Can’t let a blizzard go by without giving you a report! Here’s how the day began for me . . . MUSICA First thing I needed to do was light some candles so I could find my way through the house.
It was obviously not going to be a regular day! The wind was whistling, the snow was blowing, windows were shaking, there was no computer, no internet, no heat, no light, no toaster, Joe was sound asleep, so I made a fire — with the help of Jack — wearing a wool beret. Not him, me. Which isn’t something I usually do, but I think it was almost as cold inside as it was out! When I walked a cold wind blew in my face!
I made tea on our gas stove (thank goodness for gas stoves!), wrapped up in shawls, Tweeted a little bit on my iPhone which I had charged last night — I knew Twitter would be my only contact with the outside world and it was! And then I went to work like “normal” — and here is what I learned: not being warm is one thing, but watercoloring in the dark is just plain dangerous!
You know that old adage, it’s coldest before dawn? That is a true thing. It was getting colder and colder in the house. And then it started to get light . . . and I could see the snow for the first time . . .
And I could see the poor birds. They looked like they’d had a rough time of it, their feathers were wet, and poking up on the tops of their heads, even the ones that weren’t cardinals! I felt bad for them.
This is Jack’s bird-watching perch in the pantry. Every twig is covered in snow.
They were having a field day out there. Even on a normal day, it’s hard to go work when there is so much beauty going on in the kitchen!
As you can tell, at this point, I’ve given up on working, and am now concentrating on getting warm . . .
I closed all the doors to the kitchen, and started the bacon . . .
I turned on the oven, and just then, suddenly, the lights came back on! Then Joe came downstairs.
And we were saved!
So sorry you can’t see Joe…he had such pink cheeks! I could barely see the cardinal through the viewfinder, but he definitely stands out, doesn’t he? This is why I call cardinals “Nature’s Valentines.”
Here is something you hardly ever see in the part of California I’m from, snow on the floor! You would think that you would need to clean it up! But you don’t! (At least if you’re me you don’t!) One of the good things is, when the heat is on, snow that comes off your shoes dries in a snap and you don’t have to do a thing! And that’s my day girlfriends. Back to work. Hope you enjoyed our blizzard, it’s a beauty, still going on, prettier by the moment . . . and I really hope it’s just this “bad” for everyone, and no worse!
Pretty perfect, I’d say.
Just a few more birds before I go . . . ♥
Look at this cutie!
Poor robin, although well-fed, looks frazzled . . .
Beautiful feathers. Brave souls!
Well, all my excuses are gone so bye for now girls! Hope you have a wonderful day! Don’t forget we have a new Willard coming next week! Love you, me xoxo
I have been thinking of you all day, and wondering how you and Joe were fairing. Of course you gave us an update, sweet birds and all. I too am quite enamored of gas stoves, and almost look forward to losing power so I can light all of my old lamps and brew a pot of tea while seeing all of the other houses in the neighborhood in the dark.
Take care! Tell Joe to shovel in small doses, and lift with his knees (I’m a Minnesota girl, so I am well qualified to give shoveling advice….)
It looks like you had a pretty good day after all! I just pulled out your 2009 All Chocolate Calendar (yes, I am a calendar keeper….some see it as a sickness, I look upon them as journals….hehhe) and I am making your chocolate mousse recipe aka “Heaven in a Dish.” So yummy as we head into LOVE week. Thanks again for providing me with years worth of recipes, calligraphy, pictures, drawings, borders, travels, and life extending affirmations. It all begins with and ends with love, huh, sister!
I keep them too, and for the same reason, they show where I’ve been all year! You are not alone!
Yet one more familiar connection! I’ve kept all my calendars as well. Such fun looking back (several years ago) on going out to dinner with this friend or that, or events from our daughter’s school years, big events like the birth of our grandchildren, vacation days, days of fun, right there, posted on my calendar.(Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
My Mom was a great calendar keeper and passed the ritual on to me! I have all of her calendars since the year she and Dad were married. 1929. I can tell something about them any given day..either the weather, where they were, or what they had for dinner and who visited!!! Those are a real treasure that will get passed down for generations.. I have been doing the same thing since 1970….What a family treasure too! weddings, births, illnesses, school years, scouting, vacations, etc…THE BEST! My oldest son journals most every day…ever since he was 12…and he has all of those volumes that include, poetry, illustrations, feelings, good and bad, rants and raves and everything about growing up…he is now 43…..ALL of them are Mom’s, mine and sons are so special…..
You are so lucky!
Thank you so much for that pretty post…Maryland was below the snow line and dodged the bullet but the children were disappointed…and some of the mommies, too.
Hi, Susan
So glad you’re getting through the storm ok. I’ve been thinking about you all day and wondering how you are.
Lovely pictures of the birds too. Keep well and warm!
Tasha in rainy Warwickshire
I don’t envy you the cold or spending time in the dark, but I DO envy you the beauty that surrounds you! I miss the loveliness of the snow so much . I loved watching the birds at the feeder- that’s one thing we can’t do here because we have no space in our concrete neighborhood, but someday – someday! – I will have feeders when I am back in Ohio! Stay cozy !
Oh it does look cold…but so beautiful! Breath-taking…probably literally. LOL I couldn’t help but notice Joe’s path to the barn. How neat and tidy he shovels a path. Just like my dad would have done it, “with meticulous care”. It made me smile.
I assume you still have water when you lose power, or do you have a well? That’s the real problem for us and one of the reasons we got the generator.
Stay warm and enjoy the snow. Thanks for the bird pictures and videos. I must rethink where my feeders are located, it would be serious entertainment for Katherine Rose if they were located right outside the window.
Keep cozy!
Chris
We’re on town water, and we keep it … but of course the hot water heater stops making hot water. We could always boil water if necessary!
Susan, how pretty the bird pictures are. Especially the one with Joe. You take wonderful pics! You are so lucky to have a gas stove/oven…..I know that that it must have been very comforting to be able to fix a hot cup of tea when you were so freezing cold during the hours of the power outage….I am sure Jack and GK liked being by the oven too! It looks so pretty with all of the snow over there, but I am happy that you have your electricity and heating back on!
It’s so good to hear you and yours are doing well with all the snow and winds. Your videos and pictures are fantastic! The birds are so precious! So glad you and Joe feed these beautiful beings. Thank you so much for the update Susan, it always makes us girlfriends feel at peace know you, Joe and the kitties are safe and warm. Bet that breakfast was delicious this morning! 🙂
My kitty, also named Jack, and I, were sitting by our fireplace here in Dallas, and enjoyed seeing your images of the beautiful snow and birds; what a cozy scene inside your lovely home. Looks like a perfect day for some hot cocoa and a nap! You are such a joy to so many people.. bless you! And may your electricity not go off again!
So glad to hear you are safe and warm and didn’t lose power for too terribly long. I’m sure the birds are appreciative of your provision for them. I’d say it’s a pretty fair trade…some birdseed for a gorgeous view of beautiful feathered flock right outside your window. Little do they know, they are providing as much joy to you as you are to them! It’s dreary and quite chilly here in Southern California too actually…well, chilly for us. It was down in the 30s last night which as you know is unusual. I’m sure Jack and Girl are doing their part to make the house feel warm and comfy. Nothing cozier on a day like that, than a curled up purring kitty cat. (oh hey…that kind of rhymed! 🙂 )Keep cozy all of you!
Those pictures look so cooold! The candles look very romantic though. Hope you have warmed up by now.
Love birds in a snow storm! Poor Robin is right, though, because they don’t eat seeds. Throw out some raisins or chopped apple for them!! Brrr..but the snow is pretty from inside!
Hi Susan! So glad to hear and see how you fared with “Nemo”. We received about 31″ here in Rocky Point, NY (on the north shore). I sure hope I can find a handy andy to shovel me out and find my car again. I did the next best thing: I watched Lifetime movies and made a delicious pot of spagetti sauce. Yummo! Just me and the two cats snuggled in and waiting for tomorrow’s new adventures of Winterwonderland. Loved seeing your videos of the birds. I finally saw a bird appear this afternoon. They must be hunkered down. I have my feeders filled that sit on a bakers rack with other bird houses, etc. I’ll bet tomorrow will bring about more birds. Stay warm and snuggly with Joe and the furbabies.
xo
Susie
Oh Susan, Thank you for sharing…I was hoping you’d be able to…I loved picturing Jack helping you get the house ready in the morning and seeing the silhouette of his sweet little ears in front of the fire….Oh..those b i r d s….so amazing..and so thankful for the bounty you leave out for them….don’t you wish you could just let them come inside somehow to warm up ? I also loved seeing the lights of the snow plow…it’s times like that we really realize how fortunate we are to have men and woman who are working out in midst of the storm helping us get back to normal…and having the power come on ..what a miracle… I figuered you’d all be in the cold and dark for days !
I just loved that too – the silhouette of Jack’s ears in the firelight… I bet he never left your side Sat morning, and the darkness must have seemed strange to him too… :>)
Oh Susan…you continue to amaze me…how you could photograph, write and do all this during a blizzard to show us what it’s like on Martha’s Vineyard during this winter weather! I can see why you love your gas stove! They have saved our lives many a times!! Not only keeps us warm, but cooks some “hot” food and makes a hot cup of tea, cocoa or coffee!! Your bird pictures and video were fantastic! And of course seeing Joe shoveling his way to the shed…just gave me a chill! Brrrr… Stay well and warm… Remember to snuggle..snuggle…snuggle….(with Joe, Jack & Kitty!)
Blessings,
Gert
Hey Susan – glad you got your power back and you seem to be weathering the storm. Enjoy the cozy insides…and thanks for the great photos of the birds. They are amazing ! Stay warm !
So happy to hear from you today! We got almost 3 feet in Portland Ct!! Spent the entire day outside shoveling and snowblowing, and that was just the front of the house and the driveway! Tomorrow we will tackle the backyard -still cant open the backdoor. My poor dog doesn’t know what to do. We are now enjoying a nice fire! I love being “trapped” at home -an excuse to just enjoy the aftermath of the blizzard with my hubby, cat and dog 🙂 Stay warm and thanks for the update!!
Thanks so much for sharing the snowstorm. I brought up your blog to see if you had anything to share, and you didn’t disappoint. So glad to know your power is back and life goes on. You’d think I’d have enough now, right now my backyard in Wisconsin is at about 18″ that has built up on and off over the past week. That’s the best way to get it. I spent the morning snowshoeing, getting the cobwebs out of my head. It was beautiful this morning, since it was a little foggy and it was coating the trees. Sadly, we’re supposed to get freezing rain tomorrow, hopefully, more snow will follow so that there can be a little more winter. Enjoy the snow!
OOHH how I long for the Vineyard! Every summer for 3 weeks and this summer will be no exception :))))) One of the things I dreamt of is meeting you, Mrs. Susan Branch! I have all your cookbooks, your calendars, your PJ’s, and everything! Martha’s Vineyard, especially Edgartown holds a very fond place to my heart and if you’d ever spare me 2 mins., well, I’d be in Heaven. We’ll be coming in August the 1oth through the end of the month.
Cheers!
Cathy
I loved the little video of your cat watching the birds. I could just feel
his little Sylvester ‘Puddy Tat’ heart beating! and the reflection of the
candles in the windows was just beautiful. My cat does the same thing,
with his tail going back and forth. It is so dear to watch.
Loved seeing the pretty side of the snow. Most of the news shows the wrecks, etc.
Glad your power wasn’t out too long. I could almost smell that bacon frying.
Thanks Susan! I’m here in the Napa Valley and it was about 70º here at the high point. But our nights have been very cold all winter. Makes for excellent daffodils and lilacs! Stay safe and warm.
Barbara
Thank you for the update….I’ve wondered how you & Joe, Jack, and Girl Kitty were doing. I weathered quite a few blizzards in our five years in South Dakota….. after the wind quits and the world is visible again because the snow has stopped blowing sideways (!!) the snow is beautiful…the world is quiet….the air so crisp and cold. Your pictures are great….love the fire and candlelight. 😉
So glad you are all doing well! I was up at 3AM watching CNN and the storm. I was wishing I was there in the middle of it! I miss snow soooo much. We lived in the Midwest for almost 30 years(St. Louis) and had 4 distinct seasons….God’s gift! I loved your post and all you continue to share. If we can’t be there with you, it is so nice of you to let us in on a small taste of winter’s beauty.
this post was wonderful on so many levels!!! the snow, the fireplace, the snowplow with the flashing lights seen through the dark wet window, the bacon, the birds, the single path shoveled by Joe to the garage, the candles, the robin!! and the awesome photo of the female cardinal captured with the outspread wings!! Susan – you are amazing! You have captured the essence of a snow day in it’s beauty, it’s coldness and it’s warmth! I LOVE IT!!!!! (My son once told me….I considered becoming a vegetarian, but then I remember bacon and I just can’t do it!)
Thanks for taking me with you on your morning visit with the snow.
I’d love to be there but I’d want the power on and a man with a
shovel !
Hi Susan, only you could make a snowstorm/blizzard look so lovely!! your pictures are wonderful!!! I live in NY and we only got about 8 inches of snow and I have thinking of you since Friday, wondering how much you got. Where I live, we didnt lose any power, Thank God!! but sorry to hear that you did!! Your two kitties are lucky to have you as their mommy to keep them warm and safe!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful sweet life with us all and calling us all “girlfriends” as I so wish we were in real life!!
Jill
Oh hello Susan! Thank you for the stunning capture of your weather. I was thinking about you, Joe and kitties as I saw the forecast, snowfall predictions for the northeast. I had to chuckle when you said Jack was helping you make the fire wearing a beret. I actually pictured the little guy in the cap before I read, “Not him, me”!!! I think you made the correct decision to cook bacon, etc. I love gas stoves, couldn’t live without one. All the photos are wonderful, brave birds and the video is fantastic. Jack must have loved the fire. Such dedication to your work, for us! We thank you. So many memories displayed in the book, surrounded by the memories you are giving us as you work on it! How absolutely special! We thank you as always. You are dear! I really am looking forward to this magnificent book. Hope you keep your power on in the next hours… days in the aftermath of the storm . Stay warm!
Waking up to a snow day is magical, so quiet and beautiful. Love watching birds at feeders too…can’t believe you have a robin, here in Indiana that is a sign of spring for sure. I have suet feeders by my picture window, the finches are entertainment for me as well as our kitty Berry, she can lay on the back of the couch and obs erve the action. So glad your power is on, snow is not nearly as wonderful without heat!! I have debated getting a new gas range, but one draw back would be the electronic ignition….our old stoves work great when the power is off…hmm..mine is aqua, a nice 1964 color. Can’t wait to get Willard this week..Happy Valentines Day to you both.
So glad to hear you are alright, thought of you when I got up this morning, no snow here in WNC. Glad your power came back on so quickly! In our blizzard of 1993 we were without for 5 days! They thought they had gotten our whole rd, but ours was on a different source! Spent my time on the phone calling every day! It was sure beautiful with the sun shining on the snow tho! The children had a ball! Had a wood stove in the basement that we used to cook tin foil boy scout meals!
The birds look so glad that you had their feeders full! Dear things get so cold! I remember a robin on our windowsill one year we had a late snow looking in as if to say let me in! I am freezing! He wouldn’t come in though, probably a good thing with our cats watching him!
Thanks for keeping us up to date Susan,
Jeannie
Hugs!
~Hi~
Glad you made it through the blizzard! ~ we got 9″ here and everything looks positively beautiful!~ we too made sure our feeders were full~ We are supposed to have a warm~up starting tomorrow & a rainy mix~ then 40’s on Monday!~Hopefully it won’t cause a flood~
~Enjoy the snow while it lasts!~
You are sooooo darn cute ! I took pictures and movies too to send to my folks who are in Florida escaping all this wonderful SNOW, big Chickens ! I showed them all the fun they are missing and you my friend get it ! There is soooo much beauty in this snow storm stuff as long as you are safe! Well, I am off to watch Doctor Zivago, seems to be a fitting movie to watch right now ! Love you too, my kindred spirit OXOX
Oh, so beautiful!
You are just simply charming, you know it? Well, you are!~!! I was so hoping that you would share your snow pictures with us today and you did!! Thank you so much. I’m so sorry you were cold this morning, but I know you loved it just the same. I just bought some bacon. I was terribly hungry for it. We rarely eat it, but I was craving it, so tomorrow there will be bacon!
Today, middle daughter and I went shopping for wedding dresses. I had a pretty teary day—happy tears, lots of them, but tears nonetheless. It was just daughter and I when all around us, brides were with huge groups of people. All their bridesmaids, their sisters, their moms, their aunts, their grandmas. We have such a teeny-tiny little family. One sister has decided not to speak to middle sister (not unusual for her). Does anyone else have a sibling who is just more difficult? I think many people do; it makes me sad. Her other sister now lives in CA, so she couldn’t be here, and there are no aunts. Grandma lives in AZ and is unable to travel here….so it was just she and I.
She looked absolutely gorgeous. She wants a lacy, old-fashioned vintage kind of dress…something to go with her engagement ring that was from 1917. It’s still engraved on it with a July date in 1917; isn’t that special? Middle daughter’s an ‘old soul,’ yes she is.
As I watched her try on gown after gown, I just saw the wonderfully beautiful heart this girl has….she’s just pretty from the inside out. LIKE YOU Susan!!
Afterward, we stopped for coffee and tea and as we sat there, the snow started to come down. It was quite perfect. We only got a dusting, but for those few moments, the world was perfectly perfect. The two of us having tea in a snowstorm together, after trying on wedding dresses.
And then to come home to this post? Icing, my dear friend; icing.
Love from Colorado,
Joann XOXO
Your day sounds wonderful Joann, memorable, loving, everything it should be for your girl. And yes, you are not alone with family troubles, almost everyone I know has someone who seems to be at odds. But the memories you made for your daughter are priceless. You can only do what you can do, and you’re doing good! xoxo
Oh, Joann, yes, for awhile one of my sons was “wayward” and it was so hard for all of us (including his two brothers). But we all just hung in there and loved him no matter what–and now he is married to the greatest girl and we are so happy. My advice is “hang in there, love her, and don’t give up on her!! You have to use tough love sometimes, though.”
It sounds like you had a wonderful day–with more to come! Enjoy the now!
Linda
It is good to hear that your power outage was not long lasting. It does sound as though you were well on your way to a great day, even with no electricity! We are so dependent on electricity!
Bless those birds! Bless you for feeding them so well!
Our high temperature today was in the mid-fifties, so I will be enjoying snow through your pictures.
Stay warm and safe, and enjoy the white of winter!
xo Nellie
I’m such a California girl. Don’t birds fly south for the winter? Thought that is why we had so many at our feeders this week. Your poor sweeties. Our birds did have to put up with a crazy hail storm yesterday. I was visiting in Manhattan Beach and it was very strange to see hail and the beach at the same time. Thank you so much for these pictures and glad you’re now warm and safe.
Arline in Burbank
The snow next to the wool rug looks like a broken heart! How Valentinesy. Of course no one wants a broken heart…
It seems to come with the territory sometimes . . .
Hello Susan! Glad to hear your power came back on!!! Your birdie’s are so pretty!! Your pictures are beautiful!! Did Jack find the snow on the floor? I wonder what he would do with a bowl full of cold wet snow? Or even a snowball? (He looks so curious in the photo!!!)
So glad your power didn’t stay off long. You know I have often thought that if I ever buy another stove it has to be gas as we have no way to cook or heat anything if our power is out. A gas stove is an advantage. We had several inches between yesterday and today but winds weren’t bad and no power outages here in Canandaigua (south of Rochester, NY)
Your birds are very chubby. 🙂 How nice you are to help them add their winter layer. Very cute.
Lovely pictures, including the bacon! Weathered Nemo until a lack of heat drove us to a relative’s home this afternoon – much of the East Bay down to Aquidneck Island (Newport) has been without power these past twenty four hours. Scary as temps drop to the single digits. I thought the wind last night was worse than the recent hurricane that blew through New England in November, it kept us sleeping fitfully. However, the snow that is blanketing everything has created quite the look of a winter wonderland. The Weather Channel says we are in a pattern for several “real old-fashioned” winter storms, uh oh. Just when I was thinking that groundhog may have been right…. Stay warm!
I was thinking of you today! Love love love the bird pics! Aren’t they spectacular? I had to re-stock our hummingbird feeder. While we’re not experiencing the blizzard conditions here in SoCal, it’s might cold… er… for SoCal that is! Luv and keep warm. MaryO
I knew this was going to be a cozy post, you didn’t let me down!! You even made snow on the floor look good!! Stay safe and warm!! No snow here in Nebraska, but maybe will get a fire going and make some bacon too!! 🙂
I love the way only you can make a winter storm and power outage seem delightful!
We are having sweater weather down here in South Carolina. I am originally from Pennsylvania and at times I do miss the snow. So glad that the power is on and you are safe.
Oh my, I would simply LOVE to have snow like this here in PA! I was very disappointed when we didn’t get enough to even cover the ground. So now I could live vicariously through you as you shared the clips as well as the pics! How beautiful — a winter wonderland! Awesome!
Thanks so much for sharing.
Glad you got your power back fast! 🙂
I am so glad to see this post! I was worried about you and Joe the whole time I was watching the weather on the television…Not that I didn’t know that you were self-sufficient enough to take care of yourselves, of course. I knew you would make the best of it :)) Your photos are beautiful, thanks for sharing!
Hi Susan and Joe,
One of the Pacific Northwest branch of the girlfriends checking in to say I’m glad you survived the big snow and that it looks like SO much fun! We’ve only had a bit of frost this year – no snow, and I do love some good snow days. I’m actually a Pennsylvania girl whose father used to flood the front yard for us in the winter so we could ice skate to our favorite radio station (via the extension corded radio on the front porch) – and I miss all that, not that I would be doing much ice skating these days but it’s nice to remember when you’re sitting in front of a fire while the snow is falling outside.
Give Jack and Girl Kitty a stroke or two on the head for me and the birds a cheep.
Have fun!
I just got caught up reading the last two blogs. Happy 26th Anniversary!!!!!!! That’s quite an accomplishment so congratulations to you both!
Glad your electric was only off for awhile. We woke up a few days ago to having the water shut off. Thankfully we had some bottled water. Without a good hot shower I really needed my tea!
As usual, your photos are incredible. I just love seeing all the birds at the feeders. Keep warm, Susan and Joe!
What a wonderful surprise to see your post this afternoon! So glad you are safe and warm again! How fortunate to have a gas stove when the power goes out! Loved seeing your home bathed in early morning candle light and the all the birds gathered at your feeders! I’m sure they were thanking you for keeping them filled! Fun to see Joe out there shoveling snow in the midst of it all! What a guy!
Did you happen to venture out to build a snowman?
We’re awaiting our big snowstorm here which is supposed to start sometime early this morning. So your photos look like what we will be seeing here later tomorrow and Monday. Norm filled all our bird feeders tonight before it got dark. The snow energizes our schnauzers–they go wild chasing each other and pushing their bearded faces down into the snow up to their eyebrows. Then they come running to us so we can brush the snow away from their eyes! Incidentally, we enjoyed the videos but decided that while looking at the photo of the bacon frying in the pan, even though it was a photo, we could HEAR it frying! LOL! Enjoy the fresh snow as we will be doing soon… 🙂
Hi Sue…. Glad you are safe and thank you for such a wonderful post of the birdies! We had (2 feet) ie (24″) of snow here. Yet throughout the State of CT there was anywhere between : 20″ to 40″, with the 40″ falling in the town of Hampden, CT. Oh my goodness…..I could not get our back door open with two feet of snow…..imagine…..three/four feet! I did get outside though and like you, I had all the feeders filled and suet cakes as well and love to take pictures. Yet there were so many birdies at once that I shoveled a path slowly to the big barrel of seed so I could set out three areas of seed on the ground as well. Oh my Gosh Sue……I am very tall and the snow was over my knees and up to my waist in areas……LOL…what a sight! My husband and I took turns snowblowing and shoveling…….then it was indoors for us for a ham dinner and nap time! I am usually asleep at these wee hours but woke up so checked out your blog to see if anything new and glad I did. Thanks so much for taking the time out to let us all know how you made out in Blizzard Charlotte/Nemo of 2013! Hugs&Smiles:)
Ah, you two know how to take good care of the birdies:)
I am so happy you got through the storm, and your power is back on. Love the candles, but also love electricity! It is so hard to be without it. Have you tried the battery operated candles? They are great,without the worry of fire.
I love the photos and videos of the beautiful birds. I feed mine here in CA everyday, and am amazed when they eat in a rainstorm. But in a snowstorm, that is really something. If I miss a day of feeding them I feel so guilty!!
Where was girl kitty in all this?
Keep warm and safe.
Girl is almost always on our bed, unless she comes down to the pillow in my art studio. She comes down early, gets the lay of the land, then goes back to bed!
Smart girl that Girl Kitty!
Yes when you feed them everyday you do feel guilty they get spoiled! My feeders are close to my house and I swear sometimes if they get empty you can see them sitting there looking at you like lady fill the feeder! Lol my husband has joked saying I’m not going out there until you feed them! Lol
I know what you mean, they can be a bit demanding!
In the summer when I feed the hummingbirds, if the feeder is empty they fly up to the front porch and look in our glass door and just hover there. No kidding! I don’t think birds are as dumb or instinctual as we think. There’s some problem solving going on out there!
Chris
I know you are right!
My Dad feeds the hummingbirds at his house..he’s been up on the ladder hanging the newly filled feeder..and those little guys are just inches from his face…buzzing and humming…so anxious for their sweet treat.
Here it is in the middle of the night with me wide awake. My first thought was, “wonder how Susan, Joe, Girl, & Jack are doing?” Got out of bed, went to my computer, & there you were! So glad you told us how you are today. Thank you. Looks like you feed your birds the same concoction we feed our birds (in CA). I’ve always wondered where our dear birds go in a storm. Do they fly around looking for a safe haven among the trees, or maybe under a tiny part of a roof, or do their nests supply a safe place in a swaying tree? Somehow they survive. They’re strong little buggers, aren’t they? As for that Robin, I “told” him to stay in CA, that it was cold back east, but would he listen to me? Happily on my way, now that I know you’re OK. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
Happy Snow Day!
We got just enough snow here in my area to make it a winter”Wonderland”
Going to make pancakes and bacon,coffee this morning. Your videos were wonderful! Glad to hear you were not to long without electric.
Love birds, I feel so sorry for the Robin that come to early. I am beginning to think maybe they never leave and fly south. Why I say this is because one year I found several on my bird bath getting the melted ice, and it was January the 16th a couple years back.
Our robins don’t seem to go at all anymore … at least for the last 2 or 3 years.
I wonder if that’s part of the climate change?
I’ve wanted to ask you before – how far away to the mainland? Do the birds go back forth or stay on MV I wonder? Thinking of the turkey flock & wondering if they stay “on island” – think they must be gliders like our muster of peacocks!
Just an aside! Hope that everyone is digging out & safe! Is power back on all the island?
Cheers! 😉
We’re 7 miles off the coast of MA — yes, the birds go back and forth, but not the turkeys, they stay. Deer swim here! We have power!
How do robins get onto and off the island–where can they go until Spring? (There’s probably a simple answer but I don’t see it!! Come to think of it, how do they get there to begin with?
They must just fly over, they’re born here too, I think we need to do a study! 🙂
WOW, And you are farther north then us. Hummm, I have got to do some checking and see what I come up with about these birds. “Hawk Mountain” an aea known for their counting of birds an everything one ever wanted to know about birds is what “Hawk Mountain” is all about. It will open in the spring. We go there several times a year to see the different birds. I would think they would have a web sight if you wanted to go on as see the area here in Pa.
I have never counted birds but maybe some day I will. They count Cardinals a lot in our area, plus the hawks.
How do they count them? Do they band them?
I have seen them on the mountain with field glasses so I think they can make a grid somehow and from that point they are counted. I am just taking a maybe this is how it is done. I have never seen them band any birds,but maybe they do I really don’t know for sure. It is a bird sanctuary, and I went on google and for sure they are there. Hawk Mountain Pa is all you have to put in. I found out last night they are open all year. So after the snow is fully off the back roads and my hubby can drive again,he has a concussion, fell New Years Day at work, slipped on the ice, then we can go up there and I can ask questions.
Duluth, MN also has a ridge where people gather in the spring and fall and count the migrating birds/hawks.
Hi Ladies,
I have been curious as to why Robins stay in winter now as I have noticed this since about (2006) and according to an article I read…..Robins apparently don’t all go South as we thought. If Robins are able to find a Reliable Food Supply for the winter they will stay on. Robins eat mainly Fruits and Berries and they are good at Roosting in Trees and Shrubs. Therefore they may be hidden in the Winter and just come out when we least expect it, therefore giving us all the question of why did they not go South, yet they have been here all along. I just find it rather interesting and if anyone else has more information…….I certainly am interested as I am an avid birder and love any history on birds. Have a wonderful day everyone! Barb 🙂
Sigh. It is all so beautiful! Thank you for sharing. And the timing was great for the power to come back on. You were resolutely making the best of it, and poof! Lights, heat, and life resumes it’s normal programming (with enhanced appreciation of the comforts of power!)
I hope the power stayed on!
It did, and now it’s BRIGHT white outside our windows, lots of sun and everything is lit up!
We’re in Rochester, NY and we pretty much have a winter wonderland too.
Just beautiful, I say!
Just another THANK YOU for the post-blizzard post and all the photos. It looks as though you feed every bird on Martha’s Vineyard! They are so much fun to watch. Glad your power outage was short-lived and hope it is the same for everyone.
Nadine
Happy to hear you got your power back .Jack was cute hugging the fire place cats know how to keep warm. Love your Robin picture what a sweetie puffed out to keep warm! I didn’t t know you still had them in Winter.I always look forward to the first Spring Robin I see! They love raisins I make a spring time Raisin suet that brings them in to my feeders. Sometimes it helps out the Robins that come back a little to early and it’s fun to have a bird close to see that you normally don’t get in you feeders. Stay warm!
You now have such a winter wonderland there, so very beautiful. I can just imagine all the things that are going through Jack’s head as he sits in his perch in the pantry. I know he’s an inside cat, but does he like the snow? Our small dog (a pom) gets so frisky when we put her out in the snow. I love the picture of the bird in flight right in front of the red on the wreath and with Joe shoveling. As I always say…life at its best. Enjoy the winter magic of your island. Glad everyone is safe and sound.
I love those little dogs, they always seem to have a smile on their faces!
She has been a precious jewel…a ball of energy, love and laughter. I have this little saying I use – a person really hasn’t lived unless they’ve had the pleasure of sharing life with a pom. She has the same birthday as my daughter, February 16th. So she will be 16 years old on Saturday. A life well lived!
How sweet to hear “precious Jewel!”
Hi Susan,
Brrrr! It’s times like this when a fireplace AND a gas stove come in handy. We have neither, but we have gas heat. No power outages here in WNY, but we did get about 12″ of snow. It was so pretty, just like a snow globe. You take such good care of your feathered friends! I love your little videos. You have such a cute, soft voice!
Enjoy the beautiful snow!! Have you gotten your power back yet? We were lucky this time – didn’t lose power. We’re still snowed in though – private road…..I’m waiting for a call from the plow man right now.
Martha from CT
Oh yes, we got it back yesterday morning at around 8:30! Felt very lucky!
Glad this latest blizzard is only some added adventure in your life! Loved hearing Billie Holiday sing that great song! I’m sharing your power outage, although not snow, thank goodness! The city is finally doing some work in our 1924 building (which needs a lot of work!), and someone put wrong fuses in the box. So, something which would ordinarily have simply tripped the power strip didn’t, and for several days I kept smelling this strange smell, sort of like off salmon. Finally, last night, for who knows what reason I put my hand on the plug for the power strip and discovered it was very hot. I unplugged it, and the adapter plug and socket were burned. A while later I checked, and saw sparking in the socket, at which point I called the fire department. For awhile I was trapped in the kitchen with three firemen! Because they were blocking the doorway while examining the socket. To make a long story short, no power in the kitchen and part of the main room of my little studio apartment, and no heat. The wall heater, which can’t be used because the wind from the ocean blows the pilot out all the time, is supposed to be replaced tomorrow. The management company is trying to track down the electrician. I am being very improvisational. Firemen are such great guys! They were so supportive. And funny. I have a large temple bell hanging in the archway between kitchen and main room, and men usually bump their heads on it. My son always takes it down immediately when he comes over. One of the firemen finally took it down. It’s very easy to get back there. And I never bump my head. It’s only 47 degrees here now, which is cold for SoCal. However, all I have to do is look at your photos, Susan, and I just count my blessings! My friend in Maine sent a photo of snow inside the window and on things in her bathroom, and piled way up outside the window! And those poor little birdies! How grand you have the feeder for them. And keep the kitties indoors (best for all concerned!) When I saw the photo of the snow on the floor and small rug, it all came back to me…the kids coming in and tracking snow, and snow falling off their snowsuits and instantly turning to water. Such memories that conjured. Good for Joe, out there shoveling, and I know you have something warm and good for him to feast on when he comes in! You and Joe and Jack and GK stay snug and warm….and may your love keep on keepin’ you all warm!
Hi Susan,
I smiled at your comment about having a Christmas tree in the window. I’m notorious for not letting go of the holiday with 2 fully-dressed Xmas trees in my living room and family room…maybe 3 if you count the little one in my granddaughter’s room. We’re waiting for snow to complete the holiday affect…that’s our story and we’re sticking to it!!
We had whistling winds and very cold weather but no snow.
TJ in VA
It’s 30 degrees here in Modesto, bright sunshine and frost on everything. It’s not quite the same as your beautiful snow, but it’s as close as we get here in central CA!
I loved the snow pictures. And the birds! They look a little beaten up from the winds. I’m glad they’re getting a good meal at your house. I love the cardinals; they are my new favorite bird. I can’t get over how red their red feathers are! I just got an adorable, comical cross stitch pattern of a cardinal sitting on a wire surrounded by snowflakes and snow piled on his head. The pattern looks like it was inspired by this storm, but it the artwork is from years ago. I can’t wait to complete it; now it will remind me of your birds out the window.
You and Joe are such a good example of being prepared. You have food, water, candles, blankets, fuel – and no worries! That’s what allows you to enjoy the beauty of this storm instead of just hunkering down and getting through it. One of my favorite quotes, “If you are prepared, you will not fear”.
I’m looking forward to Willard this week. Take care and love to you all! =^..^=
Poor little birdies!!!
Too bad you can’t invite them in for some tea and crumbs.
They could all sit around your warm fireplace and dry out their cold wet feathers.
You’d have to hide Jack somewhere tho and he wouldn’t like missing out on all
that action.
Stay safe and warm. The daffodils and buttercups are on their way!
Watched the weather maps for days and was thinking of you, Joe, and all your animal friends including your beautiful birds. What gorgeous photos/videos you shared…certainly a winter wonderland. So peaceful! What a special experience. So pleased you are all safe and sound. Thankful your power came back on and you are snug as bugs. I can smell that bacon cooking all the way out here. 🙂 Enjoy! Thank you, Susan. Take care. Be safe.
Oh I’m almost jealous! We missed the storm here in PA. Huge snowstorms are scary but they’re fun too! Reminds me of being a kid looking at all that snow. Glad you are safe and sound! Love the pictures of the birdies – they’re so sweet 🙂
Thank you, Susan, for sharing that picture-perfect New England postcard with us! I’m in CT so our landscape is pretty much the same today.
I love the photo of the birds through your early-morning window. The candles in your window give it a beautiful glow. It’s so good you could frame it!
And I must be hungry because your open paintbox on your art table looks like colored gumdrops to me. The paints look good enough to eat!
Please take some more photos of your beautiful snowy landscape and share with us.
Mr Puddy from everydayvisitor.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/share-warmth.html passed a blog award to me – I’ve passed it on to you. Totally aware you have no time to play blog awards as you have a book to finish! But maybe when you need a rest from your paint brush you might enjoy meeting Mr Puddy in blog land. But just a little break ok… I’m sure Jack would love to meet Mr Puddy.
Love Leanne
Susan, Snow is so pretty!Its snowing here yah!It looks like the fake snow in Holiday Inn!We atempted going out but turned around, i m glad!I love staying home its so cozy!Thanks for the beautiful post!Keep warm! Faith
We’ve managed a walk through town, but that’s about it — so cold out!
Happy 26th Wedding Anniversary you two! Bless you! Thanks for sharing your “Snowy Day”…and bet you are thankful that you have an old fashioned house. We are getting snow now today….so glad it turned to snow after rain most of the morning! May have a 2 hr. delay at school tomorrow…yay! Love from Minnesota! Happy Valentines Day also!!!!!!!!!!! XO
Loved seeing the snow and the bird videos! You are getting better & better shooting videos! 😉
I always want to return to snowy climes and then we have 40 degree weather like last few days and wimp out!! Like to watch but I can’t seem to deal with the cold anymore!! 😉
How many more pages of the book do you have to finish? Will you have a mini celebration when final page faxed??!! Another great accomplishment! 😉
Have a wonderful week filled with everything you love! 😉
Dear Susan, Have been holding you in my heart with lots of prayers through this mega storm and was SO GLAD to see your post and know you’re okay. We have a storm and more snow coming in all day today and through tonight until tomorrow morning. Definitely time for hot chocolate, soup, and crocheting my afghan by the fire. My feeders are full of birds, too. Such a joy to watch, but I wish I could invite them inside! lol Lots of warm hugs from Minnesota, Ruthie
Thank you Ruthie!
Happy belated twenty-sixth anniversary! It’s been such a busy week that I haven’t checked your blog, which reminds me to tell you again how generous it is of you to take the time to open your home to all your cyber friends. The pictures of you and Joe are precious — you both look like each others’ Very Best and In Love BFF. What time does that clock say in your paint-by-candlelight pic — around 4:30 a.m.? I’m trying to get there, but 5:30 remains my earliest yet. Beautiful, gorgeous snow! Beautiful birds! All that snow, candlelight, gas stove, twittering, hungry birds and BACON! Sounds like a dreamy day to me. Best wishes to you and Joe for many more happy years together 🙂
Thank you so much Frances!
Hi Susan and girlfriends,
Gorgeous, sunny, and blue, cloudless sky the day after the blizzard. The man that plowed our driveway said “you can’t buy a blue like that.” So true, it is just beautiful. I am thoroughly enjoying my second day in the house all day, and I think my husband has a touch of cabin fever.. There are still people in my area without power. I feel fortunate to have had power thru the storm. Enjoy your day everyone!
Susan, your videos are so precious! I feel the cold to my bones, even here in California with no chance of snow where we are. There is something so wonderful about a snowy day. Is it the white or the silence that makes a snow magical? Maybe both. Keep warm.
It’s definitely both. It happens so rarely, comparatively speaking, that it becomes very special.
Good Sunday Morning from Northern CA Susan and Joe, and of course kitties.
I have to say, you did get a bit of snow! I do love snow as it seems to make everything beautiful. So does flying in a small plane at night, by the way….although the snow isn’t quite as adventurous…..as you don’t have to worry about landing if there’s a problem, but there is that cold factor…..lol.
Anyway, I just wanted to tell you I’m in love with your cardinals! Your photos of them are just fabulous! I copied that fat cardinal from your previous blog onto my desktop as my photo. The one with the seed in his beak…..he is just so cute!! And that full front face photo….just wonderful. We don’t have cardinals out here…but we do have fat robins, and cute finches and chickadee’s. And, in a span of a 10 mile stretch to shop in Chico, my husband and I saw 20 hawks amongst the rice fields and on the power poles checking out breakfast….and a Bald Eagle!
Birds are wonderful no matter where they are.
Well, stay warm. Looking forward to the new Willard and of course the upcoming book.
Stay safe out there. Hoping you and all the others effected by this storm get their power back and are ok. Hang in there.
Cheers,
Jan from Northern CA
Thank you Jan! Love hearing about your birds!
Ah, just reading about the Willard….and sigh, I’m at the latter end of the alphabet…….maybe tomorrow. Headed to the shopping area of your website….to pre-order “the book”!! Can’t wait!
What I find really special about this blog is that we were all wondering how you, Joe, and the kids were weathering the storm! What other blog has readers who all feel like kindred spirits!?! And I think we probably all knew you’d share some wonderful photos as soon as you could. I was counting on it!
So true, and all sharing stories of winter wherever we are! It’s a wonderful thing!
So right, Norine. I was concerned all weekend – listening for some mention of conditions on MV & Nantucket. How much snow did they get walloped with? Did they lose power? How was everyone doing on that little hunk of sand out there in the wild, frigid, churning Atlantic? The only island I heard anything about was somewhere called Plum Island – which I now have to Google – where this nice old man was trying to re-attach his deck after high tide carried some of it off a ways. :>)
That blizzard was a “doozie” as my granny used to say…we are over here on the northwest coast watching from afar. So relieved to hear all’s well in your neck of the woods and that lovely old house is still standing and keeping you all cozy and warm. The birds are such beautiful fragile little things, thank you for caring about them. Kisses to the kitties too!
Thanks for the update. I was wondering how you were doing and kept looking for MV when the weatherman did his update. We had 14 inches here (NY) but no loss of heat/electric.
I know it’s none of my business but how many fireplaces do you have in your house? Usually old home like yours have one in every room, right? When Hurricane Sandy hit we had no heat/electric and on the 5th night it got down to 30 degrees and I couldn’t believe how cold it was in the house. The fire did little good – it was warmer in bed with 5 blankets. It made me appreciate our ancestors – how did they do it day after day? While I love fires – they need to be tended to keep going and doing that all day, all winter… god bless all those who’ve come before us!
Glad you are well. Like the rest of the New England area I’m sore from shoveling yesterday! Today is a fire and relaxing and a 2-hour Downton Abbey tonight! I’m so excited!
We only have two, one upstairs and one downstairs. I agree, God Bless our ancestors. How did they do it? Must have been a different breed of human! I just think of the Mayflower, how cold and wet it must have been!
There is a great book called “Our Own Snug Fireside” By Jane Nylander which explains what it was like to live in New England in 1700/1800’s and it’s fascinating. I was astounded what it took just to survive – and yet they still found time to make things beautiful. It’s a fantastic book, based on diaries from the time etc.
One point I never forgot is that if they turned their back from the fire to wash dishes… the water would freeze. They had to be right by the fire to keep the water as water. And I get cranky if my internet is slow!
Mind-boggling, isn’t it? And just think, the Pilgrims thought the same thing of those that lived say, during Elizabethan times. David McCullough’s excellent book “1776” talks about the fact that even at that time, Americans had one of the highest standards of living in the world! Their world was state of the art – for that time – just as ours is. Everyone just carried on. Someday our descendants will just be baffled at the fact that people died from pneumonia, or diabetes. “Why we just get a shot for that now, when we’re babies – and never have to think about it again…” Brave new world… :>)
I love history — even looking at it from the future!
Then you’d probably like – if you haven’t already seen it – the History Channel’s “Life After People” series – all about what would happen if human beings suddenly just vanished from the face of the earth – how quickly the known world would deteoriate. A lot of things no one would ever think about – it was just fascinating! :>)
I love David McCulloughs books – I have a serious crush on that man – LOVE HIM! I think he lives on MV too, right? He makes that time come alive. Just writing letters at night – by a fire, with only candlelight and no real pen to speak of… how did they do it?
I have thought of that many times, too. Imagine how cold! And wet! Imagine trying to keep a fire going with wet wood, wet rain/snow, and high winds. Or even having to cut down and split the wood for the fire! Not to mention they had to make their own shelters–there were no houses built ready for them to move into! And it isn’t as though they had polarfleece, down parkas, thick insulated boots, etc. Probably they had one pair of socks to their name–that they had knit themselves! And imagine trying to cook outside over a wood fire in the wet snow just to have food to try to keep your strength. Ugh, and that food would have to have been grown yourself and the meat obtained yourself. It doesn’t surprise me that their life expectancies were so much shorter–what surprises me is that they lived as long as they did!
So true Pat. Having grown a few veggies in my time – it’s scary to think that if you didn’t grow it (or shoot it!) – you didn’t eat! They must have died from exhaustion by age 30 – forget about modern medicine – they died young because they were worn out!
Lucky the birds who have found the life-saving grub outside your kitchen windows! And lucky us who get to see your early morning videos with flickering candle flames reflected there. So poetic Susan. Thanks for giving us a peek at this tender scene. I’m happy your are no longer in the dark and cold and that Jack does not lack for entertainment from the outside world. The sun actually shines in Seattle today, lighting up the primroses in my little window box. Oh happy day! 🙂
The picture you posted of Joe shoveling the path has the most amazing image of a bird in flight! That is an incredible sight, with its wings completely spread out — thanks for your update!
We were rather amazed too, because of course I couldn’t see that through the view finder, it was just a lucky “catch.”
Cardinals . . . Nature’s Valentines. I LOVE THAT!!! 🙂 So glad you came through the storm alright. We are still shoveling here in MN.
Susan,
Just arived home after a weekend to relax at the cabin and see grandkids ( and hear our son preach ). Great time away but the first part of the drive home was scary – freezing rain and iced roads. Many cars in the ditch. But we are home safe now, thank goodness!Thanks for the update on your storm. Glad your power is back on. What beautiful snow and bird pictures! The last picture of the bird on the feeder – do you know: Is it the female of the woodpecker shown earlier in your pictures? We, too, have these exact type of birds. Just didn’t know if they were male and female – or two different types of woodpeckers? Thanks! Enjoy the snow and stay warm.
Jan
I am not the most knowledgeable person on this subject, but I have always heard, that in bird world, the males are the more colorful of the two.
But of course
🙂
Susan,
Thanks for your input on my bird question. Loved your Dad’s response too!
Jan
Hello……Just wanted to let you know here is a great website to go to http://www.allaboutbirds.org and you will be able to check out any bird with detailed information. However Sue is partially right……the Males are the more colorful woodpeckers but there are other type of woodpeckers where both female and male have the color. I love birds so just felt like sharing this.
Please also know the GREAT BACKYARD BIRDCOUNT is happening this weekend: Feb 15 to Feb 18th and you can log onto (www.allaboutbirds.org) and read all about it. Anyone can participate. Sue…….you would so love this! Have a great day everyone! 🙂
Thanks for the input Barb – much appreciated!
Jan
Dear Susan…How wonderful to see the fire, the birds, the SNOW and Joe! It’s hard to imagine walking around in the dark in your wonderfully old house filled with decade upon decade of memories, but with your video, even that was possible. Your snow plow came by your window that morning just about the same time mine came by my window. My he has been busy!
Which journal page were you painting in the dark? it will be fun to come to that page in the journal and imagine you sitting there in the candlelight wearing your beret and shivering while the snow was swirling about outside!
It’s been such fun sharing your adventures. Isn’t technology wonderful.
Sending hugs across the snowly miles for a simply Fine Romance of a Day!
xoxo Georgie
Yardville, NJ
I was trying to paint the flowers on page 208! You’ll see, I veered outside the lines! You too Georgie, have a wonderful day!
P.S. I just went on Google and put in (counting birds) Go down to Great backyard bird count/National Audubon Society.
It is the 16 annual GBBC will be held Feb 15—-Feb 18, 2013.
There is an offical website: birdcount.org
They also have phone #’s for “Cornell Lab of Ornithalogy”
There is a lot of informantion on Google about bird counting. Have fun:)
So good to know you are doing ok after the storm. Great pictures of the birds – thank you for feeding them. Looking forward to Willard. It’s a few days early, but I wish you a very Happy Valentine’s Day!
So glad to hear that you guys are doing well! I love that despite it all you were painting 🙂
I’m glad you didn’t have to go without power too long…..it really makes you appreciate modern conveniences when there is none….I bet your kitchen was soon warm, anyway.
I love Birds and I love photographing them….caught some of our Blue Birds this weekend…….and saw the neighborhood hawk enjoying a little feast of Robin late one day…..its sad I know but Hawks have to eat, too. Its all part of God’s plan….
Stay warm,
Mama Bear
My sisters and I were thinking about you!!! So happy you are ok and warm now!
good morning susan, hello girlfriends. so glad you weathered the storm susan, have a friend in Dover, MA. and she is also doing well, bundled up like an eskimo but she made it through the storm. what pretty pictures of all the birds, do you have any suet feeders?? the cardinals and orioles really love those, especially the suet with berries and oranges in it. the robins love apples and raisins and sunflower seed kernels, a treat for them. if i give my little birds apples, i have to be nice and give my big birds apples and seeds as well..such spoiled babies. glad you made it okay, stay warm and comfy now. off to go feed the big birds. hugs everyone……. 🙂
ps. forgot to wish you Happy New year (Chinese new year, year of the snake) and tomorrow is Mardi Gras so let the good times roll. have a great day today and every day. hugs… 🙂
Lovely pictures, Susan! Have a great day.
Glad you gave us a report that all is well & a peek at the well-fed birdies. I love visiting ‘cozy Susan world’. The snow missed us here in PA, but we’re having a very windy day today. Stay safe & warm. xxoo
Hi Susan… I love to come back and read eveyones comments and your replies… and of course look at your posts again… and I had a question for you… I am French on my daddy’s side of the family, and English on my mama’s side (and proud of both sides!)… just wondering, where are your ancestors from?… are yours or Joe’s from England?… if so, which part?… I always love to know peoples heritage… and since you love England so much, wondered if you have family there too?… all I can think about is your book… remember that old Mervyns ad with the lady at the door saying “open open open”… all I can think of now is “order, order order” my book!… xoxo Julie Marie PS Your daddy is sooo cute!… I especially love his comments!…
I’m probably quite a little mixture, because on my Grandma’s side, we had someone on the Mayflower, and since it’s been quite a few years, we could be almost anything by now! But yes, English, and on my dad’s side, we’re a little bit Irish and a little bit Scottish — Stewart, you know.
Thanks for your reply Susan!… how fun you had a relative on the Mayflower!!! … my Jack is Irish, and I love that your daddy is Irish too… they have the best sense of humor!… xoxo Julie Marie
The best!
Hi Susan,
Did you go for your daily walk after the storm?
How fun you are to share with us all the FUN of having no power. 🙂
Blessings to you –
Carla
It wasn’t our same walk in the woods, it was a walk in the neighborhood!
Great Pictures Susan!!..so many birds…WOW!!!I love how you too made the best of an inconvenience….you must have been so happy when the power came back….we never lost power here ( 15 miles south of Sanford, Me) .and we had drifts of 38inches in our driveway and hand shoveled with my sons ..after that I felt like a true woman…and NOT a feminist!!! Ha ha…
Enjoy tomorrow…for it is truly a day to pig out before the fast!!
Take care
hello again susan, hello again girlfriends. susan i have a question for you..do you put up suet feeders for the birds?? its good for their feathers especially in the winter. we put out seed in a little feeder and on the grape arbor for the birds, and we hang up suet feeders for them as well, hard to say which attracts the most birds as they are always busy. you can buy suet feeders and suet at any local hardware or feed and seed place. its not that expensive and does the birds a world of good to help them through the winter. we love watching all our feeders all winter long and all through the seasons. gotta go the turkeys overturned their water container and i have to refill it, can’t have thirsty turkeys, not good for them. have a good afternoon and evening. hugs everyone. ……. 🙂
Yes, the woodpecker is pecking on suet! You are a good nature loving person!
It is also very easy to make your own suet for the birds. There are several sites online but basically you mix rendered fat (or you could use something like Crisco), peanut butter, cornmeal, chopped unsalted peanuts, and either regular mixed birdseed, sunflower seed hearts, or black oil sunflower seeds. It is easy and fun to make–a good project for the human kiddles in your family… 🙂
That sounds pretty darn delicious! 🙂
Hi Susan,
Hingham looks like a fairy tale all buried in snow from the blizzard of ’13. We got about 22″. Our town did not lose power like so many surrounding towns did.
I really enjoyed your blog. The birds at your feeder are so lovely. If I may be serious for a moment, I wanted to mention that I have heard you must be careful with gas stoves and be sure to properly ventilate because of carbon monoxide. This is especially true if you are closing all of the doors to the kitchen and opening the oven. You, Joe and the kitties are so precious to all of us! Take care, Stay warm and cozy. xoxo
Susan, I have re-read your post several times now. As a Southern girl, I’m fascinated by snow because we rarely have any. A light dusting will shut our city down! Instead, we have hurricanes. So when we have storms, it’s hot outside, and there is no power and no fun. But your winter wonderland is dazzling, and you and yours make even a power outtage beautiful and fun. When you moved to the island from California, how did you know what to do that first winter? We don’t even have the right clothes for that kind of cold. Snow chains? What are those? Hoping all those in the snowy North are warm and safe. Thank you for a wonderful post.
Glad to hear that all is well. How beautiful the snow is. Love the pictures of the birds. Little nuthatch…he is one of my favorites. Sounds like a tiny little cab; with his beep beep!! Stay safe and enjoy the wonderment! xoxo