February 26, 2012

A Very Late Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day

It's been almost two years since I've participated in Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day, but here I am with a very late February post. If you'd like to share blooms of your own, please visit Carol at May Dream Gardens to find out how to join in on the 15th of every month.

My Valentine surprised me with a container of daffs, crocuses, tulips, hyacinths, an amaryllis and a pretty little Foxglove. The amaryllis 'Ludwig Goliath' is now 15" tall.

Three days later the hyacinths were blooming.
The pink in the background is a Kalanchoe
from Valentine's Day 2011.


This is the first winter since being planted
in 2004 that the grasses growing next
to the driveway haven't been flattened 
to the ground by heavy, wet snow.
  Love this winter look!

Early one morning after some fresh snow had
fallen during the night, I noticed two sets of tracks
going down the sidewalk. One belonged to a deer
and the other a cat. No, not a cougar. 

They eventually parted ways,
going off in different directions.
Very sweet sight.

February 13, 2012

Valentines for the Birds!

Everyone is looking for a little love, even our feathered friends. The Coo Coo Kid and I made these Valentine bird treats and hung them outside. Whether or not the birds find them tasty is yet to be determined. Here's what you'll need to make them.

3/4 cup birdseed
1T. flour
2 T. water
Cookie cutter (inside wiped with oil)
Foil-covered cookie sheet
Straw
Red ribbon
9-year old boy

Have the boy mix together the birdseed, flour
and water until well moistened.

Next, pack the mixture into the cutter,
inserting half a straw near the top
to create a hole for hanging.

Bake the biscuit (with the straw) in a 170-degree
oven until the biscuit is hard, about an hour.
Let it cool. Remove straw and cookie cutter.
Thread a ribbon through the hole
and hang it outside.
(Recipe from FamilyFun)

May your Valentine's Day be simply wonderful!