Day 118 - 27th April 2012 - Wind, Rain and Redcoats

I'm tired this morning, was late getting to bed (late for me) so am dragging my backside this morning. The temperature is +10.5 and I can hear the wind and rain battling out side even if I can't see it yet. Hopefully today will be as good as the rest of the week at work. Am finally getting back into the swing of it again. I think we'll go to Barrington after I get through this afternoon and do our grocery shopping and pick up the last of my two cupboard door knobs, they call the other week and they were in. Since the weather looks decent for the weekend, maybe we can squeeze some time off from yard work, housework to take a drive and see if we can find some of the birds that everyone else is seeing. I've also got my Vessey bulbs to plant.

Beautiful day yesterday, got lots of work done at the centre with my very able volunteer Adam. Today we should get all of those books up on the shelves. We've received a number of reference books which have to be accessioned, inventoried, etc. They are all most done. Rah!
Took some photos at the Bean Dock for their new Facebook group, nothing like pictures of food and happy people enjoying lunch to put people in the mood!
Last night was photography class, and Cheryl suggested we head down to the waterfront to do some photos - learn a few new techniques and practice some old ones. What fun! Although it did cool off quickly.

I like the shadow from the lamp post against the barn.










The steeple on Cox's Warehouse against the very blue blue sky!

An anchor on Dock Street. I've not quite mastered this new technique of flash fill, more practice!

The flags blowing in the wind on either side of the Fisherman's Memorial.

Just as we were getting ready to leave, we heard the sound of the re-enactors coming down the street - perfect photo-op!

They are around at lots of events and festivals throughout the summer, so check them out if you have a chance.

I'm betting they were warmer in their wool suits then I was, and we headed back.

So folks, I'm the one saying thank goodness it's Friday. Yes, I know I snickered at you all winter, but this week I'm happy to see Saturday on the horizon and appreciate her even more, having worked the week!

Enjoy the Day, stay dry!

Day 117 - 26th April 2012 - Strange Skies and Pink Flowers

It's Thursday morning and the temperature is +3.5. Daylight is coming and it's suppose to be a fine day. Off to work today, my brain didn't quite want to wake up. Funny how when you don't need to get up early it's not problem. Am hoping to get a few more days at the office before people really realize I am there. I've had the odd few through and phone calls but not like it normally is yet. Today I have some help coming, a young volunteer, Adam for a few days so that will make a difference to getting things back to rights for the busy season. It's also coming up to year end, so that means inventory, etc.

Considering yesterday didn't start off the greatest, it improved immensely.  I spent several hours doing paper work, but got it all done (I've been putting it off for a week or so), so that felt very good. Then I did all the standard housework stuff and got that down to a dull roar. Getting into the swing of my work week again. Lexi and I went out for a couple of walks. The sky was dark then light then dark again off and on all day. More NS weather! We did have a few showers in the morning. Larry came home quite wet; where he was working it rained hard in the afternoon. I am so jealous of all the photos I've been seeing of indigo buntings - guessing the wind and rain drove them a little off course as they are not native to here, but oh they are so pretty! Maybe on the weekend we can get out and find some odd and exotic birds, hopefully they haven't left by then.

Took these photos of the lake around 8:30 this morning, was the sky ever strange looking!

Can't quite decide if the sky is beaming something up or not!

The Pink Hyacinth is now in full bloom too.

I think this is an Azalea.

Up close....... I think the theme is Pink today!

And of course are Mallards, who have been shy lately.

So there is no doubt about it, this morning I need an extra cup of coffee. Enjoy your day!

Day 116 - 25th April 2012 - Lovin' NS Weather - From Rain to Sun

At 4:45 am the day is already a bummer. It's mild again +4.9, more rain forecast for today. Woke up at 4, thanks to #1 dog child, who is sleeping away on the living room floor now, not sure what was her problem. It's my day off, and I have plans to get lots done. Made my coffee, flipped on the laptop to see what I had missed in the world of Facebook and take my turn at Scrabble, it's down. Must be all the "great" [not] timeline changes they are making lately, which most people are disliking, maybe they all just finally went nuts.
It was wild windy and raining when I left to catch my ride yesterday morning. This is the one time I can say, glad I had all those chocolates after Christmas or I may just have gotten airborne. At 4'11" there is a possibility that the wind could catch me! Certainly a quiet morning, with lots of work accomplished. By lunch time the sun had come out and I was somewhat overdressed with my muckers and jacket.

The harbour was still hazy/foggy but you can see some sunshine bling on the water.

The pigeons on Dock St. I really really dislike these birds  and when the whole flock flew at me/over me, I ended up crouched down on the street. It could have been worse, if I hadn't had my camera around my neck I would have landed flat on my stomach in the middle of the street. No, there is no humour in this story! Donna laughed as she watched me knowing my fear and she usually has  control over the things!

And around the corner were some more pretty daffodils in a yard. I just leaned over the fence to get a closer shot. They look to be nodding off.

Some lovely yellow chairs in the corner of another yard. Even in Town I can creep around a little bit. I bet someone was enjoying the sun and harbour view in these last week.

I like the color of this tulip, a deep burgundy, can't wait to see what the rest look like.

A Japonica bush. Looks almost like apple blossoms.

As I looked a little closer I found this Chickadee among the branches. By then my lunch hour was over and it was time to head back to the office.

After supper I went for a short walk and couldn't believe the things that were starting to bloom/changes in the path since Sunday. The little white violets are in full bloom. They are so much tinier than the purple ones.

Delicate, small and very pretty. This time of year it only takes a few days for things to green up, leaves and flowers to pop out. Larry mowed the grass after supper for the second time this season!

Well I guess I might as well get this day moving forward, I'm sure I will crash and burn this afternoon.

Enjoy your day!

Day 115 - 24th April 2012 - Rain and Wind

I can still hear the wind roaring and assume it's raining too, but it's dark so will have to wait on that one. At least it's mild, more like down right warm +15.5. With this kind of weather I will get use to being back in the office again, no longingly looks out the window wishing I could be in the garden at home. It's a good week to start back.
Yesterday went well, which really surprised me. Now if the rest of the week goes the same way I will have accomplished a lot. It's usual quiet the first few days until people figure I'm back and then ........but oh well, that's the point of me being there. Managed a photo on the way to catch my ride with Nancy in the morning. I'm lucky enough to be able to catch a ride to work. Here in the country we don't have the public transport system that the government is always telling us to use, but we do make do most of the time. Around supper time the wind was blowing hard and it was "raining cats & dogs". First day back and by the time Coronation Street came on at 6:30 I was ready for bed.......no I didn't go! I guess it's the structured day that wears me out more. At home I can switch around, go for a walk, etc.

The lake was rather grey and foggy this morning.

Not sure how well you can see this,  but it appears our little woodpecker now has room to turn around in his telephone pole house. I'm thinking there is a nest being built.

I like the fungi that grows on the sides of trees, some of it is colorful and has kind of neat designs.

Lots of rain droplets on this daffodil.

Mrs. Woodpecker - notice no red on her head.

I guess today will include my "muckers" or rubber boots. Muckers are put out by Clarks, I bought them a couple of years ago in Boston and they are so comfy and good for wet days like this. They are a low (not quite to the ankle) rubber boot, similar to the ducky boots that everyone use to wear but more stylish.  I like them and they are comfortable enough to wear all day. I am not keen on wet feet all day even when it's mild. One thing I'm lacking in my wardrobe is a good rain jacket with a hood, so the next time I hit Frenchy's that better be on my look for list. I haven't been there in ages and it's almost time for some new spring/summer clothes. $40. and I can outfit myself without feeling guilty if I don't wear them forever.

Must get a move on. Enjoy your day!

Day 114 - 23rd April 2012 - Rain Drops and more

Another warm morning but not quite like yesterday, today the temperature is only +9.7. Still plenty warm. As is the norm, it's dark out still and I can't tell if it's raining or not. Back to the Monday grind with the rest of the working world. As I have sat back and chuckled at comments on Facebook all winter about Monday, I will now be making the same remarks! It's not so bad, have to work sometime. Pay day will be better anyway, or at least I hope so! I still put in a fair amount of hours during the winter months from home as things still need to be done, now it's just more structured once I get back in the office and I get paid. I enjoy the work, but a small non-profit organization means you have to wear a lot of different hats, and fundraising will be a big priority this summer. So if you see me or one of our members selling tickets, etc. stop and buy some it's a great cause and we do lots of good work with genealogy and our local history.
Yesterday I whizzed through the house quickly, doing dishes, laundry, floors etc in the morning. Since it had stopped raining, thought I better go out and catch a few photos before it started up again. Whereas, Saturday I wanted big beautiful blooms today I was interested in rain drops on those same flowers. It began raining again on the way home from my walk, Larry and Lexi got home shortly after. The rest of the day was good for inside. After finishing off a few things, Lexi and I curled up on the sofa with the fuzzy burgundy blanket and a book and snuggled for a while before it was time to get supper under way. More or less a lazy afternoon and evening.

Tulips and Daffodils.

Rain drops - they look like beads on the tulip petals.

Lupin leaves are growing quickly.

And with rain and spring......bugs arrive, oh yes the black flies are wicked too!

Evening Grosbeak enjoying some seeds that have fallen from the feeder above. He seems quite dark so I'm guessing he hasn't quite got his summer coat on yet!

His lady friend, not quite as pretty.

I just checked the weather for the week and looks like we are going to get lots and lots of rain between this evening and tomorrow. And that rain on Monday folklore may come true....... Time to get things moving. Wish me luck!

Enjoy your day!

Day 113 - 22nd April 2012 - Gloves, Tulips and Leaves

Daylight is slow coming this morning, I can hear the rain on the kitchen window. The temperature is way up there at +12.8, guess that's what you call balmy! Today is definitely an indoor, work around the house kind of day. There are lots of things  to do before I head back to work tomorrow and the old routine. There is an old saying that goes "If it rains on Monday, it will rain three days that week", or something like that. This is a week to test out that old folklore as they are giving rain up until Thursday.

Yesterday started off fine and lovely but by early afternoon the rain had started. We did our shopping, stopped at the garden centre and used some of a gift certificate I had and picking up a few things, which I got in the ground when we came home. Dug a few more weeds out, Larry worked on splitting some wood and putting it in the building - next winter! In the country most of us use wood; we either have wood stoves or furnaces. As great as the heat is, it's a 12 month of the year job. It comes [some go out and cut their own trees we order ours in long lenghts], you block it,  cut and split, put it away, then it's time to burn it, from there you start all over again. I think some of the other neighbours were working on wood piles as well, I could hear a few chainsaws and woodsplitters going when I went for  a walk. We love it and I can't imagine heating this big old ark with anything else. We do have oil as well but at the rising cost of that we use it sparingly.

Darling Lexi with my garden gloves, they are really too big so I bought myself a new pair Saturday........

....my new gloves and my precious Lexi. They are great, have some elastic type material in them that actually means they stay on your hands and you can feel what you are pulling. She's not so bad, doesn't chew them just likes to carry them off!

I was lucky this tulip fully opened up before the rain and I was able to get some photos. The colors are really pretty.

This is what the inside looks like, pretty cool I think!

Thought I better take a walk through the hood before the rain started. These leaves are popping up and unfurling all through the woods. Soon we'll see flowers coming from them, maybe star flowers?

Further along the path they are opened a little more; there is less  tree cover here and the sun comes through much brighter.

My favourite feathered friend was munching away  at Lois and Danny's. Lois was painting the deck and we both got caught in the rain. It was time to head home. Tucked my camera inside my hoodie and off I went.

I suppose with rain this week I'll be running to photograph between rain drops or I'll have my ziplock bag out to keep my camera from getting wet. You may just have a few taken on previous days to fill in the gaps.

All is still quiet here this morning, but I've had my coffee so should at least get something started.

Enjoy your day!

 

Day 112 - 21st April 2012 - Birds, Tulips and Clothes on the Line

Another very warm morning at +8. It's pretty foggy though, hope that's going to disappear shortly. I slept in this morning, go figure! Will run in town and pick up the bare staples; bread, milk and eggs, then back home to hopefully do some work outside. I know Larry wants to work in his wood pile. Perhaps the rain will wait until this evening and we can get a day outside. From now on it's only the weekends. Of course he and Lexi are still in bed, and I get my "quiet time" Rah!

So blogger has changed their format, for a newbie like me this is not a good thing. I'm just figured out some of the old way and now they do something new. The new format is only on my end as far as I know. Hopefully in a few days I'll have it sorted out. Oh well here we go again!

Another beautiful day yesterday. I did some light housekeeping early, read another chapter in Water St. and then Lexi and I pretty well goofed off the rest of the day. Karen stopped for coffee before lunch time and we sat on the deck, enjoying the sun and chatting. I was glad she came to visit. She's a great person and easy to talk to. Although I think I probably talked too much, must be spending time with Lexi, she isn't big on conversation and it's usually one sided with us. Spent some time doing some more weeding after she left, then decided that deck chair was really comfortable earlier....... took my book and headed to the deck! The sun nearly put me to sleep, so I closed my eyes and could hear the sounds of Spring - the ducks flying overhead talking from one lake to another, the loons in the lake. It was heaven.

I looked out in the morning and there was a Flicker in the yard. He blends in somewhat with the grass. Had to stand on a chair so I could take photos through the window. Figured if I opened the door he would be gone.

Wish I could have gotten a little closer. He's rather attractive with his bars and spots of black and little red patch on his head. 

Mr Woodpecker had moved from the telephone pole to the apple tree - hanging upside down hunting for bugs.

Lexi, cooling off and get a drink. She's not a water dog, doesn't like to swim, but will play and wade in the lake.

It had opened up a little more by the morning........

and a little more after supper, hope it opens up all the way before it rains. I went out for a walk after supper, it was a nice evening, cooling off a bit though or the wind was making it a little cooler.

A great day for hanging out clothes, hope she remembered to bring them in last night.

I got really close to him this time, I was almost sitting under the feeder. I've discovered if I just plunk down on the ground and sit there quietly they often just ignore me and don't feel I am a threat. Then the neighbours finding me sitting under their feeders but..........I think they are starting to ignore me too!

And I headed home, catching the sun setting behind the trees over Beaver Farm Lake.

Must finish my coffee, grab another, check out Facebook and see what interesting things are happening there and it will be time to wake the rest of the household and begin things.

Enjoy your day!