Since outdoor Christmas decor was packed away in early January, I've left all the birdhouses, lanterns and odds and ends on the front porch........just been too cold to spend time out there redecorating.
Sitting here at the dining room table this morning, there is no sun shining as when I took these photos yesterday. It's overcast and cooler, the way weather is before a new season settles in.
On pre-Spring days, in the still harsh Winter sun, I've noticed the strong shadows in the mid-morning. The birds arriving are already seeking out nesting places. They are the same ones each year - or offspring from the previous year's family. The pair of tiny Carolina wrens. The chirpy gang of house finches. The wrens squawk noisily at the finches who hang on the still empty plant baskets - hurry warmer nights so I can fill them with new bright green Boston ferns. Then two bright red male cardinals come, chasing each other in mid air flight, showing off to the ladies no doubt. Nature is definitely waking up.......and working overtime.
The porch is always a busy place full of comings and goings. People, birds, an occasional squirrel or neighborhood cat. I haven't decided what I will change around for Spring. The wicker chairs are fading, perhaps I'll paint them later.
Our cottage home is awakening to thoughts of Spring cleanup and decorating. I love this space where I can sit outside at any time of day. With a bowl of steaming coffee to warm hands early in the morning. Later, afternoon tea in a delicate china cup with a crunchy English biscuit or a piece of cake if I've had time to bake. In the quiet of evening, if still mild, with a throw over my legs, and a glass of wine to sip before dinner while watching the moon come up over the trees.
Do you have a porch? Ours is small but there's always an extra chair available if you want to stop by. Would love to see you.
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