Take me to the zoo (part 3) and an update on my flower bed

This has been a very long and busy day.

I took my camera out back in hopes my lawn mower would start.

I finally diagnosed the problem.  It seems a piece of wood chip had gotten under the cowl (that's the black piece on top that houses the motor and the rope that turns the motor.    It made the rope unable to turn correctly.  Once I got it out using a bamboo skewer, it started with ease.

This is the photo I showed yesterday during T.

This is what my front flower bed looks like now.

I still have some areas I must trim back that I can't get with the lawn mower because of the rocks I laid out when I first designed the yard, but I'm happy that I've gotten this far.

Of course, by the time I got around to taking a photo of the front, leaves were dropping right and left.  It's also obvious I need to sweep the drive and sidewalk, but I can do that after I'm finished with the yard.

As I was taking a few photos, I noticed another rose had bloomed on my rose bush.  I've never had so many roses, and this may not be the last.

When I took a close-up, I was surprised how it was set against the backdrop of the house across the street.

You can see I left the hostas, including the ones near the house.  I also mowed around the monkey grass, that border of green stems with the purple flowers.   According to several web sites, it should not be cut until late winter, or early spring.

I decided to cool down by starting a fire in my chiminea.

I also found a great place for my chiminea cover when the chiminea was in use.

Some of you might remember I said I was going to try an inexpensive way to divert water from the sunken concrete patio out back.  You can see I've done that.  Total cost was less than $8.00 (USD).  And it works beautifully, too.  The only problem is, I have to watch when I hang clothes on the line.  That won't be a problem once it gets cold, though, because I'll be using my clothes dryer to dry them.

You can see the street lights have been turned on.  It was definitely a long day, but I didn't start till nearly noon.  And of course, the leaves in the back yard are starting to turn, too.

Of course, the plumes on this bamboo are now in full bloom, another definite sign of autumn.

By this time, the fire was beginning to glow, so I knew it was time to sit and enjoy the evening breeze before heading to the shower.

But now let's head back to the zoo.  To see part 1, click here.  To view part 2, click here. 

It was time to head to the steamy tropics where summer is in full bloom.

I'm a huge fan of palms, and was surprised  at how large these were.

You can see the size of this schefflera, from the size of the person.  I used to have two (sometimes called umbrella plants) until I put them out too early one April and we had a late frost that killed ALL my indoor plants, including my date palm.

This hot, steamy enclosed house was good for my curly hair, but not so good for my lungs.  It's like breathing water.  At least it wasn't moldy water!

Up top, I heard something in the brush.

I kept chasing an image

but it eluded my camera.

Finally, it stepped out from the brush and I grabbed one quick photo.  That little bugger was quicker than quick.  But it was worth it, because it was beautiful.

As I was heading out, I noticed two more birds, not as pretty, but much slower, in among these rubber plant leaves, another tropical plant I lost that same year.

I apologize if this is a short entry, but I'm wiped out, as I'm sure you can tell.  More tomorrow after I have time to recuperate and have patience with my slow internet.  Thanks for visiting today, and thanks to those of you who had faith in my ability to fix my lawn mower.