Welcome Home

Welcome home! I can hardly contain my excitement and joy as many more of my feathered friends return to New England. Spring has truly arrived. With the sun shining higher in the sky, it warms our soul, and the fresh spring air makes us feel alive.

The ice is off the lake, and the open waters welcome the ducks and geese who float along the waters searching for their next meal. Before long there will be the never-ending parade of baby ducks following their parents as they teach them to hunt for food. Such fun to watch them dive under in front of you and then emerging several seconds later in a different location.

Robins hop along the grass in search of bugs and worms, and many other birds are arriving every day. Soon we will see the Tanager, Black-Capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, Blue Jay, Mourning Dove, Northern Cardinal and so many more. The last to arrive will be my beautiful Hummingbirds on Mother's Day, and their feeder will be ready and full of sweet nectar.

I have yet to hear the haunting call of my Loons. All winter I recall this beautiful sound from my memories until they once again grace the lake. Their call is not only haunting, but beautiful, and touches the soul deeply. The absence of it only makes me appreciate it much more when they are here.

Although the days are longer, and the temperatures warmer, we know that there will be several weeks before things really start to warm up. We may get a few teaser days along the way but will have to wait for them to stay and bring greener grass and flowers.

We must still face the spring showers that will dampen our days, however, on a positive note, they will nourish the ground and prepare it for a new growing season. Planning for the gardens to be planted is exciting and will keep our spirits up.

Welcome home spring, and welcome home my fine feathered friends. It is good to see you again!



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Simply Sides - Melting Potatoes (Fondant Potatoes)

Image
In the UK they are known as Fondant Potatoes, and in the US, they are hardly known at all. They are buttery, crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle and worth a try. These are the most delicious potatoes I have had in a long time! They would certainly be a great addition to any of your holiday gatherings. Enjoy! Melting Potatoes (Fondant Potatoes) 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1-1/2 cups chicken broth 2 garlic cloves, lightly crushed and peeled Note: Use potatoes at least 1-1/2 inches in diameter. DO NOT  use a glass baking dish. Adjust rack to upper-middle position. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Square off ends of potatoes and cut crosswise into 1-inch-thick disks. Toss them with melted butter, thyme, salt, and pepper. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in a baking pan and roast until the bottoms are browned, about 15 minutes. Remove pan from oven and usin...
Read more

Simply Sides - Corn Bread Casserole

Image
My sister has made this casserole at Thanksgiving for many years. It is creamy and delicious and has been a big hit with the entire family. This dish is very easy and is not only great for your holiday meal, but also for weeknight dinners. Corn Bread Casserole 1 can creamed corn 1 can whole kernel corn ( undrained ) 8 ounces sour cream 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) melted butter 1 box Jiffy corn bread mix Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 1-1/2 quart casserole dish. 1. Mix all ingredients and pour into the prepared dish. 2. Bake at 325F for one hour. Enjoy!!
Read more

The Rock of Gibraltar

Image
On our way to El Puerto De Santa Maria, we made a detour to see the Rock of Gibraltar. If you have ever seen a Prudential Financial advertisement, you will recognize the Rock of Gibraltar which is their logo. The Rock of Gibraltar is a single large block of stone 426 m (1,398 ft) high. It is a limestone peninsula and mountainous rock that jets out of the end of the British territory at the southwestern tip of Europe. It is home to a network of caves, including the famous St. Michael’s Cave, which is open to the public. At the top of the Rock, visitors can enjoy amazing panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Morocco on a clear day. Seeing the Rock from below is quite a sight, however, taking a tour to the top tells a much bigger story of how impressive it truly is. We headed out in a small 6-passenger van to make the climb up to the top of the Rock. The road is quite narrow and winds back and forth along the edge of the Rock. For someone like me who is afraid o...
Read more