From last snow to first crow(cus)

Since my last post we had a bit more snow (on Thursday, after a frosty, foggy sunrise).

The evening before, the reflected sunset colors on the clouds to the NE created a stunning skyscape:

Inside, things are less dramatic.

While the males doze and veg, I prefer to engage more productive pursuits...

 ...until my head hits my luxuriously-clad pillow.

That's a handwoven pillowcase I received as a gift from a special friend, and feels so nice!

Last week Brian asked if I'd be interested in going to a concert by the Salem Pops Orchestra on Saturday night. I was surprised that he wanted to go (one of his teachers plays French horn in the group, and students only pay $2), but delighted to support an interest in music other than what he usually listens to. It was supposed to be a family date, but Rick had to go on an emergency. His loss; it was a great performance with a guest trumpet player who was awesome, and afterwards Brian treated me to a mocha! Definitely one of those rare experiences with my son to treasure.

Take longer days, mix in Daylight Savings Time, and add a generous dose of sunshine, and you get what feels like Spring, The ewes enjoyed a bit of grass while Lance and I went down the gravel road, as the trails are still muddy and slick, and the arena footing is still thawing.

I thought we'd lose the last trace of snow with all that sun, but a remnant of what slid off the truck down at the barn still remains:

 When I got back to the house, I noticed our first crocus blossom in front of the house.

That's it for weather whiplash at . . .

Freeze-dried

After that glorious first day of March, the unusually cold weather of February continued – kinda sorta. Instead of snow, it's been sunny and windy, which feels more like the Midwest I remember than the Pacific NW. Everything looks and feels desiccated; there's not enough lotion to heal the painful cracks on my fingers and heels – but I think there is enough static electricity to power the house! It's a challenge to keep water open for the critters, and the bit of snow left in shaded areas is freeze-drying instead of melting. But today has felt a bit milder and moister, as some high clouds have moved in. There is both rain and snow in our forecast before temperatures moderate; Brian may have more snow delays or days yet.

The other night the tailless raccoon returned, looking for food; I was glad to see she still survives.

Sunday evening I made bread. It's a usual thing around here, but oh, so much nicer to turn the oven on in cold weather!

Rick and I have both been 'plying our crafts,' me here, there, and everywhere with a spindle and this delightful color-changing roving, Rick in his wood-shop with a gorgeous chunk of cherry.

The last of my orchid blossoms fell to the floor yesterday. I picked them up – and had an idea. Into that lovely bowl they went:

I'm so pleased with the results that I might enter the photo in a contest somewhere (without the 'signature'; what do you think?

At the recommendation of a friend, I've started the dogs on an oral OTC hyaluronic acid supplement. I haven't seen any change in Dozer, but it does seem to have helped Jackson some. He has been able to jump up on the bed again, after getting to the point where he couldn't, and has shown more interest in toys lately than he has in quite some time.

The supplement is no 'fountain of youth;' Jackson still struggles a bit to get up and moves more slowly now. I never would have caught him in a stand-still pose like this when he was younger!

After barn chores warmed me up this morning, I decided to stay outside and clean around the house while it was still dry. I swept the garage, and then took my broom and dustpan to the outside of the house. Chuckie had followed me from the barn.

 The steps down the south side of the house get covered with debris from the big evergreen there, and also grow a lot of moss. When it's dry, it scrapes off easily with the metal dustpan. In the photo below, I've scraped off the upper two step fronts but not the third yet.

Chuckie supervised, and enjoyed the sunshine. You know what they say. "Dogs have owners; cats have staff." 😁

That's it for today from . . .

Now this is how a year should start!

March was the first month in the Roman (pre-Gregorian) calendar, and today was definitely worth celebrating. The bite was gone from the air, the sun shone, and most of the remaining snow vanished rapidly. By 10:30 this morning Jackson had very little to snack on; by noon the deck was bare and dry.

When I walked down to the neighbor's at noon, I saw my first bluebirds of the year.

Poor photo of the female; the male flew before I got my iPhone out

Later when I rode Lance down to the other end of the lane, I saw at least four more – better than New Year's fireworks! So were the clouds.

Another high point was an actual garden harvest! I needed parsley for a salad, and thought I could see a bigger clump of green among the green weeds in the garden. Sure enough, the parsley I planted last year survived the winter weather and I was able to pick plenty.

Oh, and the hens laid four eggs. Huzzah!

Happy Roman New Year from . . .

Spritely Sprite

I've shared photos of Sprite in the past, but it's been awhile. (If you go to labels and click on "Sprite," other posts featuring her will pop up.) She's been Brian's special pet, the animal most bonded to him, since he bought her from a local breeder in 2016. Once in awhile he brings her into the great room, like he did Wednesday. Her wings have never been clipped so she does like the chance to fly around (I worry about her trying to fly through a window!), but mostly she stays on or near Brian. Watching her groom herself was so entertaining that I grabbed my phone and to record it,



then snapped some photos as well.

Earlier in the winter she sustained some kind of trauma while in her cage and I thought we were going to lose her. I picked her up and warmed her in my hands a few times, and would set her on a low perch which I had positioned next to both her food and water. Eventually she recovered, and has been much more accepting of me since then. I figure I'll eventually inherit her if Brian ever leaves the nest (he WILL someday; living at home indefinitely is not an option!); I do enjoy having a pet bird, and have had one most of our 34 years of marriage.

That's it on the budgie for now from . . .