Ducks at the Ditch

It was the kind of gray fall day that one clings to, for despite the lack of sunshine, it wasn't terribly cold -- nothing a scarf and fleece couldn't handle. Unlike our current November days -- gloomy, windy, wet and nippy -- And it wasn't raining or blowing. It was a fine day to check to see if Harry was still at the ditch or if he'd left for warmer climes.

How do they know? I live by my calendar. If I neglect to write something down I am likely to forget. And now that I'm retired, I don't always know which day it is until I look at my pill box! But Harry seems to know the time is not yet right to leave. Does he one day say, "Well, I'm outta here"? It's a mystery. To me, at least. But not to this lady.

I'll call her the Duck Lady, for she seems to have rapport with the ducks at the ditch. Several answer to her call. Fred is the large mallard...

...Ethel is the large female. Duck Lady says they were brought to the ditch and aren't native. They can't fly. And they are much larger than the other Ditch Ducks.
 In Duck World, no one is safe! Along came Laverne, with whom Fred had his way. She also is not a Ditch native but has been there a number of years. When Duck Lady calls Laverne, she comes. Their relationship goes back to the time that Duck Lady fed Laverne and her babies. Now all the ducks flock around her.

I loved Fred's feet.

There were wood ducks, too. On our last walk I showed you photos of a female. Here is the larger male...

...and some of his offspring.

I think they are quite the loveliest and most distinct of the Ditch Ducks.

Duck Lady says they will stay throughout the winter. Some patches of water will be open, and they will sleep on the ice.

Until then, I will enjoy them when I can, as they explore their world on days gray and gloomy, sunny and bright.

NOTE: Thanks so much for all your wonderful comments on my last post and your support for my art sale. It went well and for those of you who asked about cards, canvases and tags, I'll be with you individually. And thanks!)

Retirement: -- Eight Weeks Down the Yellow Brick Road

My first Social Security check arrived last month -- and I was mighty glad to see it, given that I wasn't sure if it would actually be issued, things being as they are -- or were, around the time it came! It reminded me that I am a retiree and not just on an extended, joyful vacation! I'm off on the new yellow brick road!

I'm not sure what Lizzie makes of my constant contact, but she's hanging in there, sleeping on my desk -- and on occasion, the keyboard. And doing her window watching thing when I kick her off after she has made too many typos!

As you know, I have had time to gather with friends (lunch! what a concept!) and started to cook. more....

...and make art! (Our sale continues Nov. 8 and 9!)

I'm also working on the house, making an attempt to get the last two rooms in order before heading to the basement. As for the outside, here is before...

...and here is during -- meaning after I hired Mark the Garden Warrior.

This spot took him about four hours. He's been back again and I have plenty more work for him, but my guess is it will have to wait till spring. It's about time to bring in my potted plants (which means FINDING a place for the potted plants; I have bad light, which means the herb garden will look pathetic by Christmas.)

I also took off to Cleveland to visit my cousins and a good friend. For once, I had time to spend with everyone, rather than just the big gathering. And we had many chuckles as Woody the Cat rocked the mouse catching world. I wish I'd brought down Lizzie Cosette to get lessons.

On the way down, I met blog friend Vicki for tea at Zingermann's. I love meeting blog friends and as usual, I was not disappointed!

I have finished a couple books (and most heartily recommend "Bootstrapper" by Mardi Jo Link. It's fabulous.)

And as you  know, when weather permits, I'm taking lots of walks. I suspect those days are close to numbered -- it's starting to get pretty cold here. But you never know...

I have time to have lunch and dinner with friends and more time for Rick, too! I've lunched a couple of times in Old Town, our arts district.

I can decorate the house for holidays during the day instead of at night when I'm tired.

I actually had time to prep for my art sale during the day!

I am digging through recipes for lovely autumn foods... warm, hearty soups...

...and apple dishes. 'Tis the season.

Fall is almost over and I haven't been sick for several months! I savor the last of the autumn walks and dig out the Richard Simmons DVD for those cold mornings.

And I'm just loving my life. (And yes, Perry Mason and Ina Garten!)

Yes, life is very good!

Upcoming Sale -- A Sneak Preview

I've been busy pulling together new inventory for my art sale November 7-9. (Sale info at the bottom of this post, for those in the area.) I'll have mini-birdhouses, cards and mixed media canvases.

Here are six of the canvases -- I can't stop making these!
 
(After the sale, I'll get some of these up on my Shutterfly site if anyone is interested. Let me know.
Here are some of the more than 75 cards.

I have a series of butterflies.

Paris is always a favorite.

This year I was captivated by fruit...

...so I did some variations on the theme.

Cards focusing on cooking always seem to appeal. I go from the vintage...

...to the charming.

And then don't forget the upcoming holidays!

 Or if you prefer collage, this cute pair!

And of course, remembering Thanksgiving for those far away isn't a bad idea!

Know someone having a baby? There is a selection but this is a favorite.
 
I have dogs...

...and cats...

...sweet...
 
...and funny (well, this one cracks me up!)
 
Perhaps a card for your love?

Or beach babes --
 
-- just because!

(If you are in the mid-Michigan area, the sale will take place Nov. 7-9 at 4322 Greenwood in Okemos. Leave info in your comment and I'll get more details to you -- hours, etc. -- to you. We will have terrific jewelry, knits, pottery, wood, soaps and more! Hope to see you there!)

Shopping at the White Magnolia

You know me well enough to know that I couldn't travel without a little shopping! A number of my best finds were at Valu-World (Gorham silverplate serving bowl: $3.81; two grapevine wreaths at $1.88 each) and a home sale of a wholesaler who specialized in wrapping paper, cards, pens, rubberstamps and a few other fun objects like that. I also enjoyed Trader Joe's...

 

...and Anthropologie, where I found a lovely book on Paris for $10.

 

But for certain things, you can't beat the tiny town of Chagrin Falls. I didn't stop at its famous popcorn shop (this time)...

But I did go to my favorite place -- The White Magnolia.

How could you resist a window that looked like this?

Within, you'd find anything you'd want for anyone! Holiday items? I was inspired by this beautiful Halloween tree.

I was enchanted by this light...

 

...and by this mossy candelabra.

 

Garden things? Of course!

 

I liked these sweet pots.

Something for the cook in your life? Perhaps a book...

...or lovely towels.

Are you a birder? Yes, you'll find something for your favorite birder, too!

 

A handsome clock -- one that you can read from across the room?

Or an elegant sofa. Sigh.

You can bet that I bought the wonderful piece of Parisian paper on this rack (and a few others, along with another book on Paris).

And yes, there were some stamping and stationery supplies, too.

 

The displays were beautiful, elegant and simple.

...and so were these lovely white cups.

 

There were vignettes everywhere you looked.

And one couldn't stop without a snack.

Yes, I had one of those green pumpkins! Breakfast. That's what we'll call it!

All in all, it's a lovely shop and if you are in the Cleveland area, it may well be worth the pretty ride out to Chagrin Falls.

(And don't miss the popcorn shop!)