I have been going often enough now.. they don’t fly away when I am working around the feeders, they don’t get chummy, but they do stay where I can get a good look at them. I’m close enough that I can see that each one of them has its own unique colour pattern, subtle, never-the-less some have more brilliant yellow, some more mustard colour, there is even softer shades of the golden hues. The contrasting black can be like an ebony while a few have more of a charcoal black, then of course there is the blinding white that stands out so dramatically.
This was my morning visit. After I pruned back broken twigs and branches that were in the way, and filled the feeders that needed tending to. I just stood there, letting them come and go, fly by, settle and eat. It was fascinating to see them at such a close range. It is a wonderful feeling to know that I’ve been able to gain their trust enough that they allow me to be so close.
The forest floor is covered in an array of shapes of all sizes, the snow that blankets the fallen timber and dead branches makes for natural abstract visuals. I come away feeling very pampered that I have been able to enjoy not only the fresh air, and clear blue skies, but the company of active birds, squirrels and ….. the odd human that wanders past .. heading out on one of the trails.
I must ask next time I see one of the photographers, where all the cawing and squawking is coming from that I hear off in the distance. Or… maybe.. just maybe, one day I’ll take the walking poles and head out for a stroll. So much to look forward to.
Listen carefully and speak clearly. A good relationship starts from truly understanding each other.
I had no idea of course because it is just a natural normal part of our winters, that so many of you are unfamiliar with what I am talking about when I talk of snow in this part of Canada. We have been very lucky for the last many years, we don’t see a ton of snow like we used to.. But.. Mother Nature still keeps us in line with reminders.
Thought it would be fun to show you some pictures. Photos are taken from the internet.
When we have X amount of snow that falls, I have a contractor that comes and pulls the snow out of my narrow laneway. All this snow gets piled in the front of the house, causing snow banks. After a couple of such storms, then the city crews come along and clean up.
This is the company JR that I contract with. See the smaller vehicles .. these are dispatched all over the city to the homes and business that they clear for. parking lots and bigger areas, would be tended to by the pick ups with the plows on the front.
I enjoyed the communications I received over my post. Now you know when I am fascinated at how you can still get out and do gardening in winter months.. This is what makes life so interesting. How in just a short distance the weather systems and patterns can be so different. Friends in PA, USA each got the same snow warnings, one told me they were lucky if they got 6 inches and it fell lightly over a couple of days, while just north an hour plus away, the dump was over 13 inches.. and it was still coming down when that figure was given.
We are so blessed to live in a world that gives us such a variety of weather, that we are always using our creativity and ingenuity to adapt. I recall years ago.. when the snow plowing and removal wasn’t what it is today .. where I snow shoed or X-country skied to work. I worked in a hospital, and lived only 10 minutes by car, but there was no getting the car out of the laneway. ( A fond memory)
See, this is why I find you all so special, I thoroughly enjoy reading your thoughts, seeing your pictures and learning about life from your perspective.
The everyday things you do will show when it really counts. If you have a tendency to be careless about everyday matters, you cannot expect to perform well at crucial times.
Perfect Liberty 2020.3
now my crows will be waiting for their breakfast !
Bare with me while I recount to you another adventure with the delightful, brats of the woodlands the colourful Blue Jays. I was late getting to Dewberry Trail this morning, it was quiet and most of the feeders had been emptied. I got out to refill them, and saw a family patiently waiting for birds to appear. The Mother was telling the children, they should walk further along, perhaps they would see birds if they continued. As I neared with my container of black sunflower seeds and was taking off the lid, there was a sudden appearance all around of the little birds.
No sooner had the feeders been filled with round one, of the offerings, there came the distant calls now so familiar to me..of the Blue Jay. When the peanuts were dispersed, they were dive bombing, bold as brass, no waiting their turn. Today there was no shy, coy behaviour, it was a no holds barred attack on the seeds and nuts. Again I counted 5 of them, they were not being nice to their fellow jays either, going as far as cutting off their buddy if he was closest to the seed/nuts.
Their behaviour was ignored by the other birds, who simply moved away to other feeders, the woodpeckers were non pulsed, they silently went off to a tree with tasty bark and began tap tap tapping there.
Leaving this trail, I drove over to Mer Blu (less than two miles) to check what was happening there.. to my surprise as I was distributing the seeds and nuts there, I heard the now familiar cawing almost over my head. The little beggars were all lined up in the higher branches waiting for their chance to swoop down on the buffet that was being set out.. am I so predictable? I found it cold today, so I didn’t linger, tomorrow it is supposed to be sunny, I might attempt to use my camera. Meanwhile I’m so grateful to Kevin for allowing me access to his photos.
While perusing his Instagram account this morning (, which if you are on Instagram, might want to look him up..) I found this adorable face..
Begin each day with a renewed sense of appreciation. Always remember that you are here today thanks to God, and thanks to the many people around you. Let’s make each day meaningful by starting out with a feeling of gratitude.
Perfect Liberty 2014.6
Being with the birds and the woodland creatures always gives me a sense of “renewal” There is something very special watching them go about their daily routines. How they adjust when a bolder and more aggressive bird comes into the feeding area. There is room for everyone, no need to be first in line… their acceptance of a stranger in their midst is humbling.. Since I have been making these trips and spending time .. reconnecting to /with “nature” .. I myself feel life to be less chaotic … I marvel at the patience of the photographers who come early to stand and wait. To the other visitors who bring seeds and share with the birds. I am impressed with the number of young parents I have met who are starting their children at a very early age, to appreciate the woodlands. Life is good.
The simplicity of sharing the land/space with others in a positive way is healing.. it balances the world of the internet/ technology where often the focus is on negative, aggression, and competitive behaviour.
Always live “for the sake of others and society”. Be thankful to society for all that you have, and make a firm decision to be a person who can contribute to people and society. This state of mind will provide you with endless enthusiasm.
my niece doing her best to be patient with her parents
Be thankful at the beginning and end of each day. Each and everyone of your action can inspire peace within your family, your community an the world around you. This peace will eventually help lead to World Peace.
Imagine walking through the woods, hearing water, going to explore and discovering this site. Wow. A lot of beauty has been rediscovered this year with travel restricted to places closer to home, many are revisiting the greenspaces not far from their own “doorstep*”.
New encounters can help you change. Be up for anything even if its out of your comfort zone. This is a chance for you to improve yourself as a human being
Be a person who can recognize the sincerity of others. When you put your whole heart into things you will be able to notice the sincere acts of others in the subtle things they do, and appreciate them that much more.
Perfect Liberty 2020.23
Last night when I was clearing the deck it was light and fluffy. This morning, you can see it is heavy and wet. I also note the difference, top picture taken with my Canon (Power shot SX730HS) and this morning’s offerings were taken with my Huawei P20… I love my Huawei =^_^=
Have a splendid day everyone! Whatever comes your way.. I know you will shine through it all.
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all, I know it is not a holiday in the States, but you are still getting the good wishes. =^_^= We all need some positive vibes these days.
Where I am, we are back to a being on serious lock down, people are being asked to allow at least 28 days of remaining close to home, no social gathering, or extended forays into the city if it is not required.
Please stay safe, stay positive, and enjoy family visits via virtual means if at all possible.
Today is also the 10th day of the 10th month. auspicious time.. =^_^=… we could get an early start to perhaps doing something we haven’t done in years. Let’s send Christmas greetings by snail mail. !! Now is the time to try making your own greeting cards.. or drafting a Season’s greetings news letter. 2021 is less than 3 months away!
Enjoy the moment while you wait. Things come about when they are meant to happen. Think of what you can do for the time being, and don’t rush the outcome.
Perfect Liberty 2020.20
Oyashikiri
time – it is all in the perspective we apply =^_^=
In celebrating life today, I give special thanks to all of my friends, family and people I meet everyday for making this world such a unique and wonderful place. Recently said goodbye to a very special woman, altho’ have /had never met her personally, I know her son. Knowing him has brought new dimension into my life. Our friends do this, they bring us face to face with our own vulnerability and our coping mechanisms.
They are there for us when we didn’t even realize that we so needed them. Life would be empty without the “family” of friends and acquaintances that touch our lives regularly. May all the richness and blessings you share with others, return to you 100 million fold.
my babies at the beach yesterday
Had the beach to ourselves, I made time to sit and pray. I reflected on my last year, and my coming year, my friends, how my life has changed, and where life is taking me. I am grateful to each and everyone of you. The interactions differ but the one constant is LOVE.
Love is endless… it is what will unify the world and bring PEACE
Be thankful to your parents and to your ancestors. You are here today because the “torch of life” has been continuously passed down. Always remember to be thankful.
TAOIST Life is Art (Perfect Liberty precept #1)
contact info.- via blogs
--- there are two energies, Yin and Yang = ONE
---to have balance we must live each moment
of our lives.. with Makoto (sincerity)
The only constant in life is change. I am grounded in the reality of Living.
This is true, in all worlds. RL or virtual. I am me and only me.