Misty Day

It has been gray and misty all day.


The birds have been on the deck and at the feeders. I am decorating.

Kumquats

The kumquats are ready to pick. They have been ripening inside.
Some will have the gifts of the Epiphany tomorrow. We will have the gifts of the kumquat.

Fortune Cookies

Our daughter made us a batch of homemade fortune cookies one year with her own fortunes. She made a box for them and a book for us to store our fortunes in.
The cookies were delicious. The fortunes funny and sweet. We savored each cookie. She encouraged us to eat them. She kept reminding me, "food is not for keepsakes." Very true, yet these were daughter fortune cookies! We were able to make the cookies last for five years. The last cookies were not as fresh as the first ones but they were still tasty. The fortunes still fresh.
Last year, in January, we did a fortune cookie every day. It was fun.
Maybe we can do that again this year.

Haiku To You!

When I began my study of the Asian culture my daughter supported my endeavor by sending a book of poetry.
I read one a day in January and I have written a few.

Wild Indigo

My friend's first mystery novel is on the shelves at the bookstores.
Her publishers party is tomorrow. Congratulations to her.
She will be in Kansas City at "I Love a Mystery" on January 31st, for an author reading and book signing.
Wild Indigo is a page turner. Jamaica Wild and her wolf, Mountain, pull at my heart strings. As the story unfolded I learned about the Pueblo Indian culture. Wild Indigo kept me guessing. I am in love with Mountain, the wolf. An excellent read.

Red Bellied Woodpecker

I heard the Red Bellied before I saw him.


There is a pair close by. I hope they nest and raise young this spring.

Asian Influence

In January we celebrate Asia. In album frames we display favorite LP's.
Rice paper lanters hang in the stairwell.
Guests are greeted at the front door with wise words.

A Breath of Fresh Air

It warmed to 52 degrees. I needed to take a break. Tea- Kettle joined me as did Downy Woodpecker.
The female House Finch was not afraid.
The female Hairy Woodpecker also came by.
I am never alone.

Starlings

My husband says, "Starlings, the most dangerous bird known to man." They do chase away the song birds.
They are very agressive.
They take over the feeders.
Calling for Coopers Hawk.

Yellow-shafted Woodpeckers

A pair of Yellow-shafted Woodpeckers were on the ground! They are also known as Common Flickers. They were finding bugs on the front Maple tree.
I was at my desk when I saw them. The telephoto lens was at the ready.
I have not seen them in the yard before.
The sun is bright today. Perfect light for zooming in.

Berries

I stopped my work to watch Mr. Cardinal eat berries from the Crab tree.


He watched me watch him.

Seed Please

I heard Mr. Cardinal chirping. Teakettle joined in.
The feeders were filled but the plates were empty.
Carolina Wren hopped to all the different spots that I have plates for seed.
Time for fresh water too.

Full Wolf Moon

As the sun rose the moon set.
The female Hairy Woodpecker was in the window box at the suet cake. I am about half way finished packing up the ornaments of December.

Dove Break

I missed the birds while in Portland. Each time I pass the back door I stop.
I say my "Hello".
It's good to travel. It's good to come home.

Packing things up

I am putting the December decorations away. It will take the week to carefully wrap all the treasures.
I am taking my time enjoying the put away.

Happy New Year

May 2007 be a year full of smiles for you and yours.
May peace and prosperity be with you daily.