Winter Days

Today I saw two Towhees, most likely a He and a She.....

But never together.....these Towhees.....

.....do they dine on their sunflower seeds!

This winter....

my Carolina Wren is very plump and round.....

(all photos enlarge)

...from all the suet with blueberries.....gifts to be found.

This Goldfinch, who is hiding his face from the chilling wind.....

...can usually be found.....dining with many friends!

There are times the squirrels

attack the temporary feeder on the back porch...

used in winter when there's snow coverage on the ground.

This Cardinal looks a little bothered by the intruder....

...while others wait patiently.....all around!

It's a constant happening all day.....

...birds flying in and out.....on their wintry way!

This Downy Woodpecker is a regular visitor.....

.....he is often seen dining at the suet tray!

His friend...the similar looking Hairy Woodpecker...

also comes each and every day!

My back porch stays quite busy.....

all the birds.....from my camera can't hide.

.....when the snow and frigid weather come calling...

I don't mind that it keeps me inside! 

I take photos from an upstairs window.....

of the view.....if there's nothing else about! 

But usually there's deer or turkey.....

always following their most favorite routes!

Like the deer....

sometimes I venture out very early....

....sometimes I find only fox tracks in a row.....

but they lead me to some in abundance...

because deer like to play in the snow! 

There's always foot prints to follow.....

something small walked the length of this tree.... 

one that was cut early last summer....

someday small logs it will be.

Unlike these....that fall across paths on my way.....

Crossing over....just adds more exercise to my day!

And in that path.....what else did I find?

Something left by a DEER friend of mine!

My friend the skunk....

with the burrow on the side of the hill.....

......that I followed last winter.....

uses it still.

 

Snow makes everything look artistic....

even grapevines and storm damaged trees.

Fenceposts turn into snow cones and ice creams....

.....while the boards look like a cake lover's dream.

On this morning.....

the sun was casting a rosy glow....

but believe me... 

....a temperature of 6 degrees was freezing my toes....

....so back inside.....I felt I should go....

I followed my own footsteps...left in the snow!

How do Herhusband and I spend our winter days?

He makes roaring fires....

.....while I make the food

and add parsley.....to dull looking plates!

1. Salmon - Red Peppers - Spinach Lasagna

2. Veg. Sausage - Rice Pilaf - Braised Cauliflower

3. Baked Chicken & Potato with Cottage Cheese & Carrots 

Desserts are Healthy!!!!

1. Fresh Apple Walnut Cake with toppings of...

 Blackberry Jam or Light Whipped Cream

2. Banana Cream Pie- made with soy milk and fresh bananas...

and a dusting of flax seed meal!

That's some of my winter day activities!

I know under all that snow is Spring!

~ ♥ Wanda ♥ ~

Blue Skies

Since my last post...beautiful blue skies

have found their way here.

Just as the squirrels.....who were high in their nests.....

.....have made way to the seeds.....that they like best.

The snow has since melted.....but before it cleared.....

Flickers found their way to the heated water.....we keep near..... 

Eastern Towhees ate the seeds when the squirrels disappeared.....

.....and over on the hillside.....you could see sleeping deer!

Just after this photo of Herhusband coming down the drive.....

Our lives and Christmas were quickly put on hold.

He needed open heart surgery.....we were suddenly told. 

For two weeks.....I drove.....up this snow covered drive.....

going to the hospital.....to visit Herhusband inside.

An art card made by Grandaughter Amanda.....

brought him some much needed cheer.

Alivia signed her name in cursive.....

wishing us a Happy New Year! 

(click to enlarge)

Herhusband is home and this.....his first breakfast

on the morn of this New Year's Eve.

That's Alivia's solar powered flower....

that she so sweetly once.....presented to me.

"light scrambled eggs and vegetarian sausage"

So.....just like the Bamboo that was recently lowered.....

.....but now has regained it's strength to stand tall.....

Our days have also turned more rosy.....

Thanks to Many and All....

who sent kind e-mails and good wishes....

and especially.....

 Bernie's Sweet Surprise Call.

There are Blue Skies Behind the Clouds!

~ Lo♥e....Wanda ~