Day 59 - 28th February 2017 - Lake, Ice and Cranberries

Good bye February - can't believe it's the last day of another month. Winter is flying by. The tulips are probably 3-4 inches up out of the ground now, crocuses are up as well. Looking forward to some bright color in the yard. The wind was cold Monday but the sun gathers strength as each day goes by, daylight is arriving earlier and only a few more weeks before we "spring" ahead in time. The Owls were hooting early this morning at the head of the lake. When it's still and quiet you can hear their call echo around the lake.  Exercise class last night was a killer - already I can feel the muscles that aren't happy. Oh well, guess they'll get over it! 

Along the shore there is still ice but a few patches of water are breaking through.

Seeing a strip of blue water in the lake these days.

Cranberries are visible again in the ditch.




Enjoy your day

Day 58 - 27th February 2017 - Bald Eagles and Goldeneyes

Sunday was nice but not quite as warm as the last few days, the wind had some bite to it. We only went as far as Town for groceries, a trip to the Industrial Park for birds. Rewarded with Eagles but nothing else.  Of course there were Gulls and Crows but I didn't bother much with those. Larry put some more wood in the basement and worked on a shelving unit. I puttered around and did the lunch box muffins, laundry etc. Such excitement! Looks like the next few days are mild, some rain on the way later in the week.
Grandfather's Journal: 
Apr 8th-10th, 1944 - Walked from Norman's Road to Laddies Saturday night after 5pm - 1 1/2 hours walking. Sunday fishing - 22 good ones, 1 Sea trout. Walked back to the car early Monday morning.
 Apr 22, 23 1944 - Drove as far as bridge in truck. I got through to Griffs in Chev, chains and planks.  Caught 45 fish put about same back. Minnows best. Perfect day, SW wind. 

Bald Eagle - there were four of them at the end of the Industrial Park - all immature.

Goldeneyes flying over East McKay Lake - locally known as "Whistlers".





Enjoy your day

Day 57 - 26th February 2017 - Snow, White-Breasted Nuthatch and Chickadee

Saturday was another mild day - foggy in the morning with some drizzle early which  took more snow away. Rain last night. I guess when daylight finally rolls around I'll see how much snow is actually left.  I'm sure we will have a few more snowfalls - March Break is coming in a few weeks and that's always a time of bad weather. The days are longer, the sun is stronger and it won't last long even if we get a bit more. Had a great visit with Dorothy & Roger yesterday and after they left the telephone repair man arrive once again. This time all the lines from the pole and throughout the house were replace. Surely this will be the end of our constant telephone issues.  Might take a run to Barrington today for groceries and perhaps we'll see a few birds or something equally interesting.

 This should be gone along the lake and some patches of water showing.













White Breasted Nuthatch

Chickadee - you never know what position you will find them in and they rarely stand still.




Enjoy your day!

Day 56 - 25th February 2017 - Old Tree, Red-Breasted Nuthatch and the Lake

Foggy again this morning - more snow is leaving. Yesterday the temperature went up to +15, that's great for February. Easy on the wood pile, didn't build a fire in the furnace until 4pm. I'm ready for Spring! Friday was "Thelma and Louise" day - Margie and I went to lunch in town, did a few errands and then home again. Of course it was Friday Night Club which is always good for an evening of tea drinking and laughter.  Our friends Dorothy & Roger are coming for a visit and lunch today, looking forward to seeing them again. So lots to do before they arrive - going to put together a lasagna for lunch - means I won't need to be in the kitchen cooking when they come, can just pop  that in the oven. Whipped up a Death by Chocolate Trifle after supper last evening for dessert. Toss together a salad and we are good to go. Another mild day in the forecast with some rain for later/tonight.

Looks like  a Woodpecker has visited this old dead tree.

 Red-Breasted Nuthatch

The Lake will soon be open and flowing again.







Enjoy your day!

Day 55 - 24th February 2017 - Red Breasted Nuthatch, White Breasted Nuthatch and a Chickadee

Thick fog and mild this morning. Good to eat the snow away.I got a little of my energy up and running yesterday. It's got to be the warmer weather that makes  you feel like getting thing done. So I chased some cobwebs, did some dusting and a few other domestic chores. Lexi and I roamed in the morning, then I grabbed Big B. after lunch and went in search of something. Wasn't sure what but I did find lots of Red Breasted and White Breasted Nuthatches around the hood. It was good to get out and chase some birds for a change.  Exercise class last night and I'm sure after not getting there for 1 1 /2 weeks tomorrow I will feel it. But it's all good...right?

Red Breasted Nuthatch looking a little annoyed.

 Much happier, but curious.

 The White-Breasted Nuthatch is a little bigger.

And of course there are always Chickadees.





Enjoy your day!

Day 54- 23rd February 2017 - Weeds, Hairy Woodpecker and Goldfinch

Spring is feeling closer everyday! More mild temperatures on the way with a little rain in the next few days. But today looks like more sunshine.  My days seem to be dull and uninteresting lately - however, that may not necessarily be a bad thing. Just means that life is rolling along with no upset or drama unlike the rest of the world and I can live with that. It's actually kind of nice, seems it's been a while that I've enjoyed winter as much as I have this one. Snowshoeing some days,  roaming the hood with Lexi and puttering around the house - dividing my time between house chores and projects. There is something to be said for down time. Exercise class tonight - it's been almost 2 weeks because of the snow storms and holiday, sure it's going to be painful!

 Still a few weeds that have hung on for the winter.

 Hairy woodpecker

Goldfinch







Enjoy your day!

Day 53 - 22nd February 2017 - Blue Jay, Mourning Dove and Goldfinch

I think oversleeping or sleeping in is almost as bad as getting up to early. 6 am before my eyes opened this morning - which means no one else got up either! Oh well, maybe I just needed the extra sleep. My throat has been scratchy since yesterday so am hoping I'm not getting the "man cold". More mild weather on it's way today. Tuesday was nice, you could smell spring in the air and even the birds sounded like they were getting ready for it too! The snow is melting, although when I look at the huge banks in front of the house, I think they may not be gone til June. On a plus note, the grass around the fir trees on the northern side of our property is coming through and the Robins have found it. The Owls are vocal in the evenings now and early mornings - hooting up and down the lake. Well today is more database entry - I'm trying to spend a couple of hours each morning on it til the project is done.

Blue Jay and Mourning Dove sharing.

Goldfinch takes his turn.

One of two Song Sparrows that have been here all winter.










Enjoy your day!

Day 52 - 21st February 2017- Boathouse, Lichen and Oak Leaves

Monday wasn't as warm as Sunday had been, a few flurries in the air during the morning. But still not a bad day. Managed a little house cleaning, Lexi and I roamed the hood some. Stopped and had tea at Lois' - Lexi is sociable and thinks we need to visit often. It could also be the chance of checking out the cat food dishes that draw her there. It looks like a week of mild temperatures during the day - more snow melt and colder at night. Sounds like it's time to tap the Maple trees and make syrup - Larry hasn't done any for a couple of years maybe he'll start again. For me, I've got to crack on to the database entry today and dedicate a few hours to that. A project to get finished up. Trivia tonight - hopefully I have some smarts.

A boat house waiting for spring to return

Snow covered Lichen

I'm always amazed at how some of the Oak leaves can hold on through out the winter.





Enjoy your day!

Day 51 - 20th February 2017 - Yarmouth, Canada Geese and Mallards

Happy Heritage Day! Yes it's a holiday here in Nova Scotia, although Larry and his work place took it on Friday and are working today. After having so many snow days last week, hoping for a full work week.  With dear hubby out of the house once again, time for me to get some work done around here. We motored off to Yarmouth yesterday - beautiful day for driving and it was a quick trip - got everything I wanted then back home again mid afternoon. We did take a few minutes to drive out beyond Overton checking for birds, but not much by that time of day. Spied a few Hawks hunting on the way up and a Turkey Vulture. The temperature went up to +11 so some serious snow melting took place.

Looking over at the town of Yarmouth.

 Canada Geese

And popular everywhere - Mallards.






Enjoy your day!

Day 50 - 19th February 2017 - Snow, Lights and a Birdhouse

Saturday warmed up and by afternoon things were melting - not the big high snow banks but the ice and snow on the tree limbs. Big B and I went for a walk after lunch, I've not figured out how to manage snowshoes and her at the same time so it was easier to go on foot. I mostly puttered around in the house, making pizza for supper, a few lunches for Larry's work week, laundry, etc. Kenny & Shawn came over so we got the spare bed move downstairs, so I can finish up that room. Now if they would just call with a surgery date! Think we might head out  and make a quick trip to Yarmouth this morning - need to pick up some things - my out of town list is getting long.

 Looking across the lake.













The summer lights from a neighbour's have dipped with the wind.

 Pretty cool the way the snow has rolled - looks like a small bucket or cup.

A bright red Birdhouse waits for spring.








Enjoy your day!

Day 49 - 18th February 2017 - Evening Grosbeaks and Blue Jay

Friday was a little more shoveling, cleaning up around. I didn't get out on the snowshoes as I've buggered up my knee - guess I should have worn my brace. Maybe today it will come around. After lunch we headed off to town to do the grocery run, some errands and my fabulous hairdresser fit me in for a much needed hair cut. Oh it feels so much better and 20 lbs lighter I'm sure. It's a beautiful morning - chill in the air but it is February - stars and moon are hanging in the sky. Weather looks good for most of the upcoming week, something to look forward to.

 Evening Grosbeaks

 The Blue Jays and Evening Grosbeaks had some brightness to the winter scenery.

Enjoy your day!

Day 48 - 17th February 2017 - Blue Jay, Robin and Mourning Dove

It always looks different in the daylight and when it came yesterday - there was a lot of snow down - almost as much as Monday's storm. So Thursday was a shovel out day. Larry was home, he did some shoveling, then a neighbour finished off the driveway. I did icicle duty around the house and shoveled some from the deck. After lunch once the plow went by I hit the banks and went for a stroll on the snowshoes, over to visit Lois and have tea. By then it was just blowing and not snowing, but before supper flurries had returned. Today looks much better - not much wind, a few stars in the sky but the moon keeps ducking behind dark clouds. Weather is suppose to be better for a few days. Larry's home today, they decided to take today as the holiday and head back to work on Monday. Hoping for a better work week.  Will head in town later for groceries, then spent some time putting more wood in the basement.

An unimpressed Blue Jay
















This Mourning Dove decided to take shelter in the feeder.










A poor Robin doesn't look too happy about the weather.

And the Christmas Tree was full of Evening Grosbeaks








Enjoy your day!

Day 47 - 16th February 2017 - Icicle, Trees and Evening Grosbeak

And it's snowing...again! Suppose to stop this morning sometime, but looks like we've gotten a fair amount over night.  So guess it will be some more shoveling, snowshoeing and database entry - an exciting life I lead. Wednesday warmed up and with no wind was quite nice. Lexi and I roamed in the morning, then I put on the snowshoes after lunch and went on a jaunt of my own. And of course, knocked the icicles off of the house. It was nice in the woods although soft in a few spots, however, the road side banks are still nice and firm and I can zip right long on top of those. Makes me really tall too! Some computer work, a few chores around the house filled in the day. Cooked a pork roast with potato/turnip mash and veggies for supper - good for leftovers. I'd rather do cooking every other night. Think I lost a Chickadee yesterday, the Sharp Shined Hawk must have stopped by - I saw a lot of feathers around in the afternoon.  I've not seen him for a while, but he does tend to lurk in the trees. This is what nature does.

Icicle in the morning light

A little sun through the woods

And of course one of our regular visitors - Evening Grosbeak








Enjoy your day!

Day 46 - 15th February 2017 - Song Sparrow, Blue Jay and Evening Grosbeak

Beautiful morning out there - stars and moon are shining brightly, the snow is sparkling like natures bling. Another  "special weather statement" up on the weather sites - more snow/ice pellets coming for tonight and tomorrow morning. Guess I'll wait til spring to put away the storm supplies - Butane burner, lanterns etc.  Tuesday morning was a great time for snowshoeing - got out for an hour through the hood. The snow was crusty in most places and was easy to stay on top. I'll take advantage of the nice day and go out again. It's also easier for me to go around the house knocking off the icicles. So far the electric stuff we have on the roof is working well and we are avoiding leaks. Time to tackle a couple of hours of database entry again.  Might throw a chicken in the oven for supper, the storm Chili is gone and I like my leftovers!

The Song Sparrow was resting in the Christmas Tree.

This Blue Jay is having a bad hair day!

Another Christmas tree visitor - Evening Grosbeak








Enjoy your day!

Day 45 - 14th February 2017 - Chickadee, Blue Jays and Junco

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Well we weathered that storm and boy it was everything they called for and then some! Still windy this morning and cold but no more snow coming down. We were fortunate, didn't lose our power - that's the thing that always sucks in a storm. I kept the Christmas tree and feeders closest to the house filled all day and the birds appreciated the food. They were hungry and the wind tossed the little ones around like paper. I did buzz around and do some chores - laundry, floors etc. in the morning, then curled up with Lexi and read in the afternoon. We all kind of dozed off. Larry kept the driveway cleared, working an hour at a time and then resting in between. The snow was heavy to shovel. Today I'll get out on the snowshoes for a roam in the hood. Now that we've had our winter - I'm ready for spring!

Chickadee

 Blue Jays

 Junco




Enjoy your day!

Day 44 - 13th Feebruary 2017 - Junco, Evening Grosbeak and Chickadee

Starting off the week with another storm. It's wild out there this morning - wind is blowing hard, snowing -  looks like this is truly the blizzard/storm they called for.  So far the power is holding here, not sure about other places. Good day to stay in and either curl up with a cup of tea and read or do a little database entry. Hopefully later I'll get out on the snowshoes. Yesterday was  a get ready for the storm day - did a big pot of chili to have ready for Monday/Tuesday night supper - something easy that can be reheated on the butane burner just in case of a power outage. Did up lunch entrees for a couple of days for Larry and of course muffins. Puttered around with laundry, etc. Then headed out for a roam on the snowshoes. Not quite enough snow, but the banks of the road where the plow plows it up is pretty good for zipping across. Stopped at Lois' for tea and she had to make me famous with a pic! Larry continue with the bathroom and threw some more wood in the basement.

Junco and Song Sparrow in the Honeysuckle Bush.













Evening Grosbeak foraging for seeds












Even the Squirrels needed to eat before the storm

The Chickadee found the prize








Enjoy your day - stay safe!