Just Marching On!

Time marches on! And so does spring. Or almost spring!

From Kate McNenly's 2021 "Birdiferous" calendar

A few nights ago, I passed by my front door as I was going down the hall. I glanced out and saw the silhouettes of three deer, poised at the foot of the driveway, walking down the street. I was wide awake and thought I was dreaming.

The deer are moving about and so are the bunnies. I've counted five already and more to come. The birds are going crazy and I expect to see some nest building soon. 

On the home front, there's a bit of critter action, too. The other day, Lizzie was pawing at a piece of the rug that wasn't tucked under something, along with a piece of tissue paper that had dropped while I was cleaning up earlier. I thought it was just cute cat antics. But later, when she kept staring at the same spot, and then dashing to another, I knew we had an uninvited guest. Eventually, she sussed out a baby mouse which I managed to catch under a cup and deposit safely outside and down the block. If there is one baby, there are more. We are on guard.

The Canada geese and ducks are settled in the ponds at the ditch. I need to see if geese have one mate alone, because I have noticed they seem to be in twos, more or less in their own parts of the pond, and I wonder if it is a male/female/mating thing. 

If so, we'll be seeing plenty of goslings soon!

They're pretty scrappy if anyone invades their territory, as you can see by that splashing going on! 

The redwing black birds are back, a sure sign of spring.

Also spotted, a pair of doves.

This one has such a sweet face.

Then there was this handsome fellow.

This guy wasn't so handsome but a welcome addition to our Ditch creatures. He's been chopping the icy snow from the path that isn't melting despite our unseasonably warm temperatures (60s). The temps are dropping this week into the 40s, where they'll stay for a bit. He's been working hard -- he said he wanted to go running with his son on the path and several areas were dangerously slippery. He did us all a big favor!

I'm seeing signs of life in the bulbs and branches at home, but at the Ditch, the ice is still on parts of the pond and the faded blooms on last season's growth are dried but still lovely in their way.

On the home front, I've been cooking a bit. This recipe by Jean of Delightful Repast was tasty and easy! It's a dessert version of Toad in the Hole.

I've been reading a lot and started this wonderful New Yorker jigsaw puzzle.

It's a tough one. The pieces are tiny and a 'very close fits,' which means you're sure you've got it -- but you don't! I'm glad I like the design because I think I will be living with this one for a very long time.

Finally, I had to say goodbye to Rick's Covid hair.

I'll miss it!

 I feel so encouraged to see signs of spring. It hasn't been a hard winter here, but it feels like a long one. I'm slowly venturing out into the world again, and not without anxiety. But in time all shall be well.

Meanwhile, I watch the birds, the bunnies, and look out for mice!

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