Is it Spring yet?.........

The temperatures have gone up and the next few days could reach 50 degrees.That would be awesome, especially at the weekend. We hope to have Tristen and so we may go out for a ride in the country. I really want to go walk on the beach again.......today the sky was soooooo blue. I got this picture of Mr Cardinal singing his heart out against the brilliant sky. He has taken to sitting in the apple tree first thing in the morning. So I awaken to his squawking song. It does not sound so good before I have had my coffee. After that I can appreciate his effort a bit more. Here is is playing "I am king of the world"

We have not had many birds at all this Winter. I don't know why. The odd Chickadee turned up but mostly it was just Squirrels, lots of them. They have been chasing each other up and down trees today so maybe Spring really is on the way. I sure hope so.
We took Bodi to the vets on Saturday she's having trouble walking. I carry her outside to pee. Today was so sunny I took her to a sunny spot. She liked that. The vet put her on a strict diet. Said the same as the other vet. She needs to lose weight. She is our plus size model. The tumour on her leg is not what is causing the inability to walk. She got X rays done. It is arthritis in both knees and her hips. So taking off the weight should help all of that.

So today there was a Nuthatch at the feeder. I heard some Chickadee's and yesterday there were some Yellow finches but basically the birds have been rare.



So what was the problem this year? I usually have loads of birds at the feeders, it has always been one of my favourite things to do in the winter. Have my cats had anything to do with it? I don't know why because they hardly went out all Winter. In fact they are reluctant to go out even now. I would keep them inside all summer but they are a pain in the butt. They are soooo naughty.
I don't like that they hunt. Still the Squirrels get into the birds nests and take the eggs then if they do hatch any cat that notices the nest will go for it. I really do not like that about cats. They are just doing what cats do but these cats are not hungry.
This is Boots enjoying a sunny day

I took a short walk around outside today but there is still a lot of icy snow. Nothing coming up in the bare spots, still covered in Autumn leaves. Looking for Snowdrops but it is way too early. It is still February after all. I am just ready, ready for cool Spring weather. Emphasize cool.
Not at all ready for heat but no problem with that just yet.

Nothing...................

There is nothing going on in the garden right now.The snow is beginning to melt leaving a mess behind. Spring is in the air but does not show as far as the garden goes. Nothing to be done out there until the ground is showing again. I need exercise and so as soon as possible I will get out and rake and start to prepare for Spring. Meanwhile I am stuck inside with the winter blahs. I am drawing and painting and should be sewing but as of this moment I desperately want to be outside.
In England it's my favourite time of year and I know I say this every year. This is when I miss my home. '

I say the same thing every year, I know I know but.............it is just so drab out there. The birds did not come around this Winter, either the Squirrels were at the feeders or maybe cats put them off. The feeders were always full. They are full now, and no one is there.

Maybe it's time to get some Spring garden catalogues? Maybe that would be an incentive but I doubt it. I can't afford to replant everything. This year I must seriously cut back on expenses in the garden. Money must be spent on maintaining and tidying up. We may or may not sell this house. I do need to finish my fence at the very least. Then it will be start at the front and work my way to the back of the house just pruning and cleaning fluffing and buffing. Maybe I can make some more garden ornaments and liven it up that way.
The critters eat my Hosta's out front but that's OK I welcome them here

That picture made me think that I must transplant some violets out the front, they spread and fill in spots. That's a good idea as they overtake everything in my back garden and I hate to throw them away. I must make use of what I have and transplant things.
This year I have decided to try to get annuals again, they last all year and look so nice. I will plant the ones I brought into the house and let them fill in some spaces. Nice to start off big. My Geraniums are not loving it in the house as much this year but have survived at least. They did so well last year outside that I brought them in again.

In my Dad's garden in England Pansies bloomed all year and seeded themselves. Here they do not seem to do that. I don't believe a lot of plants like my soil either. So more Dairy Doo this year to make them a bit happier.
If I did get a flower catalogue I would look for some Cowslips and Bluebells

Till then I will dream on and think of England.