Macro Monday

Sometimes at this time of the year I need an orchid fix, and go to a wonderful greenhouse about 25 miles from home. They operate all year round, and you can actually go anytime, but on a gloomy, cold, middle of the winter day, it is pure heaven and of course I go with the intention of coming home with a new plant too. One can walk for hours taking in the sights of flowers everywhere, the warm humid air  and the delicious smell of dirt and foilage.

This little honey did come home with me, and the flowers are about 1" across and remind me of a Spanish flamenco dancer.
Happy Monday everyone, and do click on over to http://lisaschaos.com to see lots more close-ups.

Sunday

I don't have much to add for today. The weather has been less than perfect for pictures, and I spent part of the day counting birds for the Great Backyard Bird Count. I've had no new birds except the regulars that visit every day, but I welcome them any time..

This winter has been strange in another way in that the maple sugar folks are boiling sap already. They say early sap is sweeter.
Have a wonderful day everyone.

One last note:
   One of my original Bantam hens, a very small and feisty gal, Miss Oprah, died last night. I  had her for 8 years, she was such a cutie, and she gave us many tasty eggs... I still have 2 left from my original Bantam flock and so far they seem very healthy, but their time is getting shorter I'm sure..
RIP little one.

Weekend Reflections

Driving through a neighboring village on a beautiful sunny day, I did see the snowbank reflection in this store window. As of now most of our snow has melted away again. Oh, this is the strangest winter, but who's complaining?
Click on http://weekendreflection.blogspot.com to see lots more great shots.

Skywatch Friday

We have had more sunny days this winter than a very long time. Believe me we appreciate every one of them. This was taken on Lake Erie last week on just one of those sunny days. The lake hasn't frozen yet either.
Click on over to http://skyley.blogspot.com to see lots more sky shots.

Thursday Clouds and then Sun!

On Monday we took a ride to Chautauqua Lake and stopped for lunch to watch the ice fishermen. I was a bit worried because the temperatures haven't been that cold to make very much ice, and it can't be that thick. But everyone seemed safe when we left.

Across the road from the lake is the parking lot and I saw 2 Amish buggies with their horses. This one has a blanket keeping him warm while the guys are fishing.

This guy has a blue blanket. They both were so quiet. Good horses.

Tomorrow rain is on the way, and I hope the fishermen don't venture out on the ice for a while.
Have a good rest of the week.

World Bird Wednesday

It's Wednesday again, and for this week, we'll look at our old friend the European Starling. I fortunately don't have very many this year for they can clean you out of food in a very short time.

One of their favorite foods is suet. I keep lots of it available, and the Starlings will take big mouthfuls and in no time it will disappear..

I know Valentine's Day is almost gone, but did you ever notice the heart pattern on this guys feathers. Pretty cool..
Click on over to http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com to see lots more birds, and the wonderful job Springman has done with this meme.
If you have time take a tour over to our other blog Woodynook View Egg Farm to see the strange egg we got this last week. You can click on the side bar picture of the chickens.

It's Tuesday

We got 10" of snow over the weekend and then today was beautiful. Go figure. More snow coming tonight.
Anyway I had no new pictures to show you, so I'll take you back to last June when we went on a short train watching trip to Gallitzin, Penna. This is the wonderful B&B we stayed in. On the deck you can watch trains 24/7 if you want. It's fantastic!

From the deck you can observe the trains coming and going from these famous tunnels through the Allegheny mountains.. The workers on the left are cementing up the old tunnel to keep kids out since it is no longer used.

Across the tracks is a train museum with a beautiful flower garden.

Gorgeous lilies

These are called "pushers" and help long trains up through the mountains.

We saw LOTS of trains too. This is strictly Norfolk Southern territory.

The area has some of the most wonderful sky shots ever! Have a great rest of the week.