Winter it is.

What is with the weather?  My thermometer sat near -40C two nights ago.  Right now it is -11C and is supposed to rise to -5C overnight.  Wear the heavy jacket.  Wear the light weight jacket.  Put on the heavy duty winter boots.  Put on the light duty winter boots.  Everyday is a new adventure in how one should dress for the day.  

Whatever the temperature happens to be in the morning, tomorrow is going to be an outside day.  After being housebound for a couple days, I need fresh air.  To ski or to snowshoe is the question of the evening.  There's a lot of new fluffy snow on the ground that is just waiting to be played in.  I realized that my x-country skis have not found their way out of my garage this winter.

When I got home this afternoon, there was about four inches of snow on my driveway again.  I love winter and the snow but after looking at all the gardening magazines,  I have to confess that I did wonder how long it was going to take to melt the mountainous snowbanks in the backyard.  There's about two feet of snow where my raised garden beds are going to be.  I was dreaming of blooming hollyhocks last night and I realized that there is a five foot high pile of snow where the seeds will be planted.  My field of dandelions is home to a sledding ramp at the moment.

Winter?  Summer?  Winter?  Summer?  What do I want?  I'm so confused.  I guess I should take advantage of the remaining days of winter because in a few short months I will be complaining about the heat which I absolutely cannot tolerate and the pesky mosquitoes that will want to suck my blood.  You will find me outside early on a summer morning or in the evening but during the remainder of the day I hibernate inside.  The summer heat and I do not get along.  The mosquitoes and I are not friends.

 I do love the colors of summer; the brilliant greens in the forest and the bright pinks, purples and yellows in the flower beds.  The freshness of a rainy day and the smell of wet pine needles are right up there on my list of likes as well.  So is sitting on my deck to watch the hummingbirds flit from flower to flower. 


That all sounds great but I think I just solved my confusion.  I am more active in the winter.  I spend more time outside during the winter months.  I can make myself more comfortable with layers of clothing.  Winter is still at the top of the list for favorite season of the year so the gardening magazines will be put on the shelf while I enjoy the remaining weeks of winter.

 

Planning the Planting

After seeing the flurry of bird activity in my backyard yesterday, I dug out the garden magazines once again.  Spring is around the corner and I need to make some decisions on what will be planted in my expanded back yard.

I have the winter birds taken care of but want to ensure that my summer feathered friends are taken care of as well.  The feeders are well stocked through the summer but I need to replace some of the 'leafy trees' that came down for my home construction.  Since then, many of the warm weather birds and all of the squirrels left the yard and I want to lure them back.

I planted a few shrubs in the fall.  I'm hoping that the dogwood and the ninebark will grow rapidly.  The squirrels used to love running along the branches of the old pines.  I've got some new mountain pines planted just for them.

I'm still looking for more bushes or trees with berries such as mountain ash, chokecherry or sea buckthorn.  My choices need to be rapid growers and 'non-fussy' as to where they are planted.  This will take a bit of research but I am hoping that it will be sorted out before spring thaw so I can get them into the ground as early as possible.

 

In addition to the trees and shrubs, I'll be making sure that the holly hocks are replanted and that the trellises for the scarlet runner beans are put back into place.  The hummingbirds will appreciate having the fresh blooms supplement their sugar water in the feeders.


 

A raised garden bed and a strawberry patch have to fit in as well.  So many ideas, so little space.  I'm getting excited just thinking about how much fun it is going to be to re-create my yard.  Bring on spring.

 

Winter Entertainment

Brrr.  That's all I can say.  My thermometer did not move above -30C today.  On top of that, there was a windchill.  The sun was shining which made the scene outside look deceiving.  It was a good day to be housebound if I had to be.

The loud squawking coming from the backyard got my attention.  I looked through the window to see what the noise was all about.  There was a feeding frenzy taking place.

  


The tray feeder that the blue jays frequent was empty so they were trying their best to fly in and hang on to the narrow ledge of a hanging feeder.  The feeder would swing back and forth wildly when they flew away.

The chickadees were forced to wait until the blue bullies left the feeder.  They fluffed their feathers to protect their bodies from the bitter cold as they waited patiently.  As soon as a jay would leave, three to four chickadees would come flying in to the seed store.  I watched in awe and wondered how those little creatures could stay warm in the bitter cold just by fluffing their feathers.

When there was room at the feeder, the redpolls would swoop down from the aspen branches.  A flock huddled in the upper part of the tree.  The blustery wind whipping around the corner of the house was making it necessary for those little birds to hang on for dear life.

 I ventured out and filled the tray feeder with striped sunflower seeds, raisins and some peanut butter covered bread.  It wasn't long before a  nuthatch showed up.  I've see them at the hanging feeders but this was the first time that I've seen one at the tray feeder.  It made numerous trips back and forth for nourishment.


The cold was forcing all the feathered friends to come out in droves.  They were messy eaters this afternoon; dropping many seeds to the snow beneath the feeder.  The seeds lured in some beautiful ground feeders.

I could hear the pine grosbeaks in the tree tops.  It didn't take them long to scavenge the seeds the fallen seeds.  Their colorful plumage stood out brightly against the white snow.

As I watched the feeding frenzy I realized that I had appropriately placed the stake that holds the bird feeders.  I could see all the action from my bedroom window.  It provided some welcome, afternoon entertainment on a cold winter day.

Two for one

I chose to have my kitchen, bedroom and deck on the east side of my house when it was constructed because they are the three areas where the most time is spent.  It paid off.  The sun was streaming through the kitchen patio door today.  Instead of grabbing my coffee and heading to the computer room, I moved my kitchen chair so I could sit in the sun and enjoy the warmth.  The sun shining through a window is a mood 'booster'.

My empty mug signaled that I'd better get some chores done.  I made it as far as my bedroom.  When I rounded the corner, the walls were adorned with rainbows.  They were breathtaking and a wonderful surprise.  
 
I have a crystal hanging in the bedroom window.  As the sun came up this morning, the light was broken into its many colors and was reflected onto the walls. What a beautiful sight. 

I took a class many years ago that taught the importance of surrounding yourself with meaningful things; things that make you happy; things that bring you peace.  That crystal in the sunshine brings me peace.



I have to admit that there is one job left on the to-do list because I chose to make a second cup of coffee to enjoy while I watched my rainbows until they disappeared.  

There was something enlightening and spirit lifting when the sun shone through the window today.  It was a 'two for one' day; sunshine and rainbows. Bonus.  I needed that since I should have been sending off a January 28 birthday email to a good friend.  I lost that good friend in November.  Maybe the rainbows were a sign that my thought message was delivered.

 

Blue-bird Sky

It was another beautiful day.  Blue Alberta sky and sunshine; the perfect combination for an outdoor day.  I started off wanting to revisit the SWC but arrived there to find both parking lots full with cars parked along the driveway.  There were people everywhere!  It was nice to see that many people out for some fresh air and exercise but that was a little too busy for my liking.

I left and decided to visit the local elementary school.  There is a snowbank rink beside the school and I had my skates in the truck.  Well, I struck out again.  The snow hadn't been cleared off of it yet so I headed over to the Cooking Lake - Blackfoot Recreation area.  The parking lot was just as busy as the SWC!  There were skiers everywhere!  Well, there was only one more place for me to try; Elk Island.

As I was driving into the park, the bison were out foraging for food.




I drove straight through to the Amisk Wuche Trail.  On previous visits, I've been the only one parked at the trail head.  Today, there were four other vehicles.  I was number five. 

 
I was not going to waste a gorgeous day so I put on the snowshoes and grabbed my gear.  I remembered the trekking poles today, just in case I needed them.  The trail was not hard packed so it was a good thing that I had them.  

This trail is only 2.5km long but it is a challenging walk.  There are many hills that you are constantly climbing.  When the snow is deep, it makes for an even better work out.  Before heading into the forest, I stopped at the boardwalk that crosses the beaver pond.  The pond was blanketed with fresh soft snow that was untouched.  I could feel the warmth of the sun on my face as I took in the beautiful scene.


I could see that there were a couple of hikers ahead of me on the trail.  They stopped at the top of a hill and were watching something in the treetops.  I made it to the top and looked up.  The branches of the tall birch in front of us were filled with redpolls.  As we stood there, we could hear the chickadees.  A raven and a pileated woodpecker were calling from the forest to the south.  A blue jay was squawking at us from a spruce tree to the north.  This was the first day that I've heard that many birds in one spot.  Mother Nature's choir was out enjoying the sunshine as well.

I was about three quarters of the way around the loop when I heard another pileated woodpecker.  I stopped to see where the sound was coming from.  As I caught sight of it, a second woodpecker came flying over and landed on a tree on the opposite side of the trail.  They called out to each other as they worked to find insects hiding under the tree bark.  Bark chips were flying left and right as their strong beaks broke pieces off in search of food.

I made it back to the parking lot.  Just as I was about to take off my snowshoes, another pileated woodpecker flew in from the north and landed in the tree directly in front of my truck.  What a great ending to a beautiful blue-bird sky day.

 

 

The Perfect Morning

Note to self.  Take poles when going snowshoeing even if you think you won't need them.  

Today I took advantage of the sunshine and clear blue sky.  I left home with my snowshoes in tow, ready for some exercise and fresh air.

The trail through the trees was packed down but not a soul had ventured out onto the lake.  That trail was drifted over in the open areas and covered in four inches of soft snow where it bordered the tree line.

I had to break trail today.  That is always easier done with trekking poles but I was not about to turn back.  The pristine, sparkling snow was calling me.

I attempted to remember where the packed trail was but did find myself in snow up to my knees when I mistakenly stepped off the beaten track.  That's where the poles would have come in handy.

I love breaking trail which was why I didn't turn back when I saw the drifts.  It is exhilarating to be the first person to trod through an open area of untouched snow. 

The sun made the snow sparkle like a million mini crystals.  My tracks were the only human ones visible but there many animal tracks that crisscrossed the landscape.

It was evident that the deer, moose and hares were out and about.  There were tracks of smaller creatures that ventured out of the forest and onto the lake; looking for twigs, grasses and seeds to nibble.  There was evidence of dog and cat-like tracks that appeared to belong to hunters looking for smaller mammals.

I didn't see any animals today but the birds were out.  The chickadees were singing their 'cheeseburger' songs in the willow thickets.  The ravens were calling in the treetops and a grouse was rummaging for food in the underbrush.

The entire trek left me exhausted; in a good way.  It was quiet and peaceful.  It was rejuvenating.  After a number of grey, snowy days, it was fantastic to see the sun and the clear, blue sky.

I got home and didn't want to spend the rest of the morning inside so I fed my backyard bird friends.  I went in only long enough to make a cup of coffee which I then enjoyed on the back deck, in the sunshine, watching the action at the bird feeders.

That was the perfect ending to a perfect morning.

Moose-capades

Yesterday the snow was falling and the wind was gusting.  The snowplow had gone through and dropped a sand/salt mixture on the ice that was uncovered.  The mixture draws the wildlife out of the trees; especially the moose.  For this reason, I watched  for movement along the edge of the forest.  It wasn't long before I spotted a bull moose heading in my direction.  I could tell it was the same one that I see quite often.  He's got a mismatched set of antlers.

I pay attention to where the animals tend to show up and am more wary in these locations.

The road I travel has many hills, large and small.  That friendly neighborhood moose tends to make himself right at home, laying down in the middle of that road.  He sprawls out while licking the salt.  This often creates a dangerous situation for unsuspecting travelers.

  


I've seen him with a friend in the middle of the road.  They tend to become quite the spectacle for anyone not used to seeing them everyday. The last time I saw them together, there were three vehicles parked, in addition to myself, watching their antics.

My kind of beauty.

 






 

Simplify Your Life

I was looking over my photographs taken at the last photography workshop that I attended.   No matter how many times I view them, I continue to marvel at how trees, shrubs and plants are able to grow in the smallest rock crevices.

I remember this little tree reaching out of the rock along Abraham Lake. There was nothing growing close to it.

 How did the seed get there?  What are the roots anchored to?  Where is the food supply?  How long will it continue to thrive? 




I followed a path to the shore of the lake.  There was a rock outcrop that housed a grouping of wild rose bushes.  They were covered in rose hips so I knew that they had bloomed and were happy in that location.  Where was their nourishment coming from?

Along the rocky shore, a number of young plants grew amidst the pebbles.  They too were thriving in a harsh looking environment.





Each time I witness a scene such as this, it makes me wonder about our own day to day goings on.  Do we  need to have the biggest and best of everything?  Do we need to keep up with the neighbor down the street? 

Could we learn a lesson from nature?  The plants and trees were firmly rooted in place.  They were thriving in barren locations without any pampering.  Their basic necessities were being provided.  They were green, budding and blooming.  They were happy.  

Have you ever considered simplifying your life?  I did and have done so with no regrets.  It has allowed me the opportunity to enjoy the little things.  It has allowed me the time to take in all that nature has to offer.  

My two days off per week are spent exploring and enjoying the beauty around me.  I don't hesitate to put on the rain gear and head into the woods on a rain, summer day or to stop along the road side to watch the deer feeding underneath a moonlit sky.

Through simplifying my life, I have found a balance between a hectic work life and a relaxing home life.  It energizes and rejuvenates the soul.  Try it.  You just might like it.

 

Feeder Friends

Due to the windchill yesterday, the girls and I didn't make it to the Wilderness Centre.  We did however take advantage of the sheltered backyard.

The snow was coming down and the temperature went from above zero and melting the day before to the mid-minus twenties which iced everything up.  It was a good thing that the snow was falling as it slowed the pace that they were traveling down our makeshift sledding hill.

There are two bird feeders filled with striped sunflower seeds beside the hill.  As we were having fun in the snow, the chickadees continued to feed, providing us with some additional entertainment.  We watched as they flitted from tree to feeder.  They were used to us being in the backyard and were not afraid.



We noticed that the chickadees had their thick feathers fluffed up to keep the warm air trapped close to their bodies.  I mentioned that the birds had their feather coats to keep them warm.  Wren, our birdie, reminded me that my feather coat kept me warm too.

With the temperature dipping again, the birds have been extra busy.  They are emptying the feeders faster than usual.  The ravens and the magpies have been taking their turn at the feeders as well.

This winter has proven to be great for bird watching thus far.  Pine grosbeaks, chickadees, redpolls, blue jays, ravens, magpies, and a couple different types of woodpeckers have provided some non-stop action in the backyard.   They have also provided some non-stop action for the neighbor's cat.

 

'Snow' Much Fun

Flash freeze.  That's the forecast for overnight.  Can't say that I've ever experienced one before.  I guess there's always a first time.  At least the weather held out this afternoon so I could spend a couple of hours outside with my little sleep-over buddies.

Who needs fancy or expensive toys?  All we had outside today was a couple of snow shovels, the plastic flying saucer to slide on and LOTS of snow. 

The backyard has at least two feet of snow in it.  There is a slope to the very back so it was perfect for a sledding run.  We took the shovels and started piling the snow up to create a hill with a ramp.  Wren kept asking "Gramma, what are we making?"  

We kept piling and packing until it was the perfect height for a gentle downhill ride.  While I carved out a track for the sled to follow, the girls attempted to climb the mountain.  I was called to the rescue twice when they fell off the back into the deep snow.  Neither could move.  They were like turtles on their backs.

Help!  I've fallen and can't get up.

I dug my way to the back of the yard.  I had to build up a wall because they were worried that the sled would go too fast and they would hit a tree.  I went down a couple of times to pack the snow.  Elora thought it was hilarious to see Gramma going down the hill on the flying saucer.

Once I got them going, I lost count of how many times they went up and down the backyard.  The temperature was perfect so we managed to stay out about two hours.  I can't say that I've ever seen them spend two hours playing with the same toy when they are inside the house.

When it was time to head in for snacks, their cheeks had a nice rosy glow.  With all that fresh air, it didn't take them long to fall asleep this evening.




I'm hoping that the 'flash freeze' will not hinder our attempt to spend time outside again tomorrow.  We just may venture over to the Wilderness Center to see if we can find some 'mooses' because spending time outside in the winter is 'snow' much fun!

 






 

The Circle of Life

I checked the calendar today.  There are now sixty one days until the first day of spring.  That means there are sixty one days until the signs of rebirth begin appearing.  New forest babies will be born.  Birds will return from their winter homes and begin the construction of nests to cradle their eggs.  Trees will begin pushing leaf buds from their branches.




When the snow begins to melt, I love putting on my boots to slog through the mud in search of those first green hints of spring.  The leaf buds bursting through their brown protective cases signal the beginning of life.  As they grow, they will create the nourishment for the tree that they are attached to.  They will continue producing the nourishing sap throughout their entire life.

In exchange for the food, the tree will draw and deliver water and nutrients from the soil.  This will go on through the spring and summer until the days become shorter and the change in daylight will signal the leaves to stop producing the sap.  The tree will seal the area where the leaf is attached; blocking the water and nutrients. This will force the leaves to begin changing color.  

The greens become vibrant yellows and reds that create a beautiful autumn canvas.  The opportunity to take in the beauty of nature's fall color can be short lived.  One gusty wind can tug at the leaves, forcing them to let go and shower down to the ground.


The colorful blanket will slowly turn brown and brittle.  It will create a crunch underfoot as hikers walk the trails.  The blanket will provide an insulated home to the ladybugs over winter.  The leaves will decay and return as nutrients to the soil for the next generation.  This will complete the circle of life.

We can take lessons from the young bud that opens to the sun and all the phases that it goes through in such a short period of time.  It provides nourishment for the tree and shelter for the birds.  It is challenged to hang on tightly as gusty winds and hail batter it on the branch.  As the sunlight diminishes in the fall, the leaf's energy is lost.  It tries to hang on as long as it can but the bond will eventually break and it will fall.  In death it still is able to provide shelter until it breaks down to rejuvenate the soil.

We are born and we grow.  We learn and we love.  We hang on when life challenges us and we try to find ways to overcome those challenges.  There are times when they are too great and they drain our energy, causing us to fall.  We too will have to complete the circle of life.  

We don't know when it will come full circle so live it to the fullest.  Don't waste your energy or time dwelling on things or people that you cannot change.  Concentrate on what you have control over.  Learn from mistakes and move on.  

Cherish the special people in your life.  The best gift you can give a loved one is time.  Share the gift of you.  

Enjoy the simple things; a walk in the rain or the smile of a child.  Make the time to just sit and take in the beauty around you.  Live your life now in this moment before the circle becomes complete.

The Color of Life

I received another gardening magazine today.  As I flipped through the pages and looked at the colorful blossoms, the one color that stood out the most was green.  Green is fresh and is associated with the awakening of spring.  It is the symbol of new beginnings.  It represents nature, renewal and growth.

I love taking a walk just as the last of the snow is melting.  I watch for hints of green buds and new grasses making their way through the browns left by autumn.  The first signs of spring excite me.

When the showers begin to fall, I put on my gear and walk in the rain.  The air is fresh and the greens are brilliant.  The forest is quiet and the only sound to be heard are the raindrops on the leaves.  




I love the color green.  I find it to be tranquil and relaxing.  That is why I chose to paint the interior of my house green.  Bringing it into my home, satisfies my need to see it when I cannot be outside.  I've read that green is used in decorating to nourish health, calm nerves, stimulate positive thoughts and promote healing.  For me, it is the color of moving forward.  It is inspiring.  It is the color of life.

Coffee. I need coffee.

I turned the final corner on the way home last night and saw a bright orange glow in the distance.  As I got closer to my yard, I noticed a large fire burning at the end of a driveway.  I could tell there were people there already so didn't bother going to see what was going on.

I parked and with arms full, headed to the house.  There are no street lamps where I live so the solar motion sensor flood lamp that I installed came on as usual.  There was no indication that anything was wrong.  After fumbling with the key, I got the door open and found the kitchen to be darker than usual.  No stove or microwave lights meant that the power was out.  That was just great.

All the way home I was craving a cup of coffee.  That is my usual after work ritual but last night I REALLY wanted one.   I grabbed the flashlight and found a sterno in the basement.  I also found the little camping stove that it fits into. I could 'taste' that coffee already.  It would be even better than usual because it would have to be French press coffee which is my indoor equivalent to camping coffee. 

I got it all set up on top of the stove.  It was then I got the first indication that the power had been off for a long time already.  No power also means no water.  If it is off for only a short period of time, I can still fill a pitcher with what is in the water line. Drip, drip, drip was all I got from the tap.  It would take all night to fill a mug and there was not enough left in the pitcher by my coffee maker.

Since there was no water coming through, I knew that the power had been off for quite awhile already. I called the power outage line to find out when it was expected to come back on.  The recording said that a crew was dispatched and were still determining the cause.  That didn't help my coffee craving.  

Well, it was 10:30pm already and the house was cooling off.  That problem was solved easily.  I got the wood stove lit and the room was warming up nicely.  I made another call to the power outage line and the recording was updated.  The crews found the root of the problem but still had no idea when the power would be back on.  I was beginning to think that there would be no pre-bedtime brew for me.

I dug out an extra blanket and pillow to hunker down in front of the wood stove in the living room.  My reading material and flashlight were ready.  Just as I got myself comfortable, the power came on.  I had to wait thirty minutes for the water lines to pressure up enough to get a trickle but that was fast enough to get a cup of water.  It was just after 11pm and that coffee sure tasted good. 

It turned out that the big bonfire I saw earlier in the evening was actually the culprit of the power outage.  A power pole was on fire.  My alarm clock remembered that the lights went out at 8:25pm so the power was out for more than two hours.

This was now the second time that it went out since moving into the new house.  I thought that hooking up to the main community water line rather than having a water cistern would be a great idea.  I've learned that maybe it wasn't so great.  

In the old house, when the power went out, it just meant that my own water pump didn't work.  It also meant that when the power came on, so did my pump and I was back in business.  Now, I am at the mercy of the community pumping station.  Even though the power comes back on, I have to wait until all the pumps are running to capacity again which could take hours depending on how long the power was out.

There was a lesson learned last night.  The first item on this week's grocery list is a case of bottled water.  It will be tucked away in the basement for the next coffee emergency.

 

Don't Beam Me Up

I left for work very early today.  I'm sure my neighbors love it when I start up my vehicle right outside their bedroom window at 5am on a Sunday morning. 

The drive in was beautiful.  I was the only person on the road.  There was a light dusting of snow overnight.  It looked like a blanket of diamonds shimmering under the headlights.  

There were at least ten deer foraging for food in an open field close to the road.  I could see their silhouettes against the snow.  They made no attempt to move when I slowed to have a look.

On my way into town I passed over the highest elevated point in Strathcona County.  At the top of the hill, the clouds to the west took on a pink hue from the urban streetlamps.  It created an eerie scene.

I had the radio tuned in to a creepy call in talk show.  You would think I would know better because it wasn't the first time that I've scared myself silly.  I don't know where these people came from but they talked of spaceships that came down and nabbed them from their vehicles.  After listening for a time, I began to watch the skies a bit more.  What was that bright light just below the cloud cover?  I checked to make sure the doors were locked.

I made it into town.  No vehicles.  No spaceships. No aliens.  I do confess that the callers do keep me amused on the early drives.  Most times I shake my head in disbelief.  Do these people actually exist?

Due to work, I haven't been on the trails for a few days and I am getting cabin fever.  I need some fresh air and exercise.  I'm looking forward to the warmer temperature, more snow and a morning off to enjoy it.  I'll wait until the sun is up though so I don't become a science experiment. 

 

Rocky Mountain High

The scenery on the drive in to work today was stunning.  The white, hoar frost covered branches against the clear, blue Alberta sky was a sight to behold.  The ice fog that I encountered last night, coated every tree limb with a thick white blanket.  The landscape looked like a Christmas card.

How low did the temperature go?  Well, at 1:30am this morning the weather website said it as -28C which meant it was at least -32C here; definitely polar bear weather.  It's kind of hard to believe that it is supposed to be +5C by midweek.

Lately, I've been dreaming of a trip to the mountains.  A visit to the Rockies is in order.  I love to see the snow covered mountain tops in the winter.  They appear even more majestic when the white snow reflects against a blue-bird sky. There's nothing like strapping on the x-country skis or snowshoes and hitting the trails in the mountains.  It feels exhilarating to look up and see the mountain tops. It makes me feel like I'm the only person in the world.