Bedrooms and Birdies!

Still working on the bedroom, have to get it totally 

back together before posting any photos.

I've been framing some art to hang. Bob continues to edit

his stuff and load up his dresser drawers again!

Still waiting installation of new window blinds and

rehanging drapery panels.

Worked in the garden yesterday, a total of two hours before my lower back

 screamed "STOP", so I did rather than be in pain the remainder of the day.

At this age we know our limits!

 Beautiful day to be outside, dead headed the hydrangeas

 and daffodils, pruned climbing roses, cleaned out and filled bird feeders, 

pulled and clipped some annoying ivy, and picked up a lot of fallen twigs.

Then there was the birdhouse annual clean out ready for a new 

generation of renters this spring.

  Bob lifted it off the post and when we removed the top we were amazed, 

and thrilled, to find each of the five birdie apartments contained a nest - I 

believe two were Eastern bluebirds, the others perhaps White-breasted

 nuthatches whom I've often seen around the birdhouse in spring and summer.

Besides much grass, some twigs, and handfuls of leaves from

the Japanese acer, there were also a lot of grey and white feathers

 and a few strips of plastic woven into the nests. Just amazing how those

 little birds fit so much through those 1-1/2 inch holes. . . . . . and then

construct such soft, comfortable nests.

Magnolia liliiflora still blooming - green leaves starting to open also.

Despite all the work, I have to admit I do love my garden. . . . . and

of course my beautiful birds.

Sunday stroll . . . . . . . . .

Yesterday was such a perfect day here.

We took an afternoon stroll with our daughter through her neighborhood, 

breathing in the air filled with the scent of freshly mown grass and blossom.

Daffodils and hyacinths everywhere - oh the perfume of the latter - always

 amazing.

Under a cloudless, deep blue sky, children were outside, playing - always a nice

 thing to see these days - riding bikes and motorized 'cars'.  Imagine driving

 your own tiny Land Rover or Jeep before you're even old enough for kindergarten! 

Their parents chatted with neighbors in the street, cute dogs were being walked, birds 

were singing and poking through mounds of dried leaves in the shrubbery

and woody areas. . . . . . . 

Spring is in the air!

A female red-tail hawk watched from the wood.

I want one of these in my garden.

Speaking of gardens - I've gotta go now - need to work in mine today, deadheading, 

pruning, and a lot of cleaning up awaiting.

Are you gardening yet?

Out with the old. . . . . .

Still working on getting the bedroom together.  

Lots of changes continue to be made as we put our 

edited items back into the closet and drawers.  

I think we became packrats somewhere along the way.

Saying goodbye to stuff is not a problem for me. Another

person has difficulty. . . . . . . I won't go into messy details!!! 

I've been working on framing new art for walls and arranging displays

 on dresser tops, night stands etc.  

These pretties above are packed away, other than the lamp. 

Two white ginger jar lamps will remain, one on each side of the bed. 

I've been looking for new lampshades as I made these swirled,

silk chiffon shades many years ago, however I just haven't found 

replacements I like yet!

International news has become quite frightening as the Corona virus spreads.

Now the virus is here in our city, brought by a passenger flying from Seattle.

He dined in a restaurant in town last weekend so we are hoping he hasn't 

spread the virus.

Hand sanitizer is no longer available anywhere in the area. . . . . . . washing 

with good old soap and water should be done often.

Staying home is calming and I really don't mind it once bit. 

This weekend will be good weather for garden chores. 

Throw in a little baking - a crunchy loaf of bread, some pistachio muffins, 

a pear cake, and make a mushroom and spinach quiche. . . . . I'll have

 plenty to keep me busy for the time being.

I will not be traveling anywhere far for some time most likely.

What are your thoughts on COVID-19 and staying close to home.