Administrative Note: the guestbook is not working. john changed host servers and he has to figure out the new host server's way of handling .cgi files.

August 17 - john & joyce took a vacation to San Simeon, Big Sur, Carmel and Monterey so this web site has not been updated for several weeks, but that changed today. While john & Joyce were gone there was a major thunderstorm which split a Bradford Pear tree in half. It landed on the roof and guttering, but didn't cause any leaks inside the house. The worst loss is the lack of privacy that half of the tree provided. Bradford Pears do split easily. They also re-grow fast. New limbs will grow and full privacy will be restored in two years. john guesses bathsuits won't be optional in the spa for the next two years except during new moons (oops, no pun intended)!

The tadpoles put into the small pond two years ago are now major bullfrogs leaping around the large pond.

Currently, john and his pond helper, Eddy, are building a retaining wall behind the 10 foot waterfall. They are working with Keystone Blocks (www.keystonewalls.com). These blocks weigh 85 pounds each and are pinned with two fiberglass pins in each block. Right now, there are 288 blocks stacked in every spare spot around zenpond.

August 22 (1:00 PM) - john and joyce have had a new not-so-shy guest for dinner the last several nights. john thinks it may be an adult green heron. It is only about 8 - 10 inches tall which is small according to the National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of North America. It says the adult Green Heron is about 18 inches long. This bird is not that long. It definitely catches fish. john watched as it caught a small fish about 2 - 3 inches long. Two pictures are shown below. If you can identify this bird as something other than an adult green heron, please e-mail john (john@zenpond.com).

August 22 (2:22 PM) - John, this is an immature green heron, it will grow slightly larger and by next spring will reach its adult size. You'll notice a change in plumage, mostly a predominately reddish brown breast, and a greener back. There is nothing in the area which could be confused with the example shown here. If you have any other questions feel free to call us. Clay at Wild Birds Unlimited

August 22 (2:37 PM) - john wishes to thank Clay for identifying the green heron. john suspects that the green heron will not stay "immature" after dining royally at the zenpond supper club each evening. Wild Birds Unlimited is located at 10143 Wornall, Kansas City, MO 64114. Phone: (816-942-4887). They are always going out of their way to help birdwatchers in any way they can! john highly recommends them for your birds' every need. john wonders if they carry dried fish?