Something in the winter air -

We've been treated to many beautiful sunrises during these winter months. 

I think today's stunning colors painting the morning sky were perhaps the 

loveliest to date. These really were the colors, I did not enhance them other

 than a wee bit of sharpening. I did throw on a robe and socks to hurry outside

 with a real camera while at the peak of color, and a better view than

 through a window. Sunrises don't last long!

The birds continued to hang out all day yesterday and are back

this morning.  

The Northern Mockingbird seems to have made itself at home. 

A quite large 10" bird, male and female are identical, and

 young males often sing at night and imitate other bird songs

 (vocal mimicry). Here in the Carolinas they are non-migrators

 enjoying insects, fruit and obviously seeds here on the front porch.

I've found them to be an easy bird to photograph as they stand still

long enough and are not skittish. 

I noted that the Mockingbird and Carolina wren seemed to enjoy being 
together - they are two of my favorite birds.

The cul-de-sac was a mess yesterday afternoon as vehicles turned the slush

into ruts and they froze overnight. This afternoon we are almost completely

clear of snow and ice - the temperature has warmed to a pleasant 50F with

 brilliant sunshine and blue skies.

Many thanks for the great comments on the bird photos of yesterday. 

I took so many - don't be surprised if more pop up here in the days

 to come!  I was happy to share them and I'm really pleased to know so

 many of you enjoy garden birds.

Off now to bake an apple and blackberry galette - we are cutting back

 on sugar and haven't had a real dessert for a week!

The week that was -

 

I was up with the sun on Saturday. A mild morning with such a fiery sky it

 took my breath away for a few fleeting minutes. 

Followed by scattered bird songs from around the garden, I sat down

 to listen on the front porch, wrapped in a chunky cabled throw, coffee

 mug in hand, hoping this would be a good day.

I picked up a lovely bunch of mixed fresh cut greenery from a nearby 

garden center - today I will arrange it on the mantel and hopefully 

it will remain pretty through Christmastime.

Now it's already Sunday with a little rain from the night glistening 

on the shrubs and grass, but the sun breaking through and a pleasant

 day reaching 68F predicted. . . . . . .perfect for me!

Yesterday this bluebird was caught showering in one of the backyard

 baths - always a sweet bird to see.

Cooking this weekend included a tasty cauliflower soup - and although

 not shown here, I added a teaspoon of Dijon mustard noted in a French

 recipe, and it did give an extra flavor layer which was really tasty.

I also made that good spinach quiche again - it's delicious right out

of the oven but, for me, the leftover portions reheated gently are actually

 my favorite when the ingredients seem even more tasty.

At long last the city leaf collection truck showed up in our

 neighborhood on Friday - here they are working on our pile. 

Fortunately the leaves were dry and sucked up quickly - of course

 there are still more to come down but hopefully a second clean up

 will happen in January.

The 'Apple Blossom' amaryllis continues to bloom - four flowers

 open fully now, one more bud just beginning to open this morning.

This has been a stunner.  

The old bulbs are showing a bit more green but it will be 

some time before a stem and buds appear - if ever! Fingers are

 crossed for them, also for the Christmas cactus which hasn't 

done much despite my care in the year since I was gifted with it.

 

When it comes to Christmas mail, I love to discover envelopes

 with beautiful stamps waiting in the mailbox at the end of the

 driveway. So far, this year, my favorite is this one on my card

 from my family in France. It's not actually a Christmas stamp but

it's a lovely illustration of the facade of Notre Dame Cathedral.

All snail mail cards are so welcome, especially with the

exorbitant cost of postage for overseas mail.

I had a health scare last week which included having to return for a 

second (diagnostic 3-D) mammogram when my annual screening one

 showed an abnormality. Thankfully it was determined by the radiologist

not to be anything resembling cancer - and I walked away from the 

clinic feeling free and so grateful after several days of nervous thoughts.

Always have your annual check ups even if, like me, you are older. 

I was going to skip my annual due to COVID and having to go

 to a medical facility - thank goodness I didn't.

They can save your life!

Here's to a good week ahead for everyone.

Hope your 'different' plans for Christmas this year will go smoothly.  

Carolina Beach Sunrise -

Saturday morning. . . . . . . and I'd set my alarm for 6:45 AM to be up for the sunrise.  

Not quite as beautiful as some other visits here over the years as clouds were
 expected for most of that day. 
Sunrise is always a special few minutes though, and looking out from the balcony
 across the ocean I was able to get some photos of Nature's early morning 
grandeur. . . . . .and the early people who walk dogs, run, or just stand along the
 shore in the morning sunlight.

 Shrimp boats were spotted both in the evening and again at dawn.

We could see their lights at night so guessing they fish all night.

Brown pelicans out in search of fish - and we were soon off to enjoy our breakfast!

Sunday chores and then. . . . . . .

A really beautiful sunrise this morning and a busy day ahead.

Sunday is not a day of rest after a week of rainy days - lots to do prior

to more bad weather returning soon.

Muddy conditions have dried up a bit so we will soon be outside taking down

 and storing the Christmas lighting, the tree in the gazebo, the wreaths,

 and miscellaneous decor on the front porch.

Yesterday we packed away all the inside decor, minus things going to the

thrift shop. . . . . .we really needed to downsize the Christmas decorating.

I'm kitty sitting (Ms. Nala) for my neighbor again, just a few days, so must

 pop over there soon.

This afternoon, planning a sunny woodland walk with my daughter and

 a coffee at Starbucks before coming back to spend time in the kitchen. . . .

an apple pie is waiting to be baked.

Camellia bushes are blooming and a few cut for indoors bring a splash of 

color. The house always seems rather blah after the decorations are down.

Note my 2019 Planner is at the ready and I need to start filling it in!

How are you doing, making any exciting plans for this new year?

Christmas Eve at home in England . . . . . . . .

The spectacular sunrise from the balcony on our first morning in Torquay yesterday.

The sky was on fire for several minutes, turning the harbour and bay waters many 

shades of pink and mauve.

Torquay Harbour looking across to Brixham.

Later, one tiny passenger ferry arrived from Brixham, the little fishing port across 

the bay, and then the blustery day began.  Winds strong enough to knock one over,

 then rain. . . . . . but hard to use an umbrella without flying away Mary Poppins style!

Yes, English weather can be wild and wet especially here along the coast.

This lovely view is still here this morning, again with brilliant painted skies,

 screaming sea gulls, and I see the little ferry heading over from Brixham.

Much calmer weather is forecast for today but it will be turning colder.

 The shoppers will be making that last run on the shops.

This evening Christmas Eve parties will be in full swing.

Hopefully I can participate despite catching a miserable cold. . . . 

most likely from the ship where several people were hacking

 during the cruise. 

Hope your Christmas plans all work out and that you and your 

loved ones have a wonderful time. 

From beautiful Devon, a very Happy Christmas.

Back Garden Morning . . . . . . .

There was a beautiful sunrise this morning . . . . . . . 

. . . . . . and still snow remaining, but after a sunny day it 

was almost gone by 7:00PM tonight.

Now here it is almost midnight. More snow is falling. . . 

a lot more. It's already a white world outside the windows 

again - I'll share more in the morning but doubt I'll

see the sun rise!