Only 27 days to go.

We are in a Winter Wonderland here in Ontario. The snow on our fifty maple trees looks like a postcard today. And you can see how our birds are out and about and happy to see the 'crazy bird lady' walking about. Did I mention I love chickadees. haha!

Here's how it looks this morning very early. That's the retired guy out filling feeders for me and leaving cat food for his beloved three crows.

Wilson and Annie know how to spend these snowy cold days.
This guy has no shame...NONE.

This pic is to prove that they do wake up once in awhile to see if there is anyone in the kitchen where their stinky goodness is kept.

I have put up a wee fake tree for now in the mouse house to see if the cats will ignore it.
So far so good but a real tree will come with interesting smells so I'm probably wasting my time.
But I do love having my woodland critters on it and here is one of my favorite.
Have you ever wanted to throw on some pearls and grab a glass of bubbly? Of course you have. ;-)

My little house collection is growing. I adore them and found a little white house to add to the Cluttered Country Cottage Christmas China Cupboard.

I'll show you next time.

I've been told that if anything stands still long enough at Fox Grove it just might end up decorated for Christmas.

And that goes for the old OH at the front of our woodlot.

This OH has been moved three times and scrubbed from top to bottom so why not?

And inside I have put an insulated box with a cozy blanket for any little critter that comes

along on those frigid days ahead in Ontario.

So far the food has been eaten everyday inside the door so I know something is very interested in this real estate. :-)

I hope everyone is enjoying the lead up to Christmas.
Today I'll be working on the twelve stockings I hang every year for the family and our two spoiled cats. A good plan for a snowy day.

be kind, Deb

It's cold here in Ontario.

If we are having fall weather right now I would hate to think of what our winter has in store for us.

Grandittle choosing a mug for a treat of hot chocolate.

"Hmmmm...which one?"

Why, it's so cold today that the squirrels are looking for a way to get inside the mouse house.

And Mr. Wilson would be very happy to have that happen as he has dreams of dinner 

being

'squirrel on a sesame seed bun'

"Yes, I do."

Or perhaps he would like a turkey sandwich.

14 in total dropped by to dine on what was left at the front feeders.

Our clean-up crew.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Well, inside the cupboard for now.

Will I be able to have a Christmas tree this year?

Ask Wilson.

He's like a toddler most days...into everything.

I am just in from feeding the Mourning Doves that show up before dark

and placing peanuts around for a late-night snack.

Suet is a plenty for the chickadees, blue-jays, wood-peckers, juncos, cardinals etc...

They need that more than anything right now.

A visitor today.

                                A male Downy Woodpecker.

Here in Ontario the wind is blowing, there is snow on the ground and the temperature is to plummet to -18C tonight.
It's a good night to curl up with a movie and maybe choose a Christmas mug for some hot chocolate, too.

Stay warm.
Deb

Touches of Christmas

It's a cold and windy day today. Yesterday the snow fell all day leaving it damp and miserable to be out-doors.

And it's dark now by 5:30pm.

Even though the calendar says different it feels like winter is here.

My mind is busy with ideas of how to keep our resident critters fed and comfortable over the cold months ahead.

Many will hibernate and some will be in cozy dens.

The birds need a lot of help, though.

Chickadees can lose 1/3 of their weight just from shivering overnight.

Many don't make it to spring. :(

But...if they are lucky enough to reside at Fox Grove, well, they will be ok.

I'll see to it.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in my cluttered country cottage china cupboard.

And Wilson has been busy checking over the stockings that may need some mending 

and a bit of bling added this year.

He's particularly interested in finding one with his name on it.

He just needs to learn how to spell.

Annie has the perfect spot for bird-watching and scaring off the cheeky squirrels that climb the side of the house.

I've had lots of luck hand-feeding our chickadees but the blue-jays are much more shy.

I'll work on this years' brood that now reside here.

If I look to be rushing with Christmas it is because I get quite busy with cat-sitting closer to the big day and need to be done the decorating and shopping so I can enjoy the festivities.

I hope everyone is well and beginning to look forward to the Season of Christmas.

Sunday is Remembrance Day and we will take time to thank the veterans and shed a tear for all the fallen soldiers.
I pray for Peace in this world.
We must learn to love one another.

be kind,
Deb