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.

A Very Cool Visitor..............

Gerry called me to the back door this morning to see a special visitor. A cute little Possum.

He/she was up by our back door. I grabbed my phone camera and got a few shots before he got out of sight. Then I went to the bathroom window and waited for him to reappear. He never saw me and so I also got a couple of videos. I will try to get one on here for posterity haha. Not sure how at the moment.

He went off the deck and found some food I had thrown over there for the wildlife, veggies and some meat and a big pancake. He seemed to enjoy the pancake. We usually get Possums in at night. I don't usually see them during the day. I bet he lives under our deck or something.

I love having wildlife visit. Gabby saw a Bunny the other night eating the seed off the deck. I saw how they get there (we have a fenced in yard) they have eaten a hole in the lattice. He had to squeeze but that was the way he left.

We also get Skunks now and then. We do not often actually see them but there is a slight odor when they show up. One morning apparently they had not yet left because the Poodles found him. I do not mind the smell of Skunk, but not when it is up that close and personal and the Poodles sleep with me. That was not fun for any of us. My neighbour Bud hates all the wild things that visit me. I love them.

My Crows who came for several years did not come last year or this year. They had nested in a Pine tree nearby and I have a feeling people sent them on their way. Yes they can be noisy but.....I love Crows. They have not been back. I thought the meat and stuff would have tempted them but no. Anyway this cutie enjoyed a good snack anyway
Sharing this with Dedicated House, Make it pretty Monday

Januay 15 2018...........................

We certainly have the snow this year. The birds just are not coming in to the feeders it has been so cold, below zero for so many days. I worry about the deer and wild animals. The squirrels are getting fat at least.


There have been plenty of Blue Jays when they can get to the feeder. The small birds have stayed away.


There has been no break, save one day, when the temperatures got up over freezing.


We went to McGough's to get bird food, and saw all the local pigeons lined up. They eat well at McGough's

On clear days the sky is sooooo blue and so beautiful with the white of the snow

My windchimes are looking good in the snow though.

The only small birds who showed up were a couple of Chickadees and for a few moments a yellow finch and a Tufted Titmouse.



Not a lot going on here. I am thinking it might be time to close this blog and get it all on my Bluebell Woods. Not sure yet.
Sharing with Anything Blue Friday

Snow, snow and more snow................

It came just before Christmas and stayed. It is beautiful that's for sure. Looks terrible when it melts and you see all the crap under it. Literally as well as figuratively. The poodles had a great time the last couple of days. Gerry cleared paths in the back so they could run. It's too cold to be out there. Has been in the negatives or just a couple of degrees above and with the wind chill it has been bad. So they go out and little feet get really cold. They come in on 3 legs. Still, the suns been out and they go out and yell at people walking by, chase each other and run back inside for a treat. I sometimes have to remind them before they get too cold and forget to pee.

They are always looking for trouble. Brea and Bijou are the conspirators, the noise makers. Bodi, poor girl can't get down the steps on her own and it has been too cold for me to stand out longer than to fill the bird feeders. Have not seen many birds but the squirrels don't seem to mind the cold. I am afraid of slipping on the ice so dare not carry Bodi down last couple of days.

I am always surprised to see my fish come Spring. The pond gets buried under a blanket, we keep the pump going. I am down to two fish now.

At least the snow blower is working again. That means poodle paths stay open.
The garden will be a big mess come Spring. The snow covers the mess. I didn't take in the glass ornaments and they look pretty in the snow

I left the wind chimes up too and will make more come Spring because I liked how they turned out. Oh the list of stuff to do keeps on growing


Loads of work to do on the house. We need to sell the house that Laura was renting and then find out what we want to do with this one. To renovate or to sell? I was thinking of a smaller house. This one is too big. Thing is it is chock full of stuff. Every room. Five bedrooms and all the rest, even the storage and garage/shed are filled to the brim. However, to renovate it would be major disruption and work. Money. I would like to sell as is, let the new owner figure it all out.


If we sell, will the new folks cut down the pines and undo the gardens?

I liked the way the light was twinkling on the leaves of the oak tree.

Well until the birds decide to come visit I probably won't have too many decent pictures. Roll on Spring.

December 2017.........

The garden is dead, dead as a door nail. The snow is coming down every day. The next week may warm up to the 30s. The snow is piling up. Look at my rose bush, does it look happy

Well what can I say, not a whole lot. The birds are not cooperating at all. I am getting Blue Jays and not much else. It has been so cold that I think they are all frozen to posts somewhere. The cats don't go out much so it's not that. Miss Bessie is a pissed off pussy cat. She does NOT like staying inside, but hates the snow. Boots goes out and comes right back in disgusted.

The plants I brought inside are happy though, they are blooming with happiness.


Some I cut way back and they are thriving. I put some upstairs but think I will have to move them because I keep forgetting to water them.


I did get some cuties come in one day but that was about the only day



The squirrels on the other hand, goodness. What pests they are. All varieties. I have bought critter food so guess I can't complain really. I need to put up another hanging feeder so the squirrels concentrate on the table tops and leave the hanging feeders alone. Yeh like that would happen.

The poodles really don't mind going out when its not too cold, they get to run on the trails that Gerry makes for them. They have enough fur to keep them warm. Later on when there is way too much snow we close the gate to keep them on the deck.
Waiting for daddy

I left most of my garden stuff outside this winter. Oh there is so much to clean up come Spring. When Gerry finally quits work he will have so much to do here he will wish he was working The garage needs to be emptied out. I can't do much in the garage because I can't see well enough. The glass bottles look pretty in the snow.


I can make some more wind chimes come Spring. I may sell them in my yard sale given chance. I suppose that means I have to be productive this winter. I still have not got down to working on my quilts, the sewing machine is set up it's just not doing the job. Oh, well, I suppose it does need someone to actually run it doesn't it? I have been painting in my sketch book. That's my problem I get focused on one thing. Justin and Carrie want me to paint some pictures for them so there's that too..........I really must make the most of Winter right?