I saw this picture on the internet:  Monarch butterflies in Mexico.  I love the picture, but what really caught my attention was the note beside it.  I can't document this, but it is a lovely thought:  

 

The collective noun for a group of butterflies is "a kaleidoscope."  I hope it's true, cause that just makes me smile.

 

I hope it made you smile too.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

 

 

I wish you could have hopped on the Flexible Flyer with me, and ridden it down Crabapple Lane.  It was fabulous!!  

 

We haven't had enough snow the past few years to get out the sled, but on Saturday we had 4-6 inches of beautiful snow!!!!   We got to sail down our road!!  

 

Going DOWN is great fun, but at our age, hauling the sled back UP is a bit of a chore.  But worth it!!  

 

We got in a few good runs, then decided that 30 minutes of fresh air and exercise was enough for one day.  Then, spent the rest of the day inside reading books and appreciating the snow from our cozy living room.

 

Hope you got to enjoy the snow.  Now, maybe we can start looking for signs of Spring.

 

 

The winter solstice occurred last night at 11:20. The sun entered the sign of Capricorn, officially welcoming winter.  So I'm here to say HAPPY WINTER!!!

 

I'm having a little trouble finding things to blog about, but I haven't forgotten about you.  We're always on the lookout for interesting things in the neighborhood!  Check out the picture above.  

 

Not sure, since we didn't see the resident, but we think it's a hummingbird nest.  It's only about 2 inches in diameter. The bird book didn't give a size, but it said the nest is made of plant down, covered in lichens, bound with spider's silk, and located on a horizontal branch 10-20 feet above the ground.  I can't be sure, but I want it to be a hummingbird nest.  Anyway, thought you'd like to see our winter find.  

 

Hope you all have HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!  See you next year, 2020!!!

 

 

 

I didn't do it, but somebody transformed the jack-o-lantern haybale into this cute turkey.  

 

We all wish you a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

 

 

 

 

If you haven't checked on the bluebirds lately, you really should go there now!!!

 

 

On Saturday, I saw five baby birds waiting for momma or daddy bird to feed them.  I couldn't look away, afraid I'd miss the feeding.  It's fascinating!!  That nest is FULL!!!

 

HAPPY BIRDING!!!

 

 

 

Hey!!!  The first bluebird fledged, and the folks at Wildbirds Unlimited in Yorktown cleaned out the nest.  They set up the camera, ready for the next brood.

 

Go to Bluebirds in Yorktown .  As of this writing, there's one little blue egg in the nest.  And mom or dad should be back soon.  Maybe there will be more eggs.  

 

We check daily so we don't miss anything.  ;)  Good thing too, cause today is Saturday, and there are FOUR eggs!!!

 

My sister in Yorktown just sent me another link.  There's a camera inside a chickadee nest box too!!!

 

Go to  Chickadee nest   There are 5 baby chickadees!!!  

 

 

HAPPY BIRDING!!!

It’s working again. I didn’t have to do anything, except be patient. 

 

Better hurry and check out the bluebird camera.

Cause this baby is getting ready to fledge. 

 

 

Here's  another good picture of the bluebird in Yorktown.

 

I just tried to go to the Bluebird cam to see the baby bird, but the site isn't working right now. I'll keep trying, but I may have to reload, or rewrite the blog.

 

I'll get back to you!!

 

The Wildbirds Unlimited Store in Yorktown, VA has a camera set up inside a bluebird nestbox.  This picture is from last year, but the camera is set up again, so we can see the daily development of the bluebirds.  It is fascinating to watch live.  Just click on this link, and you can see them too.

 

 

HAPPY BIRDING!!!!

 

Meet Sky.  She lives with Tom up on Bella Vista.  

 

She's only nine weeks old, but is already getting to know the neighborhood.  

 

If you see her and Tom out walking, please go slow.  She doesn't understand cars yet.  But she loves people, so stop and say hello.  They will be your friend forever.  

 

HAPPY SPRING!!!!