"What's with you?" & Blueberry Cake.

Standing at the feeders, filling the broken one with a mix of seed and nuts, I turned to leave and got a wonderful surprise; one, like when you unexpectedly bump into an old friend.
There was Simon, halfway out of his winter den, squinting in the sun-light and looking around as if he wasn't sure where he was.
"Simon", I yelled. I can do that because neighbours weren't out. He never moved, but looked over my way, slowly emerging and sat next to the opening.
"Simon, my little man. It's so good to see you again."
I couldn't get close, as the ice was thick between us, so I threw him some seeds and nuts...and a kiss. :)

*humming*

"What's with you?", retired-guy later asked.
 "Simon's up, HE'S ALIVE :) ...and he looks great. I gave him breakfast." 
"Aw...good for him", he said. 
Haha...I'm not the only wackadoodle that fell for a chipmunk. 

                                                     =^..^=
"And that little varmit will be so spoiled." :( 
"I wonder what he tastes like....hmmmm"
                               

             "A girl can dream"

I am now buying fresh brown eggs weekly from a neighbour up our road who cares for eighty laying hens. Eighty hens that are free-roaming and get to lie in the yard and bask in the sun-shine three seasons a year. It does my heart good to never have to purchase eggs from a supermarket again. It's the best way to protest the unacceptable treatment that factory-raised chickens endure; something that has bothered me very much for a long time.

With my free-range, fresh from the farm eggs, I just had to bake something yummy. I often make this recipe but bake it in muffin cups. I call them blueberry mini cakes.

                                   Best Blueberry Cake
1/2 c butter melted and cooled slightly
2 c flour
1 1/4 c sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 c milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 c fresh blueberries
Set oven to 350 degrees
sift flour,sugar, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl
In a small bowl, whisk butter, milk, eggs and vanilla.
Stir wet ingredients into dry just until mixed.
Fold in berries.
Either scrape the batter into prepared pan or into muffin cups.
I then sprinkle a bit of brown sugar on top.
Bake 55 min. for cake
or 28 min. for mini cakes in muffin tins.

These mini cakes are a bit denser than muffins and oh, so delish.

Great with tea.

We had +10C by noon today. The birds were so active; especially the darling little chickadees.

chickadee

And I spotted my first red-winged black-bird of the season. It sat in our maple tree and sang it's heart out.

Spring surely is just around the corner.

hugs, Deb