From the Archives Circa 1965-1975

Long Gone

It occurred to me the other day that I had not seen a

single bird around the feeders in days.

I am quite used to filling feeders every 2 or 3 days.

It is not uncommon to see flocks of sparrows

covering the ground, scrounging for food.

The lone Grackle who did not migrate this year

is no longer feeding in the open.

The Chickadees who are always prolific in winter

have been away all week.

The Collared Dove is nowhere to be seen.

The weather has been very warm this week too

so I don't understand where they are?

Or shall I say didn't understand until yesterday.

We were out in the yard by the back pine trees and noticed a

plethora of bird feathers scattered all over the snow.

It was then that I realized why there were no birds in the yard.

This guy moved in late last week.

 



The  hungry Merlin.

He has been here in years past

but his presence was not so apparent as this year.

I see him diving and swooping and alighting on tree branches

in the yard.

In fact, I think he sleeps in a tall spruce right out front.

Oh I hope he moves along soon.

Can you just imagine a summer without songbirds?

No, nor can I.



Pictures above:
Hummingbird in Cedar
Snow Geese
Ducks
taken during fall migration.
Decidedly not sparrows, chickadees, grackles and doves.

My Moon

I have always thought a lot about the moon. I have long been watching her track across the sky. I watch her shape shifting from night to night. I don't know why, or shall I say didn't know why until very recently. It is the ruler of Cancer, under which astrological sign I was born.

(Morning moon in Delisle)

The description of the Cancer woman fits me exactly.

This is the most subjective position of the Moon. The Moon is "at home" in the sign of Cancer, as the Moon is the natural ruler of the sign.

Moon in Cancer natives have a large potential to be able to get in touch with the feelings and moods of others. Often, they are quite wrapped up in themselves. Their memories of the past are outstanding, especially for all things emotional. Moon in Cancer people are never detached—they cling to things, their home, and people they care for. They seek out security and familiarity in all they do. They look for peace and quiet. Their attachment to all that is safe means they are a little leery of change.

These peace-loving souls dislike superficiality in all of its forms. They are devoted and accommodating. The insecure ones accumulate things in an attempt to feel secure. (This is not me. I am a purger, not an accumulator.)

Because of their strong attachment to, and memory of, the past, others may complain that Moon in Cancer natives tend to whip a dead horse. They may dwell on hurts long after everyone else has moved on. When they feel they have been taken for granted (which may be often!), they don't always confront others directly. This is when they can use roundabout ways to get your attention. In fact, these natives, when they are insecure, can become quite manipulative. They can also be victims of habit.

I would like to be able to photograph the moon well. I'd even like to paint it one day. But for now, I'll just watch her and let her fullness reflect into my room when I sleep.

 

 (Evening moon in Delisle)

PS  Tara, please help me with your expertise.

-40 Saskatchewan Evaporating Water

So when you think it is cold in the good old USA, think of me here in Saskatchewan!!

Twenty Eight

Our oldest daughter Jen turned 28 today.

28!!

I am sure that is almost as old as some of my readers.

Happy Birthday my girl.

Yarn Along

Joining Ginny again this week for

Yarn Along 56. At least is seems that way.

This is the very same sweater that I posted about way

back when on the first Yarn Along.

It is STILL the Elizabeth Zimmermann Tomten Jacket.

It is still the garter stitch, row upon row of which I am growing

quite weary.

In fact, I am kind of hating this sweater before I have even worn it.

It seems as if I have been knitting it forever, and

I have.

 I have only about one third of a sleeve yet to complete.

And a small collar.

And to put the zipper in.

But still. I cannot wait to finish it and yet

I dread to pick up the needles to do so.



 And on to the reading.

As we are well into the school year I am

doing a little check point on our progress

by reading this Home Learning book.

Just making sure we are covering all the bases

and not leaving anything important out.

 And in personal reading, I am just starting out with this book.

Thank you Heather.

I read one portion as I sit on the mat

in preparation for my daily yoga practice.

So far I am really enjoying it.

But my feet are freezing!!

I have a whole basket of yarn waiting for me

to make my winter slippers.

At this rate, I won't be able to start them until spring.

Not to mention I am in need of new dishcloths as well.

If I can only finish this darned sweater.

Sigh.

Pursuing the Arts

Ever since writing this post, (and after Paul put my intimidating easel away), I have been thinking about my lack of courage when it comes to creating artwork. I have the desire to create and goodness knows I have enough art supplies to get an excellent start. What I don't have is... vision, I guess.  And then I read this post over at Shivaya Naturals. I was totally inspired. I thought that this was something Athena and I could do. And we did.

It was not difficult at all and in fact, was rather fun! First of course I put Bob Seger on the CD player, cranked a touch too loud. Then we painted and I sang along. No expectations. It was the first time I used my acrylics that Paul had bought me years ago. Luckily they had not dried out. What a nice paint to work with.

This is what we came up with.

Athena is always painting, drawing, coloring and creating. Some examples follow:

   

Above is the pigeon from the Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the bus.

I am sure you can recognize this guy.

And today we experimented with poster paints which are not nice to work with. You may recognize my painting is based on the cover of the book Owl Moon, which is one of Athena's favorites. I like the cover of that book so much and have always wanted to paint it. I think I will paint it again, but using a canvas and acrylics and hope for a better result.

My artistic goal is to just try to paint or draw. Just try without expectation or judgement. I think those are both my stumbling blocks when it comes to art. What I am finding out is that it can be just plain fun!

Seven

Happy Birthday my girl!