Life in January -- It's Good!

The past week has been mostly a "friend" week with several lunches and dinners out. I've been short of companionship during the past couple of months -- self-imposed, to be sure. But now feeling good enough to enjoy the company of others. And, on top of that, my weight-lifting and arm-raising instructions have been lifted so  can get back to doing things around the house I'd neglected.

 

I was so surprised and delighted when, on my "liberation day," Rick showed up with a dozen beautiful peachy roses. They've held up so well and I love them! 

Back Home -- Surprises at the Ditch

A gorgeous September day. Not too hot, not too cold. Goldilocks would love it. And, it was a perfect day to visit the ditch.

 

I didn't know what to expect but I was certainly surprised at seeing a pair of deer -- I think mother and young'un, in the distance. I never see deer during the day there, or very rarely. 

Ducks, Birds and a Recalcitrant Cat

Early summer. You can't beat it -- temps are warming but not hot, sometimes with a breeze. Here in Michigan where we often have cloudy days, the sky has been blue and the days bright. (OK, a little rain, but that's good for the yard!) 

I've been doing a little painting, a little reading, a little walking. Cataract surgery kept me from lifting or bending for a week so I'm looking forward to actually bending over and deadheading my geraniums!

Painting, Planning, Walking and Rick Returns

We have a busy few weeks coming up -- it's Memorial weekend and my friend Suzanne is coming by; an upcoming Cork Poppers in another week or two and kid-sitting for a few days in mid-June. This will be a pretty laid-back weekend, planting flowers at the cemetery, picking up the house for company and just hanging out. So I'm grabbing all the peace and beauty I can get these days! 

Rick got back from the lake this week and I have to say it was good to see him! We made progress planning our England trip and just catching up. He says all is well at the cottage and I'm looking forward to getting to the lake next month.

Springtime at the Ditch

Every time I visit the Ditch, the trees are greener and more filled out and there are more lily pads on the water. A few of the flowering trees remain, but not, I think, much longer.

Mother Goose is still sitting and still being carefully guarded.

Catar-action and It's Triplets!

Well, cataract surgery, part one, took place this week. My friend Kate took me to the surgery and  friend Jan to the follow-up appointment after. (Rick is on a bike hike from Nashville to Tupelo, MS, on the Natchez Trace with his friend, Nino.) 

I went in my email to sort through comments on the last post (the Tornado post) and somehow I deleted all of them. Note to self. Do not go NEAR the delete button when the eye that can read a computer screen is covered by a patch. I'm sorry, gang. If you asked a significant question, ask again and otherwise, thank you so much for commenting and sharing your memories on that post.

Before the surgery, our weather took a turn for the really-terrific so I headed back to the Ditch. I was surprised and delighted to see the return of Ellie the Egret.

Harry's Back and the Geese are Nesting

There has been a lot of gloomy weather here and truth be told, my walking legs haven't been up to par of late. But on a rare sunny day I knew I had to check out the Ditch and see what was happening. The first thing that hit me were the wispy splashes of green that screamed "Yes, spring really IS coming!"

That was followed by a burst of white blossoms. Not all the trees are in flower but this one was leading the pack.

The geese were out in full force and no matter where one looks, it is likely you'll see a nest or a goose or maybe both.

December at the Ditch -- and Beyond

To be honest, this year there is little difference between December at the Ditch and November at the Ditch. Even the holiday ornaments that sprang up there a few years ago haven't yet appeared. I suspect everyone is as behind schedule as I am. 

On the 14th -- a Thursday -- we told the kids we would seen them in a "couple of weeks from tomorrow." The next day I looked at the calendar and realized we would see them only ONE WEEK from that day (the 22nd). In between that, there was insulation installation, a wedding I didn't know we were going to until a couple of days before that, cards to make, cards to send and not a speck of baking done.

Bits of Real-Life November

When I first started writing this -- which was mid-November, right before we visited the kids -- it was  a glorious November day, one of several. The temperature hit 65, and maybe even topped it. The sun was out and there was no real wind! It couldn't have been a better (or more unusual) day for the season. When you have a day like that, you grab it. We know what is around the corner. Today there is snow -- and so cold!

A Day at the Ditch

I hope you are in the mood for big birds and creatures because we're off to an amazing day at the Ditch!

So, settle back, have a seat on the bench and enjoy.

Bits and Pieces from Here and There

I feel half-in, half-out these days. Home most of the time but still anticipating weekends or even a few extra days at the lake. I find it odd to be home, to be honest. When I turned on the local news, I realized how out of touch I've been for two months. Not that I've missed much, but more of a feeling like, "So, this is where I really live."

To top it off, I haven't had the energy to dig into "projects" and the fact that nothing much is getting done frustrates me. Now, whose fault is that?

A Few Days at Home: Down at the Ditch

Stepping back in time for a minute, I was home for a few days when I took Nancy back down state to head back to Colorado. Of course I had to visit the Ditch! And I wasn't disappointed.

Often, there are many walkers but on this morning it was especially quiet and peaceful.

Spring: Art, Big Birds, Little Birds, Lilacs, Art, Books and Royals

I went to a wonderful estate sale last month -- but it was also a sad one. The resident of the home was the dad of a high school friend of mine, former neighbor, church friend and friend of my parents. Although it was a different home than the ones they lived in when we were kids, my memory bank flashed back to the Christmases at their home and Lisa's wedding reception in the back yard. 

I wanted a remembrance of Rex -- something Christmas, of course. And I did get a small angel and small nutcracker (and a big elf!) What I didn't expect to find was a treasure trove of books -- the kinds of books I love to read. Biographies, history, and travel. (And I came home with a few!). But the real treasure was this.

The Ditch is Waking Up

I took my first spring walk around the Ditch on April 13 and wasn't disappointed! My friend Harry the Heron is back!

But more on him later. There were loads of birds, though for whatever reason my Merlin app wasn't recording any of them. Not sure what that's about. My first sighting was a red-wing blackbird. (Merlin should have recognized him -- he was singing like crazy!)

Summer at Home: Harry and Robbie

If I am at home, I will visit the Ditch. And if I visit the Ditch, I will probably encounter my Big Bird buddy, Harry the Heron.

He was in a particularly lovely setting in one of the most recent visits. 

My Buddy Harry the Heron (And Bunny 17)

I couldn't resist sharing a few photos from my most recent Ditch walk. I couldn't have been more lucky.

A Walk in the Hood

Within the past two weeks we have jumped 45 degrees in temperature! From covering the newly purchased and planted plants at night to requiring sunscreen for a walk, it is -- in many ways -- a typical Michigan spring. That is, a day or two of sunny and 70, then 88 and sticky! It also means there is a good deal of action at the ditch, not the least of which was the buzzing of Harry by a red-winged blackbird!

 

The Critters are Out and Having Quite a Time!

We haven't been down to the ditch for a bit so I thought I'd fill you in on life with some of my favorite critters! Mother Goose has been sitting on her next now for a couple of weeks. I expect goslings soon!

There are several "families," they seem to travel in pairs, and (I assume the male) continually taking offense at any potential interloper. 

The redwing black birds in force and singing their song endlessly! I've yet to see the cedar wax wings I love but I'm sure they'll be there soon.

We are lucky to have cardinals year round here. They're one of my favorites!

I'm assuming someone planted daffodils here and there -- they don't seem to grow by themselves.

Here's a question for some of my blog friends who are more nature experts than I. Any ideas what this netted structure with the yellow pieces beside it (not enclosed) might be? It's the first year I've ever seen it. It's gone now, so whatever its purpose, it seems to be over.

I'm not sure what this is all about, but it appears to be a relatively well attended memorial, there year round for the past year or two. 

Across from the pond is the neighborhood golf course. If you look closely you can see quite the gathering of geese. I'm sure the golfers just love this!

The squirrels seem busier than ever! This one was checking me out as I was taking my walk.

That bright forsythia in the background makes me smile!

And speaking of forsythia, here's what might be a last look, Most is getting it's green leaves now. I'll miss this cheery bush which always heralds the beginning of spring.

We haven't seen as many redbuds this year. They're a favorite of mine and when I do see one, it's cause for rejoicing!

Things are greening up. It's definitely spring, despite a chill that has come in over the past week. But my sure sign of spring has appeared.

Harry the Heron is back!

And he's hungry!

Harry is clearly an expert fisher-bird!

 I've been told he has been back for a bit.

But in my world, it isn't thoroughly spring until I've seen my Big Bird myself!

Pretty soon the foliage at the ditch will fill in, the grasses become tall and the leaves thick. It may be harder to see some of the birds or onto the island where the deer live.

But for now? I'll take it! 

Sharing with:    Share Your Style     /     Let's Keep in Touch     /     Saturday's Critters    

Autumn at the Ditch

We have been experiencing a surge of glorious, 60s-70s weather and it has been so welcome. Although autumn leaves are beginning to fade and drop quickly, there is still much beauty around my world.

I have enjoyed more than a few walks to the ditch. I'm seeing more bare trees and yes, still a bit of color. 

Those color bursts are like welcome treats as I meander down the path.

I hadn't seen Harry the Heron since I'd returned from the lake. Last year he was here well into November but no matter what time I walked he was elusive. Then one night when the sky was as fuschia as a can of Tab (I am in mourning for Tab), I drove by (without the camera, of course) and there he was! So I was determined to find him again.

And I did. As I sprawled on a bench stretching my hip and back, I looked above and this massive bird was overhead. I leaped up and caught him in flight before landing!

Oh, I was such a happy camper!

There are still plenty of ducks. I swear I saw at least 40 fly overhead on my walk to Rick's last night. They're at the pond, too. 

There is still a fair amount of leaves on some of the trees and I love the rustle as I walk through them, although it appears someone has swept the path. (I learned a long time ago not to walk on Thursday morning when the city maintenance people come through with their machines!)

 This particular tree has leaves that have really hung on. I think it's my new favorite! 

It has been remarkably quiet in the birdsong department at the ditch. I suspect that now people are filling feeders more generously, the birds are enjoying their banquets elsewhere!

 I leave you with a sunny day, blue sky, and November at it's finest.

 And another look at Harry.

I can breathe again. 

Sharing with:   Let's Keep in Touch   /   Pink Saturday