My screech owl buddy is again using it's winter roost box during the day. I didn't get around to cleaning out this summer's starling nest but I know they keep their quarters very clean and so the owl will have soft furnishings to snuggle into during the cold days ahead.
My feathered tabby kitten, my winged prince of night. You touch my wintry heart and gift it with delight.
Those feathered eyelids could compete with glitzy show girl blings Yet cute and fluffy as you are, you make your living killing things.
Pyjama legs top little feet with steely, gripping toes Claws that sink and still wee hearts (Jack the Ripper covets those)
I adore you, little hunter, though secrets you won't share. I gaze into your yellow eyes and see disapproval there.
Out To Pasture, 2021
Nice to think we've reached the darkest part of the season and begin to increase our daylight again. Can't wait to see what drama 2022 awaits. If anything like the past few years, it will be a doozy!!!
The upsides of living in the farm house I was raised in are too numerous to list. The downside is minimal. In summer the home's high ceilings and open grounds leave the rooms lovely and cool. In winter, however, the dwelling is drafty and a challenge to keep warm. Last night was cold and stormy with a gale force wind out of the east. The doors on the east side of the house have no wind breaks and are susceptible to drafts. Since I only use the west door, the east ones are really only fire exits and each winter I chink them and tape over the jambs with painter's tape. (The doors remain escapable.)
This morning, I tried something different in the kitchen. I covered the east door's window and the top half of the kitchen sink's window with plastic sheeting. To add a bit of colour, I drew geometric designs with coloured sharpie pens. Sort of a poor man's version of stained glass.
As for winterizing my body, I'm trying hard to pack on healthy calories to add under-skin insulation. I'm eating at least 2,500 calories a day but so far have only managed to not lose any more weight. My doctor has arranged an appointment for me with a dietitian in a couple of weeks. Looking forward to that.
The plastic film's opaqueness helps add a bit of privacy.
A dark, windy and very damp day. Rained for most of it.
A mourning dove sitting out the rain.
And to keep myself amused this winter, I bought a ukulele. Never played a stringed instrument before but it sure is fun learning something completely new. Along with the Martisan 21 inch soprano ukulele, I bought two books. They are 'Ukulele, A Complete Guide for Absolute Beginners' and '30 Fun and Easy Ukulele Tunes For Beginners'.
Been having fun picking out little tunes. Fretting three strings at a time for certain chords are a bit of an acrobatic challenge for my fingers though. So glad that I have no neighbours within earshot of me playing songs like 'Mary Had A Little Lamb' over and over and over ... My murder surely would be justifiable homicide.
My first stringed instrument. Solar owl looks a bit skeptical.
Forming an 'F' note as Ellie Mae snoozes in the background.
Unseasoned fingers showing string marks on their tips.
Part of my interest in the ukulele is thanks to YouTube videos by the Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain.
I love the appearance of the two cats in different homes of the musicians. Especially the young ginger sneakily nipping at the daffodils while his owner plays on. The black cat shows how used to show business he is.
I've completed most of the landscaping on the house and lawn sides of my new driveway. I had packed mud from a nearby drainage ditch against the sides to retain the gravel in place and give it a more finished appearance. I'm quite curious to see if it will hold up with time.
Looking South.
Looking West.
Looking East.
Looking for mice.
A few weeks ago I received some good news and some bad news from my doctor. The good news was that my blood and urine lab results were satisfactory. The bad news is that my bone density test showed that I've slipped into the osteoporosis zone with a T-score of -3.0. Not cool!!! So to help with bone strength, she prescribed a 70 mg tablet called Novo-Alendronate to be taken once a week and recommended I start taking a daily calcium pill. I feel great but one can't argue with the data. (sigh)
Anyway, today I planted some Grand Rapids Lettuce seeds in a container and placed it in an unheated, south facing room. With the help of a grow-light, which my green-thumbed sister gave me, I should have some tasty winter harvests.
Of course I had to include a few pictures of some favourite locals:
My driveway was in need of a lift. And so I hired a contractor to regrade it and add a culvert. Two days of construction and ten loads of gravel later, the change was dramatic. Ellie Mae growled and hid. I enjoyed watching the nifty machinery in action.
Owner/Operator, Allen, supervises the delivery of a gravel load.
The Bobcat machine using a bucket attachment ...
... followed by the roller/compactor attachment.
The excavator can change attachments from controls within the cab.
This intersection was raised about two and a half feet so required a culvert.
Orange and white lane markers will (hopefully) prevent accidents!
To soften the drive's appearance and to retain the gravel, I'm now landscaping the sides myself. The ground is from a nearby drainage ditch. It's composed mostly of clay so I'm hoping it will hold up. Time will tell. The physical work in fresh October air has a side benefit of a good night's sleep and sweeter dreams.
My small-scale, two bucket, landscaping equipment.
And of course, outside work is rewarded with the sights and sounds of the natural world.
Robins are harvesting the mountain ash berries.
A drink to wash down the berries and a quick dip before more feasting.
A goldfinch enjoys a tranquil moment in the shelter of a shedding cedar.
Disappointingly, Eastern Bluebirds did not use my nest boxes this year. In fact they never even showed up to use my bird baths which were such a hit with them last year. Sure hope they are okay and just like it better elsewhere.
But this summer another little bird with a suit of blue frequented the baths. A male Indigo Bunting. I'm sure the female was here as well but unrecognized with her plumage of streaky brown.
A male Indigo Bunting checking out the scene.
In shade, he'd look black but the sunlight paints a brighter colour.
He steps cautiously into the pool.
Ah-h-h, feels absolutely wonderful!!
Well, that was refreshing! Must come back soon!
Since it was an extra hot summer, it was almost a full time job to keep my three bird baths clean and refilled.
A Northern Flicker stops by to wet his whistle.
Dad and Junior Robin take a dip.
The metal bath is well used but not quite as popular.
A crowd of starlings quickly reduce the water level.
On my last visit to a grocery store, one of my impulse buys was a box of tulip bulbs. In the Spring they should produce a cheerful bouquet for the table.
Bulbs from a grower in Holland to my flower border.
I tacked a net over them to thwart skunks, squirrels and a certain cat.
Wild asters contrast nicely beside a pot of nasturtiums.
Ellie Mae's favourite hobby is catching and eating mice.
A few weeks ago, I fancied a change of scenery and so dusted off my Yaris for a little road trip. After driving for a mere three-quarters of an hour, I arrived at my destination. Namely, Morrisburg Marine Park on the Saint Lawrence River! Before the photos from that jaunt get any more stale, I thought I'd better toss them into a post.
I drove through Winchester with it's dairy-themed hydro poles.
Entering the county of South Dundas. The fire ban was off that day.
Morrisburg's water tower was having an overhaul.
On the waterfront, a helpful map encourages folk to explore.
The jetty is one of my favourite hangouts.
There were rows of these colourful and very comfortable Adirondack chairs.
I wonder if Dan & Dan is short for Danny and Danielle.
Visitors from Quebec rolled up in these sporty vehicles.
Folk were heeding the social distancing reminders.
A vintage-themed mural adds interest to the Giant Tiger parking lot.
The logo's tiger seems to appreciate the cheery vanity plate message.
After a refreshing and enjoyable hang out at the marina, I took a little stroll up Lakeshore Drive to admire some of Morrisburg's lovely old buildings.
A grand old tree that gives the home both shade and privacy.
The lush cover of vines makes me imagine a cool and tranquil interior.
I love the hot colour of those double doors.
Elegant roof crestings decorate many of the 19th century buildings.
Another grand old building with a great view of the river.
On the way home, I stopped in to say 'Hi' to my beekeeper friends in Williamsburg. This year they added four new bee colonies to their honey bee population. I like the bright box colours to help returning foragers quickly find their own hives.
