Due to the ongoing problem of something called Covid-19 my main abode for the past 3 or so months has been my own back deck. It has been a pain to do this social distancing thingy but it is a necessary pain, especially for me. The requirements for this distancing and utilizing of masks etc seems to have worked in my part of the world. Our subject area covers a good swath of Northeastern Ontario Canada and has a population of over 200,000 souls. So far (touch wood) we have only had 26 confirmed cases of the virus with no deaths. Also all the confirmed cases have been dealt with successfully. Taint bad when you look at some other areas with the same population numbers in North America. Our reward for being safe and careful and following the directions of our health units.
But by being here on my deck I found an totally new most interesting world all around me to explore with my camera. Miniatuurized in most respects but for the most part very colourful and totally unbelievable in other ways. It gave me the opportunity to try something new rather than chasing egrets and herons and likewise. I know I'm not that good at it but I figured I might as well stick a few pics on line to see if anybody likes them. So I'd appreciate some feed back on these attempts at close-up photography.

LittleRed (Ron)

Stink/Field Bug on glass table

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Stink/Field Bug on glass table

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Green Bottle Fly on rhubarb leaf

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Green Bottle Fly on Chive blossom

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Margined Calligrapher Fly on Dianthus blossom

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Margined Calligrapher Fly on Dianthus blossom

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Long-legged Fly on rhubarb leaf

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Smile, it’s the start of another week.

I’d like to thank all whom added to my original post. Just reading the comments from youse brought a flood of memories to this old man and I thank you. Twas born (literally) on a small farm in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. For the first 10 years no electricity, just a wood stove and coal-oil lamps. Thus no fridge and because we were so far out of the way no ice box so we kept some of our food items cold in a wooden bucket lowered 30 feet into our outside well. Wash machine was driven by a small gas engine and the clothes were “rung out” with hand operated rollers (and no need to tell you whom the operator was). In winter the only warm room was the kitchen which was our “family” room amongst other things. No indoor washroom for my first 12 years or so meant that when young our baths in the winter were in a galvanized tub in the middle of the kiTchen floor from water ladled from the wood stove reservoir. Our main entertainment during this period was listening to the radio. But, only on special occasions as it was battery powered and them things cost money. But for sure my dad didn’t miss one Saturday nite of Hockey Night in Canada with Foster Hewitt. He would drive his old 39 Ford up near the kitchen widow and run 2 lines from its battery to our old tube radio. Didn’t cost us anything.
From the time I turned 9 or so my main job was to keep the woodbox filled which meant bucking a helluva lot of slabs every day. One of the most joyous events in my life was at age 14 when my dad finally put in power and bought my mom an E-lec-tric stove and fridge. Finally could put the old Swede saw to rest. Shortly added an oil furnace, telephone (party line so you could listen to how yer neighbours were doing) and a copla years later a TV ( one channel from 7am to midnight then the good old Indian head test pattern the rest of the time).
Seems like just as the farm was getting “modernized” I headed out on my own at the ripe old age of 18. But even now looking back I have no regrets. We were a close knit family whom enjoyed what we had and also enjoyed a happy and bountiful life in many ways. Sadly not like a lot of the younger families I see today. Although a lot of my younger life was hard it also made me whom I am today, something I feel a bit of pride. So again thanks to all who added all your memories to my post.

Take care and stay safe.

LittleRed (Ron)

Just remember that just Touching something that has the virus on it does not mean you will get it whether or not that you are wearing gloves. The virus does not enter your bod through your skin. Just make damn sure you don’t touch your face before cleansing your hands (washing, wipes, hand cleaner). Other than breathing in contaminated droplets the main entry points are by touching your mouth, nose or eyes with contaminated hands. So be smart and keep your hand in your pockets TIL cleaned (and not where this person does 😋😋)

Jerry, I agree that the posting you are referring to was unwarranted. Since I joined this blog on occasions I too had items such as this attached to my topics. When that happens I just put that person on my ignore list.
According to the UHH help file “Users in your ignore list won't be able to send you private message and post replies in your topics“ an so far that has worked for me (or appears to have 😃😃)

LittleRed (Ron)

Yes tis a Pied Grebe but an immature one. The facial markings make it one of this years crop.

LittleRed (Ron)

Brings memories back of a more “normal” time of my life. 🤪

LittleRed (Ron)

This dang fridge topped off at 30C today (that’s 86F for you south of the 49th). Seems in the last few years Dylan’s old song “the times are a’changing” now has a ring of truth to it.

LittleRed (Ron)

This is why I’m happy the border is closed, and hopefully for an extended period of time.

LittleRed (Ron)

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Why in the hell is this crap still on chat and not in the attic. I’ve posted jokes less political that were sent there. Just asking !?!?

LittleRed (Ron)

Statement -

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics,
but
we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics.
Funny how that works.

LittleRed (Ron)

In the hulls are exactly what you want, but please no salt at all. Not good for these fine fellas

LittleRed (Ron)

Some things are just made for black and white and in my opinion this is one. Excellent capture.

LittleRed (Ron)

Excellent pic of a very wary bird. If I could I’d send you a few of the half dozen or so that are presently tormenting me. Where there’s one there is probably two as they mate for life. Just get yourself a good supply of unsalted unshelled peanuts (that means a lot) and you will have friends for life. In time they tend to ignore you as long as you are quiet and you’ll get a mess of pics.

LittleRed (Ron)

Spoke to my server who informed me it was possibly their were too many online. Took a look outside and must concur they may be right. 🤪

LittleRed (Ron)