my hottest peppers. The only bugs we seem too be getting visits from are the pollinators. I've seen a few varieties of beetle a couple days ago but they seem interested in only sitting inside the flowers, zero damage.

I just went through 200+ varieties of Vacor and didn't see anything close too this. Looks like a torch but your saying machine made...any cut marks?

It's obviously a modern hand crafted mineral sphere, 3/4 pound African Jasper, but had too submit it here for a good laugh 😁

Salsa time! This time only a few cans at a time 😉...the Poblano peppers are huge this year!

A Kneebreaker!

Nice...didn't catch it, haven't been home much too actually sit and take everything in on the boards. Glad it's there 👍

@Steph, I strongly cast my vote for this thread too be saved, or Archived, and not lost in the shuffle. Definitely worthy as it supports unforgettable moments in time and the knowledge share from old collectors too new ones. 👍

Nice, I see those New York Vogue pieces occasionally, but haven't seen that one yet...nice my man!

Regarding your post, Art, and Brad's response to it, from August of last year in this thread, I feel pretty privileged to have found at least half of one in the wild! No chips, no cracks, and perfect ears 😊

I just turned on my brother in law's Uncle Jim too the Heaton Marble Dig video only a couple of hours ago...can't remember when I saw a 75 year old man get so excited! Especially the part when the "honey hole" got tapped!

Sweetness, my friend 👍

Some better, late day pics of the ashtray I picked up yesterday 😊

Pretty strict regulations at this little area also....

The Upper Iowa River...