Tuesday, February 5, 2013

This year is just marching along like a little trooper.  One day follows the next and soon it will be summer.  Ok, I’m really an optimist.  And I’m one that is very slowly getting back into shape.  What with my long brisk walks and exercises.  Just enough to get me going and ready to work outside for 10 hours or so a day.

Just a few days ago .. the skies were like this all day

And this … I really like the soft colours .. very dreamy

And one slightly overcast day .. it appeared as if there were two sun’s trying to burst through the clouds .. at least that was what my imagination conjured up.

I’ve been out walking nearly every day except for the odd weekend.  Lovely fast walks as I used to do.  So very invigorating.  One day, I’d barely set out when I noticed the flapping wings of an eagle low overhead.  It was flying from area of Royal Oak and was headed for Swan Lake.  I brought out my binoculars and focused on this magnificent bird way up high.

How lucky was I, to be outside at that very spot at that very moment .. to be able to witness this free flight.  It certainly started my journey off in a good positive way.

Everyday I go in a different, random direction.  And every day I’m finding more paths that lead to more paths (and nearly always … to Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary!).  Perhaps that is how my life is heading right now.  Many paths, previously undiscovered by me .. but, there nonetheless.  If I hadn’t gotten out the door and out walking, well, I would never have discovered them.  I feel quite adventurous and curious.

I came upon an Anna .. quietly perched on a branch.

Before she left .. she hovered .. seemed to look at me and then .. like a blur .. quickly flew away.

Couldn’t help but notice the lush materials draping tree branches .. perfect for the birds to use for nesting material.   Everything is there for them.

Perched quietly in the marsh grasses, well hidden, was a tiny bird.  Was it a female Nuthatch or a Wren?  I couldn’t quite tell, and didn’t want to disturb this lovely being.

Along the way, some Robins were taking advantage of the quiet to have little baths to freshen up for the day.  I watched for awhile.

Over at Tuesday pond, the marsh grasses that were planted by the hard-working volunteers have grown very well and provide some privacy for the ducks.  Love this.

Very beautiful …

Loving the soothing rustling sound of the dried grasses as a light breeze wends through their growth.  Not too much longer and the fresh new growth of spring will supplant these.

Beauty of nature continues … the mosses and lichens covering the branches …

A diminutive little Chestnut-backed Chickadee ….

Well before I was born (and that was a “few” years ago) this marvellous tree was but a tiny little sapling.  Imagine what this tree has seen over the years.

Are words needed here?  I thought not.

Now .. this is a tree with character.  A survivor.  Strong and individual.

Another example of nature taking over .. these branches will (hopefully) be left to break down over time, providing food and sanctuary for birds and the earth.

The raindrops fell lightly upon the surface of Swan Lake .. one morning.

And .. one evening .. the skies were kissed with rose .. quite a lovely look.

 

 

 

 

This is the time of the year when energies flag.   Inspiration seems to have taken a holiday.  Energies are not at their peak.  It’s called .. “take a break and relax” .. really!  Some call it the doldrums.   Whatever.  I really want to be outside, tearing up the yard, making changes. Yet, what do I find myself doing instead?  Looking up at the sky.  And at the birds . .there is such a variety.  And glad to see both the male and the female Townsend warblers.

I’ve delegated a place in the yard for holding plants for our next place.   Seems I have quite a few.  And really, way too many plants for our current  yard.  I have a curse .. and that is .. I have a plant magnet in my personality .. that draws me to plant sales.  And try as  might to ignore this magnetic pull .. I fail miserably.

So last week, armed with a Groupon and a wonderful gift card from my DH .. I made my way to Cannor’s Nursery.   Oh.  No.   Plant sale.   Front and back.  So I chose a few.  Then decided that its high time to buy something that will look good, structure-wise for the yard.

And I chose 2 lovely items.   Made of metal and built for plants to grow on.  And easy to move around.  So I will take some photos tomorrow and share.

Well … time to go and watch Coronation Street.  There are 3 or 4 storylines that I wish would quickly end.   But, don’t get me started on that!

🙂