It’s hard to believe we’ve been here in this gorgeous setting for a year already; but then when I think of that long cold wet winter we had last year and no spring to speak of, what’s not to believe!
A couple of w
eeks ago a coyote was spotted climbing through the huge lava rock pile between the house and the barn. I missed it. Drat it! I'm told the coyote was of the gray variety. I'll add this to the list of things to check out.
Speaking of rocks... in the towns where I’ve lived most my life you had to pay big bucks to landscape with rocks of any significance; you know, the kind you can’t lift by yourself, even with a helper. We have the one huge rock pile that I just spoke about; two medium sized ones where we planted a Dogwood (see rock image 2 posts below) and a weeping Japanese maple; and another medium one that Kitty likes to climb and repose on top of ala lion-like as he surveys his stalking ground below. All the rock piles have beautiful moss that is a bright green in the spring and turns darker as fall approaches.
So far, 
Kitty's stalking has only resulted in a couple of tiny lizards that couldn't out-run him. As hard as he tries, the squirrels and my fellow birds are too fast for him. But it’s fun to watch him stalk his prey as he crouches close to the ground… only to see them scurry off much to his dismay. (Luckily he hasn't seen the quail that parade through the lawn once in a while.) His body language during the whole stalking process speaks volumes. He loves being outside. Let’s hope this coming winter isn’t as wet as last year. I do think he’s forgotten about all the rain we had and the snow.
As for an early spring next year… hope springs eternal...
Have you ever heard the expression "This is for the birds! And I'm not a bird." That's exactly what Scarlet Butterfly said to me last weekend when we had our 1st snow of the year. So she checked out of the bird condo and went off tumbling with the troops permanently. Where's her sense of adventure, anyway? Oh, right. That would be an adventure. Well, to each his (or her) own. This is my adventure... surviving the cold when I could be in Florida somewhere.
Attn: Military personnel, veterans, support groups and fans... the 
