Welcome rain. . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . brought much needed moisture to the garden, along with a 

 number of birds. They've returned to spend what hopefully will be a

mild and manageable winter here in the southeastern states.  

Of course most of our southern garden birds are non-migratory, however

 they often seem hidden from view in autumn. Now they are definitely hungry

 at the feeders, and looking for a warm place for the night.

Our garden has a lot of trees and shrubbery to hide in, and the hanging 

ferns are left up on the porch, perhaps not looking their best, but the

 Carolina wrens have always made them their 'bedrooms' in winter - and

 they are my favorite little birds so I like to know they are safe and warm.

"Our pair" of Northern flickers appeared in the garden at the feeder yesterday.

They've been 'on holiday' somewhere else for a while.

One of the larger woodpeckers, so beautifully feathered and welcomed always.

The Knockout roses are still blooming, not much else is now!

Though wet outside this morning, yesterday was sunny, bright blue skies, 

and calm. Bob raked more leaves, easier when they are dry and the wind, 

which was so blustery on Monday, had gone. Our pile at the street is

 now a mountain and the city won't return until January to vacuum them up. 

The pickup is no longer done three times, cut back now to two, which is

 not good. Raleigh, with so many trees and officially known as the

 City of Oaks, is now swamped with fallen leaves. . . . . .and there are

 still more to fall!

This morning I was up early, before sunrise and 'visited' some favorite

 blog friends back in jolly old England - as they were five hours ahead 

and already up and enjoying a busy day no doubt 

I really loved friend Pat's post - she's in the Yorkshire Dales at her always

 great blog Weaver of Grass.  

Her interesting discussion is on dealing with cold weather back in the

 early days when we now older British gals and guys were kids.

Following WWII, we were "deprived" of central heating, and other comforts 

today's kids have never known about, much less experienced.

Go read her post and the great comments - I left one too about my knickers! 

 Makes one so grateful for what we have today.

Pat's posts often bring back childhood memories and I love that.

Have a good one. I'm staying inside today, making lists, checking them 

twice, and trying to get organized.