A slight change of pace

Yes, being a little fed up with winter I decided to but a new 'pet'. Many years ago I cultivated many African violets under lights. I even won a few ribbons - though never best in show. Still, though very short on space in the Retreat, I thought it was time to bring in some new color (or if you prefer, colour) grin. Except for the dim glow from the computer screen, and the surveillance camera screen, it's dark in here. So I have this little plant under a single CFL. Lets see how well this grows over the next few months. ATB!

The Outlook

One of these days I will get a photo of these big birds at the feeder. They are very wary. This one is watching me while his pals fly off in the distance.

One Short Leap..

But wait a moment - Big Nappy is up there - dare I jump in? Better not just yet.

A Pair?

Notice the slight difference in colour. Interesting.

Colourful little fellow!

And quite unafraid of people.

Fresh Snow

But only about two or three inches of very light snow. This is what was left hanging on last summers bamboo.

Napoleon Returned!

Flitting infor a snack.

He has to chase Napoleon away first.

Napoleon again

He is one interesting character I know will show up every day.

Waiting for Spring

January is now showing it's teeth. A windchill some say is around -30C. Bright, clear, and bitterly cold. The weather people say it may go above freezing - tomorrow. We wait and see.

Old Sol

He looks a little 'blue' thse days. And yet we are now a little over the eight hours of daylight here. Spring IS coming! Sigh - no raccoons spoted yet. They are late this year - it's not that cold out, but I guess they were well enough fed last fall.

I still have not been able to photograph the pair of cardinals that frequent the feeder. With a littl luck I might get a close up of the ravens though. They seem to be getting used tome popping out the door.

Brighter contrast

When the sun breaks through the normal winter overcast, it brings out the beautiful color we often seem to miss at this time of the year. Somehow the camera helps to focus my attention to these subtle details.

Chilly Winter Sun

But it won't be long before this gnarled old tree will break out with new bloom.

It's been a full year..

Not to worry - there is not nearly that amount of snow in front of the Retreat this winter, (So far).. The original photo was taken in march 2008. That was the year people were wondering where they were going to put the stuff!

Braving the Depths of Winter

Spring is not around the corner, but we are getting more daylight! It looks like the 'video' upload worked! Thats good, I think - but I still don't like winter. (Grinning).

Winter Contrast

About Time You Showed Up!

I think thats what this character was tellingme this morning. OK,I was NOT up late last night, I was NOT at a party, but I was getting a very nice sleep 'till you guys woke me this morning.

I am no having much luck getting photos of the larger birds at the feeder - it's probably too close to the door so the slightest movement on my part and they scram.

The raccoons seem to be still sleeping but my friendly skunk drops in just about every night.

OK, I give up - these squirrels seem to love having their photo taken (as long as I feed them) - so squirrel photos it is for now.

Best wishes for a very Happy New Year toone and all. ATB! Rusty

I though you were never going to wake up today!

Sassy grey! No, this is not Napoleon, but is almost as - hm, pushy?
Watching carefully, this just may be the mother squirrel I photographed back in October.

A Feast for the New Year.

Wet snow, light fog - the squirrels are enjoying the feast.

A Regular Visitor

It seems that no matter how cold it gets, this very big squirrel is first at the bird feeder. Yes, this is Napoleon himself.