My friends are back!!

I was soooo excited this morning to look out the window at just the right time and see a male Annas hummingbird at the old feeder! All the Rufous and Annas had left in late September. I had hoped the Annas would winter over here as they did for the last two years, but they seemed to have left with the rest in the fall. So, was I ever surprised to see one of those colorful hummers trying to find something to eat this morning! I quickly made up a new batch of feed, cooled it and hung the feeder back up. It wasn't long before he returned for a few drinks. A little later, his leading lady showed up, so I quickly grabbed the camera and took this picture of her sitting in the Japanese Maple tree. Hopefully they will stay. Usually by early March the Rufous arrive and then things get really lively!

White

With all of the snow we've had, I thought I would share some other favorite white things with you. A few weeks ago, I bought a paperwhite narcissus kit at the store and was delighted with how quickly they sprouted, grew and bloomed. The house was full of early spring fragrance during Christmas! Though I had seen these boxed kits (pot, soil and bulbs) many times before, I had never purchased any. Since this photo, taken mid December, these plants are finished blooming, trimmed and waiting to be planted outside after the last frost. Now, I'm on my second pot, and they are just starting to sprout! Fun!

The snowy owls, I purchased from Victoria Trading Co. in early December. They sit upon my kitchen window sill and are a delight every time I look at them. They are made with real feathers and are so soft. I've named them 'Wish' and 'Star'.

More Snow!

We were delighted with another day of snow today! I took this side view of our home this morning after the snow just started coming down. We had never seen such huge flakes as today! The little white triangle you see in the photo, is the roof of my bird feeder...lol.

Catch Up

I thought I would share one of my favorite photos from last winter, to catch up on some news. Two of my chickens had walked down to our patio from their hen house to see if there was any remaining cat food in the dishes, and these were the tracks they left in the snow going back to their home.

First of all, my husband is finally showing some noticeable signs of improvement. He has had a rough time recovering, and I know it's because it was a much more extensive surgery than the last time he had back surgery, plus a few years have gone by and he's a bit older now, though only a young 54! Now at times his back pain is just about the same as what it was before surgery (which he can handle on a regular regiment of pain meds), but it's the nerve pain in his legs that is very hard to cope with. It's been three weeks since his surgery, and he drove yesterday for a little bit (me the passenger biting nails), but he did well and was comfortable enough with it. His job relies on a lot of driving and he wants to get back to it, slowly, as soon as possible.

If I have learned anything from this, it's that I simply must live one day at a time, perhaps one beautiful moment at a time. The doctors cleared up some questions for me....Jack has degenerative disc disease. After two neck fusions, and now two back fusions, he will have more to come. Already the two discs above the recently repaired one, are 90% gone. Not a bright future in that way. So....as I said....one moment at a time and try not to get overwhelmed thinking about the rough times ahead for him. They will come soon enough. Thank you again so much for your prayers!

We had a nice Christmas celebration. First of all on Christmas eve morning, my in-laws came over to see us and exchange gifts. All of our children and grand kids came as well, so they could see them. We had a nice shared brunch together, consisting of a ham, potato, green pepper and cheese quiche, a variety of bagels and cream cheese, melons and pineapple, coffee cake and more. It was a nice day.

On Christmas, our daughter that lives with us, our teenage son, Jack and I, and of course our two dogs, had a gift exchange in the morning. Later on, our other two daughters, their children and boyfriends came over. We exchanged gifts with them, and then....the shame of it all....we popped in frozen pizzas for dinner. I had been steadily feeling a lack of energy with caring for Jack and trying to get ready for Christmas, and I simply ran out of steam for making a nice dinner. Well, we survived, but I will never do that again...lol. It just wasn't that great! (grin).

The kids and grand kids all chipped in and bought us a nice metal detector. The property we live on is full of old town history. The old original school, blacksmith shop and livery stable were on our property at one time. They thought we would have fun scanning the property for lost treasures (and they are so right!). Who knows, we might finding something wonderful! So far some nails have been found by the grand kids and part of the back field looks like a mole with an attitude has gone digging. Grandpa Jack discovered the holes and next time the little ones come for a visit, guess what they get to do? Fill up all the holes...lol.

Before Jack went in for surgery, we bought a trail cam as one of our gifts to each other. It's been a blast hooking it up to a tree on a deer trail, checking it in a few days and looking at the photos it's captured. We have quite a few deer photos, some possum photos and of course one of our cats got in the spotlight...lol. A gift we will enjoy for years.

We also let one another pick out something we wanted. He ordered a lead sled (to make it easier for his shooting practice) and I ordered the beautiful small outdoor table from Victorian Trading Co. The table is here and the two chairs are on back order. I can't wait to sit at it up in my secret garden once the weather turns nice.

As for the new year, as I said earlier, I plan to take one moment at a time, treasure those around me more than ever, and take time to smell the roses!

All for now....

Good Old Things

Old wood to burn

Old wine to drink

Old friends to love

Old times to remember

As we look back on another year gone by, let us remember the good things it brought us, while looking forward to the good things 2008 will bring our way!