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Saturday, February 13, 2016

Valentine's weekend.

Only the comical, black crows were out at the feeders early this morning. I dressed warm and headed out to top them up before the madness began. Yesterday, I counted over fifty birds at one time gathering for a quick meal during this cold spell.  Over-all, there were over a hundred. Poor little things. I don't blame them for calling in all their friends. It is so bloody cold that just standing at the feeders for a few minutes was enough for me. The water in the bath is heated and the suet holders are full. I'll have to hope now that they all do ok.



Now, that's a fluffed-up Mourning Dove.

The feral cats are another story; one that tears at my heart. I can't do more for them but put lots of dry food down and hope they get it. They are fed well as it's a constant flow of food from concerned people but there are other wild life around. It's a first come, first served situation. In the winter months seeing only cat tracks at the food spots is bitter-sweet. You feel they are getting the food BUT it is proof that there are hungry cats in need. There is nothing I would have loved more than to bring them in somewhere; somewhere warm and dry during this cold spell but I can't. I never see them except the odd time you might get a glimpse of one as it runs from the lights of your car. They live in the bush behind a warehouse and no one really knows how many there are.
There have been cats there for years.
Some hang around; some are just passing through.
It's a sad state of affairs.
=^..^=

It's Valentine's weekend


and that included time with Gwynn.
While mommy & daddy had a quiet dinner out...
this is how much of the evening was spent.
After I got a new hair-doo ;-), we watched some tv.
She was really into that show. lol
Did I mention I will be a Nana again in two weeks?
I'm sure I did. lol
*love*


Oh, Nebraska...it is 6 teaspoons.
Enjoy baking.

The sun is out.

"Happy Valentine's Weekend, everyone."

hugs, Deb

25 comments:

  1. Deb, I feel for all the outside critters too... but we do what we can. It may not save them all, but it's *something*. Love the pics of you and Gwynn. Happy Valentines!

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  2. What a sweet, sweet picture of you and your granddaughter. How much fun!! Bless you for taking such good care of the birds and feral cats. You are providing a haven for them. It is freezing cold here, too, but at least the sun is out. I'm at a friends and she has lots of feeders out and a heated bird bath, too.

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  3. We certainly are in the deep freeze right now. The morning paper said it's supposed to be -29C today.

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  4. Happy Valentine's to you too!
    There has been lots of seeds put out today.
    It is cold and light snow is gently falling.
    Purring for all the critters that are outside,
    especially ones that should not be.
    Purrs Georgia and Julie,
    Treasure and JJ

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  5. What darling family photos! You're both cuties. Have a sweet Valentine's Day, Deb.

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  6. Looks like you both had fun . My birdies are also in the hundreds all over my feeders feasting like mad whilst the bitter cold winds blow with snow squalls and sun peeking out . The feral cats here have lots of shelter and are fed very well to thank goodness . Lovely photos , Have a good day and a Happy Valentines Day to you all there !

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  7. Happy Valentine's weekend to you. I will spend time with my little one's tomorrow. Only two more weeks until another little one comes...so exciting.
    hugs,
    Linda

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  8. We are extremely cold here, too! Way too bitter to be out even for a few minutes! Our bird feeders are emptied every day and we just keep filling them up! All the cats are inside, which is a rare thing but it makes me happy that they are all safe and warm. I'm on litter box duty working overtime. lol.

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  9. I love the pictures of you and little Gwynn snuggled together. I'll be happy when warm weather gets here so I can stop worrying about all the animals out in the cold. I think all the little birds and critters around your place have gained weight, and that helps keep them warm. Happy Valentine's Day!

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  10. Dear Deb, you MADE MY DAY when I saw your note in this post in answer to my question about the O.J. in the apple cake. Will be baking that this week now. Thank you SO much for that and have a very Happy Valentine's Day! Now I'm eager to see your new "do". It's going to warm up here in Nebr. tomorrow, we hear....40s maybe. Sending warm thoughts from Nebraska ><>

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  11. This morning I heard a mourning dove for the first time in months. It's finally warming up a bit here and instead of snow we had rain overnight. Gwynn is adorable. I love the photos of you two snuggling. Congratulations on becoming a Nana again. xo ~ Nancy

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  12. My heart bleeds for the feral cats and chained dogs who have to endure all kinds of weather. Like you, I do what I can to help (cat rescue at shelter and a TNR monthly clinic). I can't dwell on the whole problem too overwheliming. So I will enjoy your snuggle pics with your grandlittle and praise God for heating in our homes. Gail

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  13. Happy Valentine's Day -- looks like you live in a house full of love!

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  14. I saw a heated cat house somewhere recently...it was like one of those 'igloo' doghouses except with the addition of a heated pad on the base to make it even snugglier. It's made for outdoor cats - I guess it would work for ferals as well? Although is there a power source near their food source? So sad, poor little critters out in this cold - my thermometer said -20F this morning - ridiculous weather!! Stay warm and happy Valentine's day! xo

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  15. I have such a love of animals that I feel your pain. My parents had a weakness for strays. They had a doggie door for them in their old garage and kept food and water in there.

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  16. My heart hurts for the strays and ferals too. I don't see many cats without homes in my little town, but out in the county--they're seen as "just cats." I wish I could change people's perspectives, but I know that will take time.

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  17. Deb, your photos are amazing. I am glad the temps are rising in your neck of the woods. Sounds like you had the best weekend ever!

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  18. I think the cold doesn't harm the birds so much as hunger. You are doing them good. As for the feral cats, I always point out to people who think that cats do fine in the wild (whether it's the country or the alleys of a city) that many cats when rescued are starving. Nature is brutal; it doesn't take care of those who can't take of care of themselves. It's good that there are people such as yourself, who do.

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  19. Love that picture... Love the warm relaxed way kitties look in the sun! I do so feel for the poor feral cats too...some communities around the beaches here trap them and local vets volunteer and spay and nueter and give them their shots and then return them to their areas. Lots of people feed them but like you---i worry about the cold weather and them finding a warm dry place to stay...and it doesnt get nearly as cold here as what yall have there. I just hate to see hurting or cold/hungry animals

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  20. LOVE those pics of you and Gwynn....priceless♥️
    Enjoy your week....
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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  21. You are doing the very best for feral kitties. They are very lucky to have you! The photos of you and Gwynn are very sweet. I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day weekend!

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  22. Our temps are on the upswing today - I wonder if yours are.
    Thank you for that last picture so that I could start my day with a cute cat face.

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  23. Exciting about upcoming grandbaby! Cuddling with Gwynn looks like a great way to spend an evening. :) Love all your bird photos.

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