What the snow brought...

When the snow flies, the birds become brave.

Looking for something that can't be seen beneath the snow.

I put out seed and suet during these times to make survival a bit easier.

I have learned that I have to be careful in feeding the birds, because of  my cat Reuben.

Cats will be cats, and he is a hunter.

When I feed the birds, I keep him on house arrest and he has restricted 'outside time'.

Yes, just like prison.

He has to earn his good behaviour.

In the meantime, the birds stock up on some energy to beat the cold temperatures.

Song for Friday...winter beauty

 

  Of all the languages in the world, I think sign language is the most beautiful.

I found this video of a young girl performing one of the prettiest Gordon Lightfoot songs,

sung by Sarah McLaughlin.

So since we've been graced with an early bit of snow, I'm in a wintery mood.

 Have a warm and cozy weekend all.

Happy Blogday!

It's been three years to this day since I entered the world of blogging.

Who knew the things that would happen.

Parts of my long ago past, brought to light.

 Long lost relatives, whom I didn't know I had....found.

Turned simple walks into curious adventures.

  I've watched my nieces and nephews grow up a lot.

 Become closer to my daughter.

  Made the trip of a lifetime with my father, to a land I used to dream of.

 A land I only knew from stories of the old ones.

 I've come to know so many strangers in more personal ways.

This post, especially...

http://endofera.wordpress.com/2010/02/21/irish-roots/ 

 Learned that ordinary life, when examined, becomes extraordinary. 

 Had the pleasure of being invited into their world.

 I've been witness to the mundane, and it's ability to become amazing.

 Been introduced to wonderful music, movies, books and art. 

 So cheers to you all out there in the blogosphere for allowing us to get to know each other.

For making this world a little smaller...friendlier.

Although we only know each other through these pages, I feel akin to many of you and really do hope one day to meet face to face...

Clear, crisp and quiet...

After yesterday's micro blizzard we woke to clear blue skies.

Still very chilly but the sun and its warming ways were welcome.

The dog, camera and I were out early, trying to capture the stillness of such a morning.

Snow day!

Today we have been hit with an early winter cold snap, complete with snow.

I love the first snowfall of the year.

It brings the winter season into full view.

When I met Regina for a walk this morning, we had no idea how fast the weather would change.

As usual, many people in these parts of the banana belt of Canada, are fairly inept at driving in the snow.

Including me.

Luckily I can hide behind the disguise of a 4 wheel drive van.

This, the view from the studio this morning...

My big concern in this cold is my sweet little Anna's hummingbirds.

They winter here and I've had them here now for 2 winters.

I've learned a new word today...

tor·por  (tôrpr)

n.

1. A state of mental or physical inactivity or insensibility.

2. Lethargy; apathy. 

3. The dormant, inactive state of a hibernating or estivating animal.

The first 2 definitions I can relate to.

The third being what a bird, bear or other animal will do to survive the cold.

They will lower their body temperature slowly to match the outside temp and basically shut down their metabolism, sometimes by  95%.

Truly incredible.

In the meantime, I'm trying to alternate my two feeders to keep them going during the day while not in torpor.

I keep one bundled up outside until it freezes..

And have the other on standby when this one starts to freeze.

I'm also trying bubble wrap as an insulator.

The birds at the feeder and at the suet are busy as well...

There's one guy I know who is absolutely ga-ga about the snow...

So keep warm little hummers.

I love how the snow quiets everything out here...

The only sound now is the snow plow once in a while, and the soft sweep of the wind through the trees.

---

Gone sale-ing...

There's nothing better than a good old fashioned rummage sale.

Oh sure, you've got your garage sales, boot sales, Christmas craft fairs, 

but I'm talking about down in the church basement, all musty, crowded with senior ladies with aprons to hold coins and bills, stuff galore, kind of sale.

I use to frequent these quite regularly when I lived in town, but haven't been for years.

In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to find not one but two of my all time favorites still going on.

Every Friday. 10-2.

First stop...James Bay United Church.

Couldn't wait to get inside!

So much to see!

...and then just like it's always been...cram packed full of stuff!

Room after room of great deals...

This is the neighbourhood of James Bay...

One of the oldest hoods in Victoria, home to an eclectic mix of seniors, hippies, artists, government offices and fishing wharves.

Also some great public art like this metal sculpture...

And a cob bench...

Next it was a drive across town to Oak Bay United Church...

 This lovely old building has just reopened after some major restorations...
Perhaps a few thousand rummage sales had a hand in that project!
This neighbourhood is much different than James Bay.
It is the posh, upscale and well to do-ers who live here.
But a rummage sale is a rummage sale the world over...

There's something comforting about a rummage sale.
It's one of those things that always remains the same.
Great bargains, money to charity, finding that great item you just can't live without.
So here is some of my treasures that came home with me...

This lovely little Rudyard Kipling book of ghost stories...$2...

Salt and pepper shakers for the Christmas dinner table...$2...

Pretty antique bowls...$6...

 Sweet little picture frame...$2...

This hand tinted picture called "The Afterglow" is my favorite...$7...

 Going to a rummage sale with your friend...
Priceless.