Life With The Crew

Nesting Required

So obviously, along with everybody else in the world, we have been spending more time in our "nest".  We are fortunate in that not too much has changed in our day to day lives.  Business, yes, that is another problem.  But as far as what the little babe and I do each day, as of now we have been able to maintain a somewhat normal routine.  That could change any minute, so I am thankful for it today.  Since so many people are not working, there are many more people in "our" woods areas which we usually have to ourselves during the week.  So we discovered a new trail in our attempt to be alone and it has become a favorite.  It ticks all of our boxes - not far from home, easy walking, secluded, different types of habitat, bridges, bogs, and a beautiful stream.  

As much as our lives are still "normal", the dinner talk still involves the C-word and it is difficult to discuss the reality without letting the fear become overwhelming.  I have never been a parent that tries to hide the realities of life from my child.  There has never been any "rainbow bridge" talk or taking an animal "to the farm" when one of our pets dies.  When we see a dead animal on the side of the road, we talk about the cycle of life.  And so she is aware that people are getting sick and dying from this invisible thing that we cannot see.  I tell her that I will do my best to keep her safe, but that we JUST DON'T KNOW what will happen or when this will end.  I will not sugar coat reality.  And so to balance the fear and stress, we will keep doing what we always do, as long as we are legally allowed - we will go into the woods, we will appreciate the beauty around us, we will explore, and be thankful.  And if, when, that freedom is taken away, we will immerse ourselves in good books, eat plenty of baked goods, and still be thankful.  

This too shall pass.  We just don't know how long it will take.

Smile.

And so it is now Spring.  Friday, March 20, marked the day officially and we have been seeing signs for the past couple weeks - bird activity (my count for the year is up to 35 different species), wood frog "quacking" and eggs, daffodils and crocus blooming, and the chickens laying in full swing.  The backyard is now more green than brown and I cleared several of the garden beds and planted lettuce seeds.  Today it is snowing and the little babe is in the backyard with her trusty plastic red sled.  She just brought me a delivery of two fresh chicken eggs.  I can see a male and female cardinal claiming their territory in the apple tree - I believe they are setting up house in the large yew bush nearby.  The Lenten roses are holding strong, their sturdy pink blossoms bowed, but not broken. 

And so I am now another year older, which means I probably have another line beneath each eye, maybe another gray hair that I didn't notice because it is not just one or two anymore.  I am okay with that.  Life is good.  Yes, and I will say that again because I think it needs to be said more than ever in this time of fear and worry.  Life is good.  Not that I haven't had my fair share of panic and stress, and please don't think that my life is just walking in the woods and playing with horses - my husband and I currently have Airbnb properties sitting empty and the beginning of the month mortgages coming fast - but there are still so many good things in each day, so many things to be thankful for.  I am glad to be this age, I am glad for this life.  

Take care of yourselves and don't forget to smile today.  Look in the mirror while you're washing your hands and smile.

 

 

Beaver Art

Since I don't want to talk about the "C" word and I don't think you want to hear about it, how about we all appreciate some beaver artwork?  The little babe and I found these stumps at the top secret beaver pond today.  I am totally amazed by beavers and it was really great to see how busy they have been recently.  

With the world of people in a turmoil, it is good for the heart, head, and soul to see that life in the natural world is still going on as usual.  The cardinals are singing, the Canada geese are honking, the starlings are raiding the House sparrows' nests like they do every year in my yard, and they are all oblivious to our problems.  It is a much needed therapy to disappear into their world for a while.  And I saw two new ducks today!  A Ring-necked duck and a Bufflehead.  Check them out on the Cornell Bird Lab for some interesting reading if you need a break from the "C" word.

Take care.

A Fleet of Snow Geese

The Snow geese, Tundra swans, and Canada geese are on the move through Pennsylvania!  They are on their way to arctic breeding grounds.  This weekend there was around 85,000 Snow geese at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, along with lesser numbers of Tundra swans and Canada geese (which are a common sight year round in the Northeast.)  

It was pretty amazing to see such a vast number of birds of one species.  Apparently the birds leave the lake during the day to forage in nearby fields, so there is an even greater show at dawn and dusk.  Geese on the lake, geese on the ground, geese taking off, geese landing, geese circling the skies - amazing!  I took a picture of the sky, but it just looked like a mass of large bats.  The Pennsylvania Game Commission seems to do a good job of keeping people out of most of the areas close to the lake.  This was the main viewing area and the geese did not seem to care that they were being gawked at.  The Tundra swans, however, kept to the more secluded coves.  The little babe and I have watched nature films that show large masses of birds in wild areas, so it was a good chance for her to see it on a slightly smaller scale.  

Do you have any exciting migration events where you live?

Two New Things

I have been knitting like crazy lately, but not for myself.  There will soon be a new member in the family - the furry family that is.  As of April 1st, we will be the proud owners of a furry white/muddy pony named Kermit.  He has very kind eyes, is steady and stable, and will be the perfect match for my not so little babe to grow up with.  

Good ponies aren't free and money trees don't grow in Pennsylvania, so that is why I have begun selling my knitted items on Etsy.  My newest listing is for a 100% wool baby blanket in a pretty coral pink color with white picot trim.  The blanket is the perfect size for a baby stroller or carrier.  

The first of March is here, but it isn't quite Spring yet and it doesn't feel like it considering that this was one of our coldest weekends of the whole Winter.  But the light is longer and stronger and we know by the flurry of shedding pony hair that Spring will be here soon.

My Etsy Shop:  Warm in Wool Designs