Feed The Birds

We've been having fun with the 55 - 200mm zoom lens I got for Christmas. With several bird feeders hanging off our back deck, we have many opportunities for bird watching. Quick, snap the shutter before they flutter!

House Finch -Carpodacus mexicanus

American Goldfinch - Carduelis tristis

Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens

Who Needs A Sled?

Yesterday we had a great time playing on the little hill next to our house.  The snow had a thin layer of ice on it so the kids were able to do some "butt sledding" and belly flopping.

When the girls get older they will realize how small the hill is, and be bored with it.  But now it's the perfect sledding hill

Surprise Snow

This morning we woke to a winter wonderland.  Here's what T had to say about that "it's not even Thanksgiving yet!"  We built a snowman family and enjoyed the fluke snow.  It has put me in the mood for Christmas earlier than usual.

All summer I waited for my parsley to grow and it never did much of anything.  Now after a bit of cool weather it's much healthier.  I'm going to try to protect it and enjoy it all winter long.  

BTW yes, I have been knitting.  On needles now is an adorable pixie.  I got the kit from E at our knitting group's yarn swap.  I'm also working on a scarf for Special Olympics.  I've decided to crochet it to give my hands a different action.  At night I've been having pain and numbness in my right hand.  The project specifies you make the scarf with specific colors of Red Heart yarn it's an awful yarn to work with, but affordable to most people.