Tulips and Chokecherries?

 When we moved in to this home it was late summer and after a long winter's nap, a few green things were awakened.  On the north side of our home, which is two stories at that part of the house, I discovered in the tall grass and in the constant shade, a few tulip leaves, but not one bud.  I dug up some of the soil and kept digging and eventually had nearly 100 bulbs.  Among the tulips were a few grape hyacinth and some daffodils.  I replanted the bulbs out front where the thistles had been and last year, a very few tulips came up and bloomed.  This year, I have at least 50 tulips blooming.  None of the other bulbs survived for whatever reason, but my yard is lovely this spring and lots of other soon to be flowers will replace these as they finish their turn.  So, we also ordered two dozen or so chokecherry trees which were mere sticks when they arrived and last year we had about three little trees with a very few blooms and cherries.  We did notice a difference in the shape of some of the trees and the time difference in which the leaves appeared.  Imagine my surprise when this week I discovered this tree, with this blossom below.  What the heck? No chokecherry I ever saw put on a blossom like this.  The wind was blowing and the picture not very clear, but clear enough to know it is no chokecherry.  We can hardly wait to see what about half of the trees we planted will be.  Mother nature never ceases to amaze. 

 We have been busy for several days, maybe weeks even, drywalling,  slapping texture, and now finally priming the half of our basement which will be the pool hall/TV/exercise room.  Of course there will be ceiling to complete and carpet, but the major lifting is done and none too soon as I am ready to get outside.  My camper is calling to me.  No blog would be complete without a furkid picture or two so here is Roger and Coalette as they do most mornings while I read my paper and have my wake-up cup of coffee.

"Cleanliness is next to impossible when you live with animals."

Critters

 I am so far behind in everything that I don't know where to start! This cat has just simply taken over and does just what she pleases.  I do know that cats are pretty darned independent, but really?!  Not only does she horn in on Spencer's pillow, but she sleeps in his bed!

Hildy had to have a tooth pulled this morning so we are pampering her and giving her drugs!  Poor thing didn't even act like she was in pain, but we noticed a swollen area on her face and she had a tooth that had cracked.  She will be much better now. 

I spent a few days last week with a dear friend of mine and it was so nice.  We had no agenda to speak of and in our quest to find a good deal at all of the flea markets and antique shops, we met the nicest people.  We also didn't lack for something to eat. I gained a pound or two for sure. Our retreat at the cabin this summer involves more fun craft projects and so we were looking for some pretty glassware for one of these garden art pieces.  In Keensburg we found a place with so many old pedal car skeletons outside just waiting for someone to replace the rust with new parts and paints.  This man had old toys, mostly trucks and cars of every era that it was like a museum, but after we told him what we were looking for, he rummaged through some of the rusty wagons and we came home with 6 pieces which will give us a start.  I can't wait to make a first example, but it will involve some re bar, some nuts and bolts and some paint as well as a little welding and experimenting.  Also taking up much of my time has been the ongoing quilting projects and the Mr. has the basement drywalled (those sheets are heavy suckers).  Mudding and taping and painting will also take much time and effort.  Mostly, I consult.  Anyway, that's it for now...stay tuned!

Spring and other things

With Spring in the air and the lack of moisture and unusually warm weather, I have been able to get out of doors and peruse the grounds for signs of life.  Wow!  There is so very much green everywhere.  All of the flowers are up and the trees are leafing out and the blooming trees are showing off their new duds. ( I have been quilting and off to Rawlins to see lots of old friends while the Mr. was playing in a tournament.)  And did I mention the green dandelions?  Yuk!  Comes with the territory.  Also with spring come the birds.  Although the birds which migrate are showing up, we have had some residents all winter.  Above is a crow, one of a pair that has visited our yard nearly every day for bits of food and water which we keep available all winter.  What is unusual about this crow is that it has only one foot.  It has both legs, but the left foot is gone and we have watched this bird with it's mate for months now, gather whatever it eats (we feed chicken scratch to the birds), drink from the water source and perch on the fence above.  It is always accompanied by it's mate and they keep watch often from the top of a light pole near the corner of our backyard. When we first spotted it this winter, we had doubts that it would survive, but it seems to be doing just fine.  So with spring here and summer fast approaching, we will continue to marvel at mother nature and how she provides in spite of the struggle faced by some of our fellow creatures.