HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016!

Another year come and gone.  Instead of looking back at what was, I'm looking ahead to what's to be.  

My house still shows the trappings of Christmas passed but these will soon be put away for the year. That task is on my to do list, one of many that I've noted for the year.  Also on the list cleaning out and organizing in the pantry, my study, the loft.

We are looking forward to a big trip in the summer to Europe; Finland first then a river cruise on the Danube starting in Budapest and ending near Munich where we will stay several nights on the outskirts.  Dan has been to Germany but this will be my first trip.

The garden has its own list of "to do" items.  My fight against the deer damage will continue.  The fishing line was a success for much longer than I expected.  That will have to be restrung come spring and the downed wood fence built higher.  I hope to purchase another arbor and gate for the east entrance to the backyard.  Plants will be moved that are a favorite food of the deer.

The beds in the perennial garden need work.  The light in that space has changed in the 10 years we've lived here.  Once was full sun is now partial shade.  I need to rethink what I have planted there

There are books to be read, day trips to be taken, crafts to pursue, new and old connections to be made.

What will 2016 bring? Stay tuned.

A Hiatus for the Holidays!

Here's wishes for a Happy Holiday season

from my house to yours.

Lots to be done to celebrate this wonderful time of year.

The tree needs putting up and trimming.

Menus for parties need planning and advance preparations started.

Cookies need baking.

Last minute gifts need purchasing and wrapping.

Cards need to be addressed and mailed.

It's also that time of year for reflecting on events of the past year and future events to come.

I will return to blogging in the New Year.

Joyous Holidays and a Happy New Year!

Note: photos are from years' past!  No snow here and no tree or decorations up yet!

Two Drive By Churches

I need to take some more church photos.  These two are the last ones I have from visiting New Hampshire/Vermont in October.  I need to carry my camera with me in the car and take some photos.

These two were drive by photos and not the best quality.

The flag above is on the telephone pole not on the church.

Joining Inspired Sundays

Outside My Window

Outside my study window is one of my birdfeeders.  It's placed in the Pond Garden.

Sunday morning it was a busy spot but the newcomer I noticed was the junco below.

It was under the feeder looking for the droppings of seed bits.  Juncoes or snowbirds are a harbinger of winter to come.

This feeder gets emptied fast because the goldfinch (not gold at this time of year) sit there and eat.

The tufted titmouse manages to squeeze in to get one sunflower seed which they take to a branch to open between their feet.

The purple finch is also another that monopolizes the feeder.

These birds must travel to other feeders through the day - equal opportunity feeding.

Hang on their chickadee, your turn will come.

Later Sunday morning I heard a loud thump on the window.  I looked up in time to see mourning doves scattering but no sign of a hawk in pursuit.  Below the window was one dove that took a direct hit on the window.  It didn't survive.  By Monday morning the corpse was gone - food for the fox, I'm sure.

Joining WildBirdWednesday