Learning

Thank you for walking with me while I learn. Bundled up, I went outside to catch the last hour of daylight.
The crows began to fly.
The Cardinals began to gather.

New Toys

We stopped at the photo supply so I could get a new tripod and begin working with filters. I am new to filters. I needed one for when I take cloud photos.
Something to cut the glare of my windows too.
With the snow and sunlight it is too bright.
I am pleased with the polarizing filter. I did not get one for the super zoom, maybe next month.

To the Market

This morning my husband and I went on errands. I needed Turkish coffee and pistachio treats. The grocer invited me to try the African dates. They are yummy.
I was fixing our treats when I heard commotion on the deck.
I saw Cooper's Hawk. I grabbed the camera. He flew to the Chinese Lilac.
Only had time for one photo, before he flew off.
Downy froze on the peanuts. It is always dramatic when Mr. Copper comes in.

Cardinal Time

As the days are getting longer Cardinal time is getting later. Tonight we had a new pair.

I counted seven females and seven males.
The new male appeared to have an injury. I put lots of seed out. Another cold night is predicted.

Sunset

I looked out the kitchen window. The sun was low on the horizon.
The new stained glass piece of the Cedar Waxwing reminded me soon it would be Cardinal time.
I went for more bird seed.
The Cardinals were waiting for me.

Windy Afternoon

One of the Doves was resting on the deck. A gust of wind almost blew her off her perch.
She fought the wind for awhile
then took off for the trees.

Rainbow clouds

I looked out the back door to see the birds. I saw rainbows.
I stepped outside.
The sun was bright.
The clouds were dazzling, it is mid day.

Happy Groundhog's Day

Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, is home to "Gobbler's Knob". This is the home of the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. On Candlemas Day, February the second, the groundhog predicts the weather.
An ancient Scottish verse:
"If Candlemas Day
Is bright and clear
There"ll be two winters
In the year,"

Today I study the shadows.
I will wait to plant the lettuce.
It is bright and clear.

Full Snow Moon

I came into the kitchen this morning and watched the Full Snow Moon set. How lovely to begin Candlemas with the full moon.

From the east bedroom window I watched the sunrise. How grand to have a sunrise today, also known as Imbolic.
It was 4 degrees Fahrenheit. I double bundled before feeding the birds.
Next year I might try my hand at candle making. I like the soy candles.

End of Day

A Starling flew up onto the posing ball. Chick-a-dee was undisturbed at the suet.

The female Hairy Woodpecker flew in as well.

The Cardinals were gathering. If my birds friends do not mind the Starlings neither will I.
I have made my peace with the Starlings.

House Finches

In February I am studing the House Finches. The males look as if they just finished a jar of rasberry jam.
The females are smaller and are always close by the male.

They are flocking birds, in my yard there are around 15-20 that come to the feeders.

Click and sniff

I wish there was a way I could send along the sweet smell of Lilies, the fragrance of the paperwhites,
and the aroma of the passionflower.
I sit at my desk and watch the lilies open.
I close my eyes and smell Spring.

Dove on the roof

The Doves like to sit on my roof. They take turns .
The Jays like the deck chairs.

We have three Jays that come to call. The skies are Jay blue this afternoon. My bird book says the feathers of the Blue Jay do not contain blue pigment. Refracted sunlight casts the blue light. I am learning about refracted light. I am learning about the Blue Jay.

Happy February

I never know from moment to moment what joys and delights await for me.

Leading with my heart and not with my head I am open to this day.
My friend from Colorado is coming this afternoon for kitchen table time.
We will have a private book signing and raise our tea cups. It is celebration time. The world gets to see how beautiful she is!
Today is St. Bridgit's Day. Next year I will plan to make a St. Bridgit's cross.
I have Winter Wheat growing again. Perhaps this is the way for me to learn how to do wheat weaving. A house blessing seems just right.