It's Not Yet December...

but I want to sing Christmas Carols today!

We're receiving our first snowfall. I don't think it will amount to much, today...
but
HOORAY!

These first three photos were taken at 9:45 A.M.
(You might notice a change in the bird-care methods this Fall.
Mr Shady mounted a birdbath on the front deck railing --
guess I won't be using the birdbath on the ground, a bit sad --
and a heavy duty bird feeder hanger!)

The photos below were taken almost exactly two hours later...

(out back)

And what's this?

Just keep watch! It's not "shady" but will work in it! ;-)

Look forward to December! It's coming!!

Simple Truths - We Hope You Enjoyed the movie!

We can indeed be Thankful! Click the link below:

Simple Truths - We Hope You Enjoyed the movie!

Thanksgiving

Thank You
for all my hands can hold ---
apples red,
and melons gold,
yellow corn
both ripe and sweet,
peas and beans
so good to eat!

Thank you
for all my eyes can see ---
lovely sunlight,
field and tree,
white cloud-boats
in sea-deep sky,
soaring bird
and butterfly.

(Oriole photo taken Spring 2007 - notice the Sunny Corner bed - prior to its renovation)

Thank you
for all my ears can hear ---
birds' song echoing
far and near,
songs of little
stream, big sea,
cricket, bullfrog,
duck and bee!

poem by Ivy O. Eastwick

A Carolina Wren

Last Friday morning (Nov. 12), I walked out into the garage and saw a wren!

Me: "Say! What are YOU doing here at this time of year?" (Thinking it was a house wren.)

It hopped into one of the holes on my husband's truck's front bumper - looking for a home? So I quickly dashed into the house to get my camera. I stood quite awhile, focused on that bumper... but nothing happened. As soon as I turned off my camera, the little fellow flew off! Of course! ha.




So, I turned the camera back on and out hopped (his mate?) from under the truck. I did the best I could, but this was the only photo I got. He/she then hopped back under the truck and soon was on the left front tire. I was ready to take a second shot when he/she flew off.

I'm just WAY too slow on the draw!

But it's a Carolina Wren! (Don't think I've ever noticed them before, but the bird book say's they're year-round residents in this area.) Hope they like my neck of the woods! Please return!

SG

Green Thumb Sunday, November 14, 2010

Yes, I was taking photos all Spring!

No, you didn't get to see very many of them.

Here is one of my favorite photos from this past Spring (April 17). I know these items are NOT blooming now, but I wanted to share them anyway. :-)

Left foreground: Dicentra 'Gold Heart',
Right foreground: Mertensia virginica (Virginia Bluebells),
Center: Pulmonaria, 'Milky Way',
Back: leaves of Erythronium albinum (Dog Toothed Lily or Trout Lily)
Way Back: little white blossoms - Claytonia virginica (Spring Beauty)

Something to be looking forward to again in 2011.

Amaryllis - tips and hints from Deb

(I don't know the name of this amaryllis, but it finally bloomed for me last April!)

If you'd like great information
about starting an amaryllis bulb,

head over to visit Deb's blog entitled Garden Author!


This is the link to her most recent post about amaryllis bulbs.

I've picked up a few hints myself!

Enjoy
(Definitely not a "shady" topic.)
ha.

to Rosemary of Rosemary's Blogspot

Earlier I'd corresponded with Rosemary about seeds I promised to gather for her.

She received them, with a couple of photos I'd enclosed. (Click these words to see her post).

You see, Rosemary is very creative and enjoys creating beautiful greeting cards.
I thought she might like to use a couple of my photos in her cards...
but look!

She made the cards and sent them back to me -

with several others!































Don't we find nice friends on-line?
Gardeners are Wonderful People!

Thank you, Rosemary!

:-)

Nothing 'shady' here!

All in a Day's Haze

I couldn't help taking these photos early this a.m. The bush seemed to be on fire! :-)

We continue enjoying our wonderful Fall weather!
SG

GBBD Haiku - November 7, 2009

Autumn chill outdoors
Brings Autumn blossoms indoors --
exuberantly!

(new plant - inherited from a friend)

GB Muse Day - November 1, 2010

Beautiful colors paint the blue sky,
Colder temps coming; as swift they draw nigh.

Leaves are tumbling to cover the ground,
whirling and mounding, without a sound.

Rejoice with the beauty as outdoors we tend
our final duties as Fall nears its end.

(best wishes from yours truly)

Visit Carolyn Gail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago to see who else is participating in her Garden Blogger's Muse Day.

Wishing you beauty.
SG