Snow Falling on Cedars

Winter storm Rocky is fading away, just as, to the west, winter storm Saturn gathers pace.
I spotted a red-winged blackbird on the deck this morning: it is the first sighting this year and, I believe, they fly up from the deep south.
The pond has been continuously frozen now for about eight weeks, but every now and then the surface melts to a shallow puddle on the deeper ice.
Across the pond, cedar trees gathered snowfall in layers.

We are cautiously optimistic that we might move in to our new house mid April only a few weeks away, but there is much yet to be done: tiling the bathrooms, dining room and kitchen; installing the fire; drywalling the basement and so on. Work has been held up a little because we had to have a specialist cleaning company come in to remove soot that had been blown into fresh drying paint from a faulty propane heater... and all the walls and ceilings need repainting. Thankfully, Ralph's team have claimed on their insurance for the costs.
Nicholas

The heavy snowfalls of this winter have meant hungry birds and it has been our joy and our delight to help sustain them in what must be cold and harsh conditions for their little bodies. Here, they are not fighting and bickering, but resting in the knowledge that there is enough for them all...sometimes the littlest creatures hold the largest lessons...

Against the pale grey tones of the wintry months, the deep charcoal back of the junco and the brilliant flame-red beak of the cardinal provide glorious accents. We paused yesterday, when this photo was taken, realizing that we have chosen colours for our new home inspired by this constantly emergent scene.

We are so thankful for the gift of these little birds in our daily life, they remind us of the uniqueness of each species, the unending gift of observation and quietude, and the blessing of providing sustenance for those in need.

As we look to our future, working with our landscape designer, we know we will need to plant trees or shrubs near the eastern window of the sunroom, a place where the birds can perch in-between feedings. I know it is getting close now...I am beginning to dream about the garden!

Judy