Gentle posts for gentle folks

[Medusa]

I think that this upside down sloth, seems more like me than the intrepid woman warrior pictured in a different post,
But I guess we can all be some of both.

Definitely! I have my own upside-down sloth days!

 

[Kaila]

Does anyone have annual bird counts in your area? Our numbers may be interesting this year. My friend mentioned they have very few, even around their feeders. When she said that, we noticed the same thing.

Perhaps I should do my own personal bird count.
I've seen a good variety lately, out my window, even though our apartment building is near busy roads,etc.

I saw a large predator type of hawk with extreme wing span, this week.
Probably more interested in small ground rodents near the edge of the trees, than in our song birds.

A group of crows gathered, to run it off.

Today I saw some vivid eastern blue birds, and the cardinals, and nuthatches and various finches and the juncos.

I'm always thrilled, when I see the bluebirds. They come in small flocks.

 

[Medusa]

Perhaps I should do my own personal bird count.
I've seen a good variety lately, out my window, even though our apartment building is near busy roads,etc.

I saw a large predator type of hawk with extreme wing span, this week.
Probably more interested in small ground rodents near the edge of the trees, than in our song birds.

A group of crows gathered, to run it off.

Today I saw some vivid eastern blue birds, and the cardinals, and nuthatches and various finches and the juncos.

I'm always thrilled, when I see the bluebirds. They come in small flocks.

I didn't know that bluebirds come in small flocks. That's cool.

I'm excited to set up the video bird feeder. I really want to see what birdies will come to the feeder over winter.

 

[Kaila]

Rocco is here.... he arrived about 1.30 then we both had a sleep. I forced myself to get up and take him for a short walk but that's about all I've done today. I feel really lazy. Will be glad to get back into normal routine!

Went to eldest son's house last night for tea, he made a lovely (vegan) lasagne then we played a couple of quiz games etc. I didn't want a late night so I was brought home about 9.30, got into my pyjamas and dressing gown then watched a film on TV before going to bed before midnight.

One of my Christmas presents was a subscription to Ancestry. I have had a quick look and found the side of the family I want to know more about so that's a start. Will do more at the weekend when Rocco isn't here to distract me.

Another present was a craft light so that will be put to use later on when I do a bit of cross stitch.

Hope everyone is well and just want to wish you all a very Happy New Year.

My mind keeps returning to that delicious veggie lasagna. Mmmmmm.

Years ago, I would make it, with or without meat. Loved it both ways.

I wonder if I could try to make one again.
I stopped , due both to all the physical steps involved including handling the heavy, awkward pan;
And also my tongue was reacting to the tomato sauce.
I don't know if it would do that now or not.

That craft light would probably be handy and helpful, for other tasks in addition to the cross stitch. I think I'd find several uses for it. Nice, thoughtful gift, it was.

 

[Kaila]

@RadishRose
I was so happy to hear that your son and grandson visited!
Thanks for including that.

 

[Kaila]

I didn't know that bluebirds come in small flocks. That's cool.

I'm excited to set up the video bird feeder. I really want to see what birdies will come to the feeder over winter.

I can't wait to hear every little thing about your experience with that video feeder!
Do remember that your patience will pay off.

 

[Kaila]

Thank you, dear friend. You guys are great company on any day.

Husband was at work relatively early so it was Lucius and I in the freezing cold. I was woken last night at 1:30 by an extreme weather alert on my phones. It was about snow squalls.. something. I was sleepy. But there is actually only a light dusting of snow out there, which is great.

It's the cold. Holy Crows, I'm so bundled when out that only the tip of my nose is visible.

Yep, Lucius loves to play in the cold. But I confess, I don't throw balls for him; I want to go inside! LOL He gets very rompy and finds sticks to trot home with, all proud of himself. It's cute and sweet, but I really want to go back inside!

Really glad you were finally able to get sleep last night!

Another Happy New Year, Kaila and Friends.

I loved how you described Lucius and his behaviors on his walks!
I could picture his boundless joy, and rompiness and enthusiasm.

 

[Kaila]

Good morning everyone!
How was your new years?
Our new year’s dinner was a bit disappointing.
We cooked this big ham , which looked and smelled delicious yet was soooo salty we had a hard time eating it. We boiled it in water 3 times and will use it to make ‘split pea soup and ham.’
View attachment 477240
New years eves dinner was so much better.
We went out that day and after our walk bought a bunch of finger foods which were delicious. We had chicken wings, stuffed mushrooms, cheese balls, egg rolls and mini quiche. It was really good.
The snow is almost gone from our house . Hopefully we will get more. We have 4 brand new snow tires on our suv, making is safe for the season.
@Pam! I hope you have a good time with your grandson.
@Jules! I hope you get some sleep. I’m going through the same thing. I’m not sleeping good at all. I’ll fall asleep and the first few hours are great but then i wake up at midnight and suddenly wide awake and thats using a sleeping aid.
@Medusa! Lucius sounds like a lot of fun. Our German shepherd used to bring home a bunch of sticks when out walking . You d have to watch the backs of your legs cause she’d just plough through.
@Kaila! I hope you are enjoying your fresh snowfall. I also hope you get a goodnight sleep
Have a great day everyone!
View attachment 477248

Thank you for this wonderful post, Patty!

I'm sorry that ham was so extremely salty. After all the careful selecting and cooking, and your time and efforts.
I hope it's fine in the pea soup. I love pea soup. I always made it without any meat or with a bit of chicken (or beans)
But it was delicious too, when I had it made by others who always added ham.

We didn't do much for new years.
We managed to make pancakes. We hadn't made any for a long time. We managed to eat them, but not easily, so i might not try that again.
Then we put up the 2 calendars I'd ordered for us. We both like to look at them, plus they help us to keep track of things!

I was glad that your post said Happy Friday!
Because I've had trouble remembering which day was what, recently, during the 2 week holiday stretch.

I appreciate any and all help with that , especially lately.

 

[Kaila]

Good morning, Kaila & Friends! With the holiday season behind us now, I am busy working on catching up with a lot of things. Catching up on this thread is comforting and fun. Catching up on year-end paperwork, not so much!

Remember back in September I was talking about how I couldn't wait for cooler temps and even some beautiful snow? Y'all should have told me to put a in it. Snow, snow, snow... and yep, I'm seeing big ol' flakes flying right now again. Pretty, but getting to be a pain... still better than the ice storms we've had here, though.

@PeppermintPatty , your NYE finger food dinner sounds fabulous!
@Kaila so glad to hear you finally had a good sleep. I hope last night was the same!

View attachment 477273

Yes, I remember how many times you longed for the chilly months and counted the days till then.
Now you are singing a slightly different tune?

 

[CallMeKate]

Now you are singing a slightly different tune?

Pleading the 5th while I whistle that tune.

 

[Kaila]

Oh those innocent children in the old black and white shows.
Whistling a tune intently, while staring upwards, with angelic looks on their faces....

I remember and recognize that behavior.

 

[Pam]

Good morning @Kaila and all. It's another bright, sunny morning with blue skies, not a cloud in sight but it is slightly colder than yesterday. I've been for a stroll around Aldi, picked up my weekly newspaper from nearby shop so that's my little walk for today. Washed Rocco's bedding and blankets and soon it will be time to sit and do a bit of cross stitch whilst watching tele.

Grandson came round yesterday and we had a good chat, played a board game then his dad (my youngest) came round. Lovely seeing them both.

@Kaila, I do envy you - and others - who are able to see a variety of birds in their gardens. I do miss not having a garden. Hope you have success with your video feeder @Medusa.

 

[RadishRose]

 

[Medusa]

Good Morning, Kaila and Friends

Apparently, it's going to warm up for a bit in a few days so, that will be a nice little break in the middle of winter.

It's early for me, and I'm just sipping my first coffee as I didn't hear my alarm last night so took my 04:00 medicine at 08:00 and had to wait an hour before coffee. That is no way to start the day. But I'm having coffee now so all is good.

@Pam, thank you; I'm looking forward to it.

@Kaila, hope you're feeling good today and will be able to rest over this weekend.

Wishing everyone on Kaila's wonderful thread a peaceful, happy Saturday.

 

[Pam]

I love all the pictures that everyone manages to find! Makes my day seeing them.

@Medusa... meant to say earlier that yes, my craft light does sound similar to yours. It clamps on my little table, has a magnifying glass and light. I've had it set up this afternoon. I am really pleased with it. Just had a message to say grandson and son are coming round again in a minute. I am not sure if it's me that's the attraction or that grandson is enjoying getting in a bit of driving since he passed his test.

They are both good company, whatever. Both placid, even natured. I'd best get off here as they'll arrive soon. Catch up with everyone later or tomorrow.

 

[Jules]

Yesterday when packing away the Christmas decorations, I spotted the last two crocheted snowflakes that had tucked themselves away in the stuffing. At one point I had almost a dozen. Did any of you talented folks make them too. My mother made mine.

 

[Medusa]

Good Afternoon, Kaila and Friends

It's warming up here and the dog walks are going to be downright pleasant for a few days. Stealing a few days from winter.

@Pam, I have had my light for about two years now and use it daily. Love that thing! I'm sure you'll enjoy yours as well.

@Jules, I haven't crocheted those snowflakes, but I remember them from childhood.

@Kaila, hope you and husband are doing well and having a restful weekend.

I think today is the day we put the feeder together and tomorrow we'll set it up.

Wishing everyone here a peaceful Sunday afternoon.

 

[Kaila]

Saying hello to all of you, before I say good night.....

There weren't any early morning birds today, but some came by our feeder at mid day.

I guess that is the mildest part of the cold mid winter days, for both humans and for wildlife.

I did a little research today, to pre-prepare for some paperwork I'll soon be launched into for January.

I did crochet those dainty snowflakes that you mentioned ,
@Jules
I hadn't ever seen them or known anyone who had made them. I don't remember how I heard of them, and decided it would be fun, and it was.
I crocheted them in 2 sizes, and in about 4 different designs.
And stiffened them.

I do have some still, that I didn't give as tiny gifts or donate, years ago.

Leaving
Here, for all of you,
To start your week,
The first week after all of those holiday weeks.

 

[Kaila]

@Pam
How does dear Rocco ever manage to settle comfortably ,
on his bedding that you've ruined by washing?

 

[Babs2u]

Yes, she lets me know which one she wishes to wear. She then coordinates it with the proper hat, shoes, and jewerly. The girl knows her "stuff"!

Maybe she needs her own web site. Im sure she would quickly attract a following!

 

[Babs2u]

Saying hello to all of you, before I say good night.....

There weren't any early morning birds today, but some came by our feeder at mid day.

I guess that is the mildest part of the cold mid winter days, for both humans and for wildlife.

I did a little research today, to pre-prepare for some paperwork I'll soon be launched into for January.

I did crochet those dainty snowflakes that you mentioned ,
@Jules
I hadn't ever seen them or known anyone who had made them. I don't remember how I heard of them, and decided it would be fun, and it was.
I crocheted them in 2 sizes, and in about 4 different designs.
And stiffened them.

I do have some still, that I didn't give as tiny gifts or donate, years ago.

Leaving
Here, for all of you,
To start your week,
The first week after all of those holiday weeks.

I don't crochet or knit but I admire those who do.

 

[Babs2u]

I didn't know that bluebirds come in small flocks. That's cool.

I'm excited to set up the video bird feeder. I really want to see what birdies will come to the feeder over winter.

That sounds better than TV.

 

[Kaila]

Nice to see you here, this evening,
@Babs2u

 

[Pam]

@Pam
How does dear Rocco ever manage to settle comfortably ,
on his bedding that you've ruined by washing?

So far, he has responded by lying on the settee.... It does have a cover on there too but I hadn't washed that one.

 

[CallMeKate]

Good morning, Kaila & Friends! It's cold right now, but the forecast has about six days in the 40s coming up and starting tomorrow! Can't wait.. it will be a nice change. I hope everyone has a fantastic Monday and week.

With the talk here about birds, it reminded me that I was almost out of bird food, so I hightailed it to the hardware store to buy some yesterday. I have found out that not only birds eat it... I see on the trail cam in my backyard that deer, squirrels, and bunnies also eat the bird food. Even in a high bird feeder, the deer stretch up to get some.