More signs of spring!

The phoebe has resumed building her nest on the back of the garage after a pause for a few days of cold weather.  Both of the pair work hard to dig up mud, moss and grasses to make a beautiful nest in no time at all.  They come annually, but will not use an old nest. The front and back of the house are favoured spots.

The first of Jim's daffodils are almost ready to open, and the primulas are in bloom.

I apologize for the gap in news, but I traveled to Buffalo, New York, for four days to attend a clogging workshop.  There were hundred of participants from all over, and it was a very busy time.  We had six rooms in the convention area where 1-hour dance lessons ran continuously from 9 am to 5 pm for Friday and Saturday.  This was the main dance hall at the end of the day, when everyone was tired, and attendance was down, but the room could handle about 150 people on the floor at one time,

Naturally, there had to be retail therapy, and the open venue was filled with vendors of shoes, T-shirts, and other clogging necessities.

Yesterday was the end of a 700 km round trip, and 12 one-hour dance lessons, so this little piggy went to bed quite early last night.  Lots of things are happening this week--stay tuned!

Spring is finally Coming--there is hope!

Environment Canada's prediction of a cold spring into the middle of April has been correct, unfortunately.  However, there are signs....
These were taken yesterday.

Suzanne's crocuses are blooming, although thanks to the chipmunks there are considerably less than the original 700 planted.

Jim's daffodils are sprouting.  Thanks to the chipmunks' distaste and to the joy of multiplication, there are considerably more than the 1400 originally planted.

The only real snow left is in the back yard, which is still trying to hold on to winter.  The bird feeders are active with a whole different set of birds, and the grey squirrel moms have given birth.

We spent part of the weekend down at Niagara Falls, watching our niece, Brigid, perform at the National Cheer Evolution (Canada's national cheerleading competition).  They seem to call it Cheer now, and it is vastly different from cheerleading as I knew it.  It is extremely acrobatic, and very team oriented.  Check it out on utube to see what it's about.  (You should see how these kids get decked out!)   It was lovely to see Brigid, and our sister-in-law, Val.

Life in the Forest

We got back from Costa Rica to find exceptional wildlife in the backyard.  The turkeys could finally walk on the snow and had returned in a group of 8 to the feeding ground.  Two of the eight are mature toms who are quite pleased with themselves these days.

Feeding the birds has become a bit more challenger.  Our poacher is about two and a half months earlier this year, and he is the largest we have seen in our back yard.  All goes down to the quality of food, I guess.

This blog is how we will keep in touch now and then.  I cannot guarantee regular postings, but if there is something of interest, I will be sure to update the news here.