The summeresque sun is out again today doing its work of turning snow into rivulets of water making their way to the backyard or washing down to the streets below the hill I live on. The patches first appear around the plants that were buried as if their extra heat gives an incentive to clearing it away. A wee Brown Squirrel was scratching in the flower bed in search of food and as I had cleaned up most of the husks he wasn't having much luck in finding any. I shelled some peanuts and dropped them from the deck above. The Mickey Squirrel must have thought it was manna from heaven when he located the first one. Grabbing it the squirrel sat in a flowerpot with his treasure to feast upon. It took him almost five minutes to accomplish the devouring of one peanut, not like the quick work the bigger grays make of it. I don't think he had ever had a peanut before as he ate it was such reverence and relish as I watched out of his sight from above.
Since I moved the pan of seeds to the side of the house it hasn't had as much traffic as before. Either Gutsy the squirrel doesn't like the area it's in as well or he hasn't discovered its new whereabouts. Neither have the birds been fighting in it but instead have been eating from the several hanging bird feeders.
I was reminiscing as I lounged outdoors of small planes that were flying overhead, in formation, just yesterday. There were three in the group, two white and the red one, circling above me in several loops and then one more trailing far behind. Finally, after several passes, they changed direction and headed back toward the small airport they had recently left, with the tilt of their wings and, I'm sure, a sense of satisfaction.
A small bevy of quail have made their way from the back yard to go up the hill into the forested area across the street. It's not like the whole group, which sometimes comes to my hill, but just a small representation of the whole.
The computer has brought results of much activity in the genealogy search of late. New relatives have been located in far-off lands. It puts an excitement into the rhythm of the day. Also old pictures have been located causing the past to come to life on my screen and looking back at me. It's hard to express just how much finding out about my roots means to me, a true blessing indeed.
I embrace the wonderful gift of this day and all the blessings that it has brought to me and I look forward to tomorrow.
12041989
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Monday, November 6, 2017
Like a summer day
Today my flower beds reappeared in front of the house for it was warm as summer and very invigorating. I hung the new birdfeeders, two in the trees and one from the front deck. It didn't take long at all for the birds to discover their whereabouts and partake of the sunflower seeds. Eventually, the forest outback will also have feeders dangling like ornaments from their branches as well as homes for my nesting friends.
I've been busy moving flowerpots to more permanent stations and putting up brackets so that others may be suspended from the rail. It will be wonderful to have them in bloom with flowers trailing as they do in European villages. I will have to locate my seeds soon but I will wait a little while longer knowing this warmth may be but a brief respite. I've swept up two bags of seed husks from the driveway as the snow receded and they thawed in the warmth of the sun.
The roof provides a constant sound like raindrops as the snow melts from the shady side. Part of the stairs are now showing through the snow although there is still a large ridge of ice down the middle and the backyard, as it is shaded by the large grove of oaks, still deep in snow. The steady melting from the front is causing a stream of water to run around the side of the house to the back. If enough snow runs into the crevice that is carved into the earth a small stream will form. It will take many more days of summerlike conditions to clear the hills around me, including my own. The snow berm is slowly dissipating and gravity is caring it downhill.
The ever-changing, continuously evolving, world and the mountains is like being in a constant state of joy. The evenings are still cool and require warm jacket outdoors. The sky slowly deepens into a cobalt gray and the moon and stars are beginning to make their appearance. The mountain blur into a dark shadow, it's detail disappearing into the dusk. It has been a day of serenity, as well as accomplishment. The decks are clean again and I have placed a rug in the front of the lower door, as there will be much mud of foot. Lord, thank you for this wonderful day.
12031989
I've been busy moving flowerpots to more permanent stations and putting up brackets so that others may be suspended from the rail. It will be wonderful to have them in bloom with flowers trailing as they do in European villages. I will have to locate my seeds soon but I will wait a little while longer knowing this warmth may be but a brief respite. I've swept up two bags of seed husks from the driveway as the snow receded and they thawed in the warmth of the sun.
The roof provides a constant sound like raindrops as the snow melts from the shady side. Part of the stairs are now showing through the snow although there is still a large ridge of ice down the middle and the backyard, as it is shaded by the large grove of oaks, still deep in snow. The steady melting from the front is causing a stream of water to run around the side of the house to the back. If enough snow runs into the crevice that is carved into the earth a small stream will form. It will take many more days of summerlike conditions to clear the hills around me, including my own. The snow berm is slowly dissipating and gravity is caring it downhill.
The ever-changing, continuously evolving, world and the mountains is like being in a constant state of joy. The evenings are still cool and require warm jacket outdoors. The sky slowly deepens into a cobalt gray and the moon and stars are beginning to make their appearance. The mountain blur into a dark shadow, it's detail disappearing into the dusk. It has been a day of serenity, as well as accomplishment. The decks are clean again and I have placed a rug in the front of the lower door, as there will be much mud of foot. Lord, thank you for this wonderful day.
12031989
Sunday, November 5, 2017
One day of play
This morning the air is filled with children's voices echoing with excitement as they ride their sleds down the snow-packed slopes behind the weekender home. Sounds of "oh, my God" fills the usual silence. I can imagine the exhilaration they feel as if it is Christmas morning and they just discovered their packages under the tree. Piercing screams as long as the ride comes careening down to my ears. They probably spent an intense night waiting for the morning light.
There is a bevy of squirrels on the decks, both on the railing and under the table. Pesky must be very hungry as he's trying to eat as fast as he can and doesn't chase the other squirrels right off until they get much too close. I suspect that the something that has been nibbling on my railing is the frustrated squirrels. I'm thinking of what could be a safe but effective deterrent, like curing a small child of thumbsucking.
I have needed to stock up on groceries and had a talk with God last night. Today my friend called and asked me to go to Bakersfield with her. I am grateful for another answer to a prayer. I know it will be a while before it is safe to drive my own wee car to town. God provides what we need when we needed and what we believe is what we receive. Faith is a powerful force, an element of movement in the universe.
It is good to be home at the end of a long day of shopping. I have accomplished much, including acquiring three more birdfeeders. I will decide tomorrow where it is best to hang them. I also bought one hanger that clamps onto the railing, whether it accommodates the squirrels are birds is something for the eyes to see. It just might be both.
The evening stillness is broken by the hoot of an owl, over and over again. Then the high-pitched calls of the coyotes send shivers down my spine, 'yip, yip, yhooh'.... First from one side of the hills then another. It is apparent they are on the move and foraging for prey. The almost full moon is out. I have not heard coyotes in the neighborhood for a while, it could be they prefer the fuller moon to hunt by?
The weekenders have already left after arriving just last night. One day of energetic play in the snow must have been excitement enough. Now to bed for me, I've had enough as well. It was a good day of play.
11021990
There is a bevy of squirrels on the decks, both on the railing and under the table. Pesky must be very hungry as he's trying to eat as fast as he can and doesn't chase the other squirrels right off until they get much too close. I suspect that the something that has been nibbling on my railing is the frustrated squirrels. I'm thinking of what could be a safe but effective deterrent, like curing a small child of thumbsucking.
I have needed to stock up on groceries and had a talk with God last night. Today my friend called and asked me to go to Bakersfield with her. I am grateful for another answer to a prayer. I know it will be a while before it is safe to drive my own wee car to town. God provides what we need when we needed and what we believe is what we receive. Faith is a powerful force, an element of movement in the universe.
It is good to be home at the end of a long day of shopping. I have accomplished much, including acquiring three more birdfeeders. I will decide tomorrow where it is best to hang them. I also bought one hanger that clamps onto the railing, whether it accommodates the squirrels are birds is something for the eyes to see. It just might be both.
The evening stillness is broken by the hoot of an owl, over and over again. Then the high-pitched calls of the coyotes send shivers down my spine, 'yip, yip, yhooh'.... First from one side of the hills then another. It is apparent they are on the move and foraging for prey. The almost full moon is out. I have not heard coyotes in the neighborhood for a while, it could be they prefer the fuller moon to hunt by?
The weekenders have already left after arriving just last night. One day of energetic play in the snow must have been excitement enough. Now to bed for me, I've had enough as well. It was a good day of play.
11021990
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Taking more pictures
As I look out the window the mountains are almost free of all snow as is the big oak outside my kitchen. The day holds a promise of more warmth and sunshine, which kindles a desire to explore the outdoors in greater depth.
The quail this morning are here in mass, some skiing down the hill, others running or taking a short flight to get to their destination. Gutsy, the squirrel is running in all directions trying to scare them away. The rabbit appears once again across the road and two stellar jays are on the wires overhead. It is a bedlam of activity and bird calls, mini-battles of the moment and some confusion. It is nature alive in the elements. The kitties are at the windows watching and Pesky is holding his own ground on the back deck and chasing the birds and other squirrels which are invading what he considers his territory.
It is liberating to take my own car to the village, although I deeply appreciate the kindness of friends who have driven me in the inclement weather. Both will soon be working so, weather permitting, I will be on my own. I came back up Zurmatt Street on the way home to get a different view. I had taken more pictures while in town, one of the village sign and the minimart and others of the lake and the golf course for my greeting card project. Later I went for walk up the hill admiring my neighborhood, gathering pictures, and getting a view of my own home from a different perspective, seeing my back deck and windows from another street and the houses I usually look down on from my deck, I now admired front side from their driveways.
On my way home I saw my neighbor shoveling the weekender house next door. I assumed, by the actions, the owners are coming to visit for the weekend and, certainly later, lights were on and children were making snow angels in the backyard yelling for their grandpa's attention and toting sleds of different colors.
My neighbor next to me has spent another day digging out his driveway after being away last weekend. He's been working at it for several days now. Today he was using a pickax to break up the ice and then shoveling it into a wheelbarrow, which shows that it is more difficult longer you delay, but we all need to get out of town at times. I believe we just need to weigh our options and make a conscious decision based on our priorities. My priority right now is enjoying the day and taking more pictures.
12281991
The quail this morning are here in mass, some skiing down the hill, others running or taking a short flight to get to their destination. Gutsy, the squirrel is running in all directions trying to scare them away. The rabbit appears once again across the road and two stellar jays are on the wires overhead. It is a bedlam of activity and bird calls, mini-battles of the moment and some confusion. It is nature alive in the elements. The kitties are at the windows watching and Pesky is holding his own ground on the back deck and chasing the birds and other squirrels which are invading what he considers his territory.
It is liberating to take my own car to the village, although I deeply appreciate the kindness of friends who have driven me in the inclement weather. Both will soon be working so, weather permitting, I will be on my own. I came back up Zurmatt Street on the way home to get a different view. I had taken more pictures while in town, one of the village sign and the minimart and others of the lake and the golf course for my greeting card project. Later I went for walk up the hill admiring my neighborhood, gathering pictures, and getting a view of my own home from a different perspective, seeing my back deck and windows from another street and the houses I usually look down on from my deck, I now admired front side from their driveways.
On my way home I saw my neighbor shoveling the weekender house next door. I assumed, by the actions, the owners are coming to visit for the weekend and, certainly later, lights were on and children were making snow angels in the backyard yelling for their grandpa's attention and toting sleds of different colors.
My neighbor next to me has spent another day digging out his driveway after being away last weekend. He's been working at it for several days now. Today he was using a pickax to break up the ice and then shoveling it into a wheelbarrow, which shows that it is more difficult longer you delay, but we all need to get out of town at times. I believe we just need to weigh our options and make a conscious decision based on our priorities. My priority right now is enjoying the day and taking more pictures.
12281991
Friday, November 3, 2017
Thursday, November 2, 2017
In Faith
Flourish in a peaceful way
Give from the heart with love
Honor yourself and others
In faith live each day....
03121996
Give from the heart with love
Honor yourself and others
In faith live each day....
03121996
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Live in the moment
It's another beautiful day. All the squirrels are out; Pesky on the back deck, Peeker came up the side of the house and sat on the eave and stared at me for a while as I made conversation at him. Then he ran up on the roof. Gutsy is hogging all the food out front in the pan and running the birds off so they are coming to the feeder. I saw a Jackrabbit across the road, the first I've seen in a long time. Shredder, the squirrel with the torn ear, has shown up on the back deck and is keeping Pesky busy chasing him off, and then managing to get a share of the food in the meantime. My yard and my world are certainly full of activity.
I took a short walk and threw some sunflower seeds up on my hill so that the birds and small brown squirrels and maybe even the quail and rabbits can come to feed. The black lab that wanders the hill across the road warned me not to come further in my walk, at least not in his direction.
The small Mickey squirrels, which live in the wood piles in the forest area, came out chirping, at least one chirped and one just looked. These are the piles my son was sure were inhabited by rats and wanted to destroy. These are the homes or nests of many small, shy, darting brown squirrels and I'm sure it took much work and time to build their shelters.
Something has been eating heartily on the wooden balcony and the bottom edges of my back deck. I haven't heard a woodpecker so I am curious what it is and how to prevent further damage. I will have to inquire of others. In the meantime, I will have to keep a better look out.
The old lady cat, lately, has taken to sleeping the night upstairs while the other two cats who often slept together upstairs now come down to be with me. I wonder if they have come to some agreement on this. They certainly haven't become any friendlier in the over three months they have not lived separate lives.
It is good to be able to drive into the village for the second day in a row and to have my independence. I took my camera along to capture the ambiance on film. The golf course covered with snow and the warning of "thin ice" captivates me, as does the post office, which has become a gathering spot as well as a place of news to all who live up here.
11201990
I took a short walk and threw some sunflower seeds up on my hill so that the birds and small brown squirrels and maybe even the quail and rabbits can come to feed. The black lab that wanders the hill across the road warned me not to come further in my walk, at least not in his direction.
The small Mickey squirrels, which live in the wood piles in the forest area, came out chirping, at least one chirped and one just looked. These are the piles my son was sure were inhabited by rats and wanted to destroy. These are the homes or nests of many small, shy, darting brown squirrels and I'm sure it took much work and time to build their shelters.
Something has been eating heartily on the wooden balcony and the bottom edges of my back deck. I haven't heard a woodpecker so I am curious what it is and how to prevent further damage. I will have to inquire of others. In the meantime, I will have to keep a better look out.
The old lady cat, lately, has taken to sleeping the night upstairs while the other two cats who often slept together upstairs now come down to be with me. I wonder if they have come to some agreement on this. They certainly haven't become any friendlier in the over three months they have not lived separate lives.
It is good to be able to drive into the village for the second day in a row and to have my independence. I took my camera along to capture the ambiance on film. The golf course covered with snow and the warning of "thin ice" captivates me, as does the post office, which has become a gathering spot as well as a place of news to all who live up here.
11201990
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