Look, I'm just like Jimmy Fallon...

Look, I'm just like Jimmy Fallon...

Laughing hard...

Feeder Friday

Look at who's in our backyard this year.

This little spark of color caught my eye while I was at the sink the other day.

What is that?

So what do I do? Of course, grab the camera.
And then it turned around and I saw it.
So exciting, it doesn't take much, right?

The Return and Bloom Day Combined

One nice thing of returning after a trip, 

is that sometimes something you have been waiting for, happens.

Our sweet hummingbirds have returned. There are three of them, two girls again and one boy who are frequenting the feeders. This year they are doing something new...

It is so sweet they are resting not up in the oak tree, but in the blooming azalea.

Here are a couple of pics.

They are so sweet and the colors of the azaleas this year are so vivid, after this long...long winter.

They do make me smile.

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Thinking about Window boxes...Christmas

You know how I feel about my window boxes. I have been intensely wanting them to look beautiful and plentiful for the holidays. The last couple years I tried big ornaments and Christmas birdhouses etc. Nothing seemed right. Until this year...

This year I got clever, it takes me awhile. Garlands and fresh greenery were so expensive at the nursery. I looked at the prices and was appalled. Then my thoughts drifted to the our own trees and bushes in the back. "DUH!" How did it take me so long...? So I went and started trimming...see the results. Did I get carried away after I finished the boxes?

Here and Now

Hello there...I'm back.

Well- truly I never left, I've been writing posts several times a day (in my head) and they are really good ones. You the kind that make you giggle as you read them. I'm giggling at least.  The challenge is finding time to put down. The break was necessary and good.

Thank you for checking in, here is a little preview of what has been happening and what is ahead.

What have I done with my window boxes for the season?

It looks gorge and cost less than $5.

We had our annual St Nick Party, loads of fun!

Look who's here

It's not who's at the feeder but this medium sized fellow in my azalea.  Hadn't seen him before?  Juncos are gone but these are here now.  Pretty greys with a black cap. Foraging below the bushes with some mates.  

Looked him up, turns out it's a Gray Catbird. Now, I have seen the Cowbirds, and have heard our Catbirds but this is the first time I actually saw him. Apparently, they can be elusive.  Have to add him to my life-list.

Another suprise this spring has been, Mockingbirds.  They are unusual here in the Northeast? At least, I have not heard them in my neighborhood before.  They are soooo loud, ALL NIGHT LONG.  Oh my gosh...seriously, listen here for an idea of what it's been like. Still haven't seen them, but we hear them.  They must have a nest nearby, I think they're lost?

On another sweeter note, our hummingbirds are back, and loving the new feeders. It seems like it took them a long time, so happy they are back, they sure make me smile. 

Who's been around your backyard?

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I can't believe this is Spring?

Had been feeling so optimistic this past weekend about the weather, the garden plans, got to some spring chores.  I was so excited I put up our new feeder. Isn't it pretty? Even made hummingbird syrup for the new feeders.  They are getting closer and thought they might even be here in a few days. Did you know you could track their migration, here.

And then...

This was the scene this morning. 

Seriously? Can you see the lines above that is how hard it was falling and still is.

If only it felt like this?

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What to give-what to give?

I love giving. This is something my hubby knew well, when he met me. He understood it even better, when we married too. It's always part of the budget, crafting and gifting. Trust me, the eyes start rolling in July, when I start talking about Christmas. 

Is it just me? I didn't think so?

Anyway, I thought I would share some of my faves today about great ideas to give those who are housebound or in a nursing home.  Things to think about when giving a gift; what would they like? what do they need? what is a luxury? In the end, what would brighten someone's day or bring them a lasting smile?  Being remembered by someone unexpected is always a good feeling.

I love fingerless gloves which can help keep the person toasty, or a fleece wrap.
Although I think anyone of any age would love these!

Pattern Found here on Etsy

Easy Crochet Fleece

Other ideas include,

treats and fresh fruit which are always nice, a small planter or indoor garden, photos and cards. 

Warm socks, warm packs, and warm hugs. 

Anything bird-watching-related is also popular. And why wouldn't it be, they are so fun to watch! 

A great gift can be  bird feeders or as simple as a bottle of birdseed with a bow on it.

I think making a simple birdseed ornaments, with no cleanup to be a great gift.

It's fun to do with the kids and so pretty.

Below are my two favorites!

Go check out 

Salt Water Kids for a great tutorial.

or

Henry Happened

For some more fun ideas, this is what I found and pinned on Pinterest. I made a board of them.
I absolutely love some of the things I found.

Fun things in the holidays would include, decorating for someone, whether the porch or a window, use clings, lights, a wreath, anything to make it beautiful.  Remember if you decorate for someone who is homebound or elderly, please, please, please remember to set a time to go back and take it down for them. They should not be getting up on anything to take something down, or worried about it. What would be the point of the gift if it caused more worry. Another thought, singing to them, the old wonderful treat of carolers, it's fun and inexpensive and a beautiful way to connect.

Having listed all these things, let me add the all time best thing!

All time best thing to offer is TIME. 

There is nothing like time together, whether it's sharing a pot of tea, watching a show together, making small talk, playing cards, or even better, helping them reminisce about the beautiful moments.  I have found that any amount of time offered including a hug, holding hands and a smile is appreciated more than anything else.

So, go get out there
and
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Who's at the Feeder Fridays and Happenings

So summer is winding down, and we are heading into finishing our preparations for the start of school.

Some exciting events here, we have a baby red-tailed hawk in the backyard.  Mama and baby are too fast to catch via camera, but Mama Hawk is huge. We saw her land right in front of us and our kitchen window one day, after a terrified mourning dove was trying to get away from her and hit the window. So sad, would of felt better if she had taken it then, but it clearly died on impact, she wanted something more lively I suspect for her young.  We buried it, turning it into a good learning moment.  I had to scrub the window to get the mark off. I used a great mix of detergent, rinse aid and rubbing alcohol mixed with hot water. Scrub and rinse. Super easy.

In other news, the feeder has been busy, with the usual suspects.
Can you guess what this unidentified flying bird is?
I'm sure you can guess.

We have a pretty little woodpecker visit, thankfully back to the feeder and off the house. Have you ever been in the house when this bird starts on it? Very noisy.

Which brings us to the latest visitor in our house and the reason we have not slept in two days. An incessent thrill/buzzing sound so loud you want to pull out your hair. It's actually quieter outside. Yes, we fear somehow, at sometime in the past two days a cicada or something that makes a similar sound made it's way in. We have been searching, we have failed, we are tired. I now have a keener understanding and appreciation of those who suffer with tinnitus.
God help you all-It's not pretty. 

On a lighter note.

At least, Hijinx can still relax.

Look how I found him chillin on our patio. Looks like flat squirrel is back with the heat.

What's happening at your feeders and on your patios?

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Best Backyard Bird Feeders and Baths

Well, this summer has been a bird-a-palooza for sounds and sightings.  

We added a few little things to the garden for them and they rewarded us,
with their beautiful songs and planting a few surprises in the garden to boot,
more to share on that later.
Fall is fast approaching,
which does not mean the backyard birdfeeding ends...no, no, no,  my friend,
it continues!

Here are a few of my favorite pins for the birds, from our Pinterest World and mine.

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 This one above is one of my all-time favorite birdfeeders, 

it's organic, recycled and absolutely adorable.

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Love this recycled wine bottle and check out the name of wine, so cool.
Rebecca from The GardenRoofCoop is brilliant.

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This feeder is pretty and squirrel proof, add a baffle below and you are all set!

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Have an old slinkie and a hanger? What to do, make a birdfeeder of course, so sweet.

Found at My Diy Place

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This picture frame feeder is simple and architectural at the same time.

Originally featured on Country Living.

Must make.

Now for the hummingbirds, make your own or buy one.

These both work, I find homemade syrup works best.

Source

Source

 My favorite has been the window hanger, offering a more intimate connection.

I also found this summer, the best way to keep wasps away from the feeder,
just rub a little vegetable oil around the seams, it makes it difficult for them to land.

(hee hee hee)

Don't forget the hummingbird perch.

They actually do use it!

Source

And then there are the baths.

You can make it sparkly like this one made from old DVD's 

or as simple as garden rocks and a saucer.
Debbie from Meandmydiy blog has a fantastic tutorial on this gorgeous sparkler.
Definitely please go and check it out!

   

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Which feeders have been the best for you this summer? How do you change them for the fall? Love to hear from you!


BTW, will be taking a hiatus from Garden Mondays and Feeder Fridays for the next 15 days to focus on preparing for the Feast of the Dormition of our Holy Mother. 
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Feeder Fridays-Nuthatcher

When you see this little wonders, you ask, what is that crawling up and down my tree out there?

Can't be a woodpecker, it's not red?

What it is, is a Nuthatcher.

You have probably heard their call, "Hey, Hey, Hey"

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Who's at the Feeder Friday-Rose Crested Grosbeak

First time I saw this guy, I was like, "what is that??"

Well didn't take long to find out it was a Rose-Crested Grosbeak.

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Who's at the Feeder Fridays-Hummingbirds

We moved the hummingbird feeder this year from hanging off the porch, mainly due to damage from Hijinx and his friends which then led to the ants going marching. Hummingbirds don't like it when the ants are in their food.  They will abandon the feeder and she did.

Early in the season, our first little hummingbird to start to visit, was a little girl. How little who knows how to test the age of a hummingbird? We moved the feeder to a hanging window one. It has provided us with much enjoyment, I can't even describe. Our little girl visits almost every 5 minutes and mid June we started seeing her guy! He's a little bigger and ruby-throated. They fly back and forth from our honeysuckle on the side of the house to our kitchen window feeder. We have also seen them get comfortable enough to sit on the perch I made last year! That was a sight! So exciting, sorry, they are so fast haven't been able to catch a picture of that, yet.

I was able to catch a picture of our little girl up on oak branch, way up the tree. Thanks to the eagle eyes of my hubby.

I would love to have them get comfortable enough to handfeed them someday?

Anyone been able to do this?

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Views of Sweetness

I've mentioned to you before being at one of my favorite gardens. 

The order and simplicity and beauty of it. 

I think I tend to over-think it and don't pull enough weeds.

 So there are two main beautiful trees that up here in the Northwest are not typical in the backyard garden. The lemon tree, you all know my affinity here. And, an enormous fig tree, which has been trained sideways to make picking the fruit, that much easier.

  It is just beautiful. He told me he covers it fully to protect it from our harsh winters. 

I will make sure to get a picture of it in its winter clothes. 

Here are two other really lovely features.

Organic and simple, and lovely.

A gourd used as a bird nest, and it is utilized.

Then an old stump turned planter, with respective mushrooming.

LOVE IT!

Here you can see the gentle curve of the pathway, the aged overhead trellis 

and veggie garden on one side and flowers on the other. 

So lovely, a garden loved.

So...what aspects are your favorites in your garden?

What would you like to add?

How does your garden grow?

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Who's at the Feeder Fridays #2-Lovebirds?

Cardinals must be like lovebirds.  

I have noticed where there is one, the other is nearby and often they fly everywhere together.

They usually are on parallel branches.

Take turns on the feeder. 

So sweet. I love hearing them call to each other.

Hey Honey-you ready?

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Who's at the Feeder Fridays

Ok to give some structure to the summer, planning to start a couple of features. I have been drowning in end of the year events-which have been very fun, and work and other things. Our backyard feeders have been full and it's a wild-life alright. Sometimes I can't believe how many there are, all at the same time?

It's a blessing.

So on Fridays for those who want to check in- you will get to see who's been at our feeder?

I'm still here.
You still there?

Will announce more features as we go.

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Simple Birdbath

Birdbaths don't need to expensive or complicated. The birds just need a little water...

too much and they actually can drown.

I've seen so many different ideas in the Pinterest world of making birdbaths.

Beautiful creations out of concrete, layers of vases, hanging platters

 even some being repurposed glass plates glued to tall lamp bases.

Here's what I did.

Everything I had, and  it was easy.

I placed some flat rocks on top of each other and an old stump.

I still need to put a little rock in the middle, in order to give another place for them, to get their balance.

Later in the summer it will also help the butterflies. Although I may make them their own.

As you can see we have the angry birds slingshot out already.

So...

Organic simplicity?

Or just lazy?

Hey it worked! 

The little birds were able to get some water during the heat wave.

I'll go with repurposed ingenuity.

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