wind damage

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I ran the dogs to the creek early today, because the weather is going to get colder and windier as the day goes on. There already has been a lot of trees that have toppled ( I love that word) or are in the process.Thankfully, none were down across my path, yet. The creek has taken its toll on the trees that line its bank. Each rainfall takes a bit more of banking out, and as a result, more trees lose their footing. If you look at the base of some of the trees, they are leaning and then the growth goes straight up. I assume that the trees lost footing, began to lean, and then they stayed at that footing and headed upward to the sun. I'm no forester, but thats my guess.

Lots more trees have laid down across the creek.

This one snapped off half way up and laid down into some other trees. I think it was dead, anyway.

Eerie looking skyline. Its hard to tell that I was taking the picture straight.

The tops go in odd directions.

The dogs don't care about the trees, but they do love the creek. I thought the rain would bring it up some, but it didn't seem to be any higher. At least its not any lower!

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Dreary Days

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Dreary Days of winter. Cold and rainy. What to do?
Bake , write and read and play cards.
I took these pictures of my orchids yesterday, when it was sunny out but very cold.
Don't you just love orchids?
They bloom in the dead of winter adding bright color to any window or shelf.

I decided to bake a blueberry cake. I had the blueberries, so it won out over cookies. Mom and I will enjoy it with a cup of tea. The top gets a light crust with the cinnamon sugar sprinkled on it. Bob will get a pork roast with fried apples on the side.

I just took the cake out, it smells wonderful! I'll save you a slice!

Mom is napping in the recliner with 2 of my 5 cats on her lap.

I think I'll get my book out and finish it!

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poor mans fertilizer

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February, a contrary month....
When I was a kid and snow would come in spring covering the fields for just a short time, my Dad would call it 'poor man's fertilizer'. I never knew what that meant until I got alot older.
My Deodar Cedar looked pretty in frosting...


Some trees in the distance looked like spring Dogwoods. The dusting stayed on the leaves awhile.

The prettiest were the cedars and pines..so postcard-ish.

The birds were very active..there's a cardinal on the icy wisteria.

Little Red, my mini stallion didn't mind the frosting, he just wants his morning apple cookie!

Endeavor, in the background is more patient.

It was pretty while it lasted, which was until noon-ish..Thats my kind of snowfall!

Now you see it, now you don't!

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Caine is 1 years old

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Friday the 13th, Caine turned a whole year old!
He had his own cake, and seemed to know exactly what to do with it!



This is his Mom Michele, and his Grandma Mary-ann on the floor, where Caine was break dancing. He was actually floundering around, but it looked like break dancing! He loves music and danced while eating his cake. He has the head bobbing thing down.


His Great-Grandmother Marge is holding him here..(this is Bob's Mom) Caine was decked out in a black velvet 'smoking' jacket and white shirt with black slacks..very cool!

His Great Grandmother Marie has him here. I am looking on and to the right is his other Grandmother Elizabeth,which is John's Mom.

We left at 7:30, and Caine was looking tired. My Mom had enough. There was a DJ, which was Mary-ann's husband's business, and the music was loud for Mom. I'm sure the adults continued partying , and I assume Caine went home with his Grandmother Elizabeth.

Happy first Caine, we love you!

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