Tuesday

Last Sunday afternoon when we went to check on the eagle nest, granddaughter Becca took this picture of the small stream nearby the eagle nest. Last Spring this area was all flooded at least 3 ' up these trees. 

At home the Daffodils are beginning to bloom. This particular one is in the woods.

On my trail walk yesterday I did spot this Chickadee making a nest in this old dead tree. He let me take a few pictures, and didn't seem very afraid.

Back in our driveway, Azreal seemed really interested in something by our van. I went out to check what it might be, but found nothing.
Another gorgeous day here. There are some storms off to the north, and hopefully will miss us, because. I have laundry to hang out.
Have a wonderful day everyone.

The day yesterday began with this red sky. I knew by the color what was in store. This kind of sky also only lasts for very short time. "Red in the morning, Sailors take warning". It was 18º, and after a cloudy start we did have plenty of sun. It rained last night, and possibly changing to snow today. Our son and daughter-in-law came over in the afternoon and shoveled off a bunch of snow from on top of our roof. The snow was about 18"- 20"+ up there, and we're supposed to get more beginning today so it was good to get some of the weight off. We also got our wood stove stack cleaned while they were here.
These next two shots are shadows of them on the roof shoveling snow to the ground.

A couple shots of a Tree Sparrow. In this one he has a face full of snow.

Once again Azrael is on the prowl. She has a path in the deep snow between the bird feeders and the pine tree where she hides. Only problem is it's a Blue Spruce tree with branches that touch the ground, and the birds never land that low, SO no free meal again today!

I've been putting up some decorations, and haven't taken too many pictures, but I'll try to be better today.

Take care all, and stay warm.

Another dreary day. After that 9º temperature Saturday night, it rained much of Sunday. Actually let's call it drizzle. Anyway it was miserable.
This is a view from high up on the hill at the local ski resort. They opened last Sunday and have had a pretty good turn out so far. No golf carts crossing here. Plenty of apples for the deer though.

Some of the skiers catch a ride to the top.

One of the roads near our home. We have plenty of hills around us.

Another view from the ski slopes.

The sun tried a couple times to break through the clouds, but never could.

Yesterday morning the dog was barking while looking out into the back yard towards the creek. I did see 3 deer walking in the water, and tried to get their picture, but for the life of me, I can't see any deer in this photo.

Last but not least, Azrael is looking for a free meal again! I've been keeping her in the barn for a couple days to give the birds a rest, and she is NOT happy with me.

Around Here

I took a creek walk yesterday afternoon., and managed to see this Wood duck drake before he spotted me. Something I rarely can do. They have to be my all time favorite duck. We found a dead one several years ago on our upper trail, and I was so amazed at the beautiful colors. I did get a couple more shots before he swam away.

About this time he did see me and off he went.

Of course Azrael always accompanies me on my walks. These 2 stumps are where we sit in the early spring to do some birdwatching before too many leaves come out on the trees.

Some fungi on a fallen log.

It's time to get the last of the higher up apples. We picked up this vintage apple picker many years ago at an auction, and it works great!

It's going to be another nice day, BUT looking at the extended forecast there is some pretty unsure weather coming early next week, cold and possible SNOW, so we'd better enjoy these good ones while we can.

Have a wonderful day all.

Soggy Tuesday

Good morning. It looks like it will be a soggy day, but that's OK. We found a new vehicle, and will be picking it up this afternoon.
In the past we have collected rocks and fossils. We have some really neat ones, and these are just a few. This one has sea shells embedded in it. I have one similar to this one shaped like an old high heeled shoe, but I couldn't find it.

These next few were brought from the shores of Lake Erie not far from Buffalo, NY. There are some of them along I-90 sticking out of the cutout rock ledges along the interstate. In this area there is a stream running down to the Lake and apparently this is where more of these rocks are. These particular ones came from the Lake itself brought up by a diver that sells them. He found them out in the water near the shore. I don't remember how far he had to dive down to get them. They are all about 12"-14" across and about 3"-4" thick. They seem to be made in layers.

This rock has split probably from water getting in there and freezing.

The Shortcake trail is covered with fallen leaves. Difficult to walk quietly.

Then there is Azrael always my companion on my walks. She's a busy busy girl. The other day she brought me 2 moles, 1 mouse, and a chipmunk.