pic-nic/n: A pleasant or amusingly carefree experience, an excursion, an outing usually involving food eaten in the open. Welcome to a slice of my life!
First thing each morning, I go to the kitchen to brew some tea. Always, an open window is my ritual {Hubby is kind to help}... or I struggle with that 70 year old monster myself if he hasn't had the chance. This window looks out into our backyard garden. On each side of the pane are old twisted-wire plant hangers. We've had some visitors claim these planters as their home! A feathered couple of mourning doves, that I believe are hoping to start a family!
A couple of days after this portrait of Mr. Mourning, the pair left my window...
my pie-bird seems to be crowing at the dove
See the Missus - she's lying down - her black eyes following my lens, mid-picture...
Was so wishing to witness the birth of the babes....
Surely seemed that they might stay with this nest. They definitely weren't frightened by our close proximity, or the camera clicking away!
Maybe next time, Mr. & Mrs. Mourning.... our garden is your garden!
* go visit all of the fabulous blogs that are linked at My Romantic Home!! I'll be there.
Giving Hubby and friends their space for poker left me with hours of time to create my own space at any place of my choosing. If you know me it isn't hard to figure out where I might journey for "ME" time.
THE BEACH OF COURSE!!
We live just over the hill (that's local speak) from the beach. Those of us grown up in Santa Clara Valley/Silicon Valley say we're going over the hill meaning driving over Highway 17 to get to the ocean. Santa Cruz is the nearest beach over that twisty, curvy road. Takes a mere half hour to get there!! Thank goodness!
I chose to drive a few minutes more to reach this beach ^ (New Brighton) that has miles of walking space.
Such a beautiful evening! The pelicans were in a feeding frenzy....
The diving skills of those pelicans is truly a marvel!
Reading, walking and arithmetic... ha! house stalking were part of my itinerary...
check the deck on that baby..
I found homes of interest....
The birds found theirs too...
This decrepit ship hull is a landmark at Seacliff State Beach. I remember it from when I was a child. The local flying population has decided it makes for a McMansion size nest
Something about this whole scene was spooky. Reminded me of an Alfred Hitchcock film.....
yeah!! uuuhmmm - maybe THE BIRDS ??
By the end of the night everyone was happy, I'd found my space. Hubby & the guys had theirs. And even our feathered friends had elbow room, good air to breathe and a sense of well being.
Needing a vacation from my vacation. On second thought, not another vacation - more time in the day and more time at home to catch up on life around here. At this time of year work in the garden seems so crucial. Such strange weather though has aided me in my poor timing and inability to stay on task. I've hardly planted a veggie or herb... well, very few anyway. Without further ado, I've spent my waking hours since home,either walking, laundering, or gardening!
Removing 10+ year fortnight lilies is not an easy task. My hands are sore; my thumbs barely able to work this keyboard. Still much on the to-do list! Some fun ideas that I'm hoping to accomplish in the coming months.
Our new, sweet addition has arrived! Our great nephew Charlie was brought into this world while we were away playing in LA. He has, in the last few days, brought many smiles and some happy tears too. That full head of inky-black hair is just wild! There's an impish turned up nose that'll just knock the girls dead when he's grown!
The other addition to the family is still nesting. Hasn't budged a smidgen. The flower hanging basket is blowing in the wind, and it's downright cold outside. I did, however witness a surprise. There was a changing of the dove-guard this evening. While cooking dinner I saw the mate to the sitter land in the basket too. Just as I wondered how they might possibly both fit, the #1 nester flew the coop. Guess they take turns?!
Good night for now. Have sleep to catch up on also!
Morning.Coffee in hand. At the kitchen sink gazing out the window into my garden. I feel a stare. Little black seed-bead eyes staring my way. OH DEAR! The loveliness of it all - a mourning dove sitting atop her nest in the hanging basket of creeping charlie. The window was wide open to the breeze.... I could've touched her!
Delighted to survey the newest arrivals of spring. Ambling down the gravel paths in the garden, with my LOVE BIRD atop my shoulder. Greystoke, our parrot gazes upward with his head turned sideways... such a funny sight! He too is taking in all there is to see...
my alliums opened while we were away..
first peony of the season
As Stokie and I watered and gawked, we were met in the vegetable garden by the tiniest of birds. A hummingbird danced around the outer circle of sprinkles from the hose. Darting in and out wondering which droplet to choose; possibly looking to drink I thought. Sweetest moment of shock and wonder - the hummingbird sat upon a wire form in the bed and allowed me to shower it. I sprayed ever so lightly and tried not to move; not to breathe lest it be scared and flit away. We stood this way for an eternity of seconds. I so wished I had three hands and my camera around my neck!! If only I could have captured this on film!! A second glorious birdly wonder for the day!
A pair of love birds also celebrated their 23rd year Anniversary today. Yep, me & hubby. And in what wonderful way did we choose to celebrate?? Why, by staying home, working in our yards and watching all of this abundant life unfold right before our eyes! Bird themes by the dozen regaled us today.
Hubby sang for me. I've video taped it for your delight... (or not!).. HA! sorry Hubs.. Really this is the sweetest gift I could have received. I asked if he would once again remember the children's song that he learned just days ago while we listened on tape to the history of Mission San Juan Capistrano. I searched high and low for the Song of the Swallows that is performed by children for the annual celebration of St. Joseph's Day. To no avail. Thus Hubby said he'd do it for me. (turn up your volume it's a tad low)
We picnicked amongst the birds. Our first sighting of the season of a local guy as YELLOW as can be. He loves our yard. Apparently birds of a feather flock together - including us!
Didn't even realize it, but I had front row seats to an outdoor concert! And, I hadn't even purchased tickets! My experience was one of the most wondrous musical events I have had the pleasure of witnessing! I was privy to an evening avian choir.
I have no photographs of the lovely musicians, my camera was sitting indoors. During our seasons first PICNIC in the garden, as I read the newspaper and delighted in the lengthy sunlight , the eves entertainment began.
Picnicking at home
a bottle from a friend's winery
Strike up the chorus - four separate species of birds, all sitting in our fruit trees. Each had their own unique voice. The crows pulled unripe figs from the branches... cawing along as they worked. Hummingbirds buzzed and lit adding their high alto pitch. The "catbird" mocked as he dove at the others. And the meek, sweet & common sparrow sang out periodically adding the essential note of the winds......
ALL SO VERY LOVELY!!
