4.21.18
They’re coming!!
Hope this map convinces you that it is time to get your feeders ready and hang them outdoors! Any self respecting little hummingbird that ventures up my way is sure to question his or her judgement, but I’m up to rewarding their effort. My goodness it has been a cold spring.

As of this morning, my first feeder is hanging in the sunniest spot I have. I am ready!

Here’s the recipe, in case you’ve forgotten:
1 part white sugar
4 parts water
Heat until throughly dissolved.

I make my small batches in a Pyrex 2 cup glass measuring cup. Mix sugar and water, stir until almost dissolved, then heat in the microwave for 2 min. Cool and fil feeder.
Later in the season, when my visitors have returned, I make a double batch on the stove in a stainless steel pan.

I was sitting at the kitchen table having lunch.  The sun was coming through the window, making me squint so that I turned to face away.   It warmed my shoulders despite the cold temps and  I started thinking about how very fortunate I am.  There have been a lot of posts on gratitude recently.  The time of year has a lot to do with it..  resolutions, taking stock, looking back and looking forward.  This is a bit about all of that and one other thing.  Attitude.  A friend sent this quote to me over the holidays.   I don't particularly care about the way it is written, but there is an obvious wisdom to it.  It's a good reminder.   No one is responsible for making another happy.  Contribute, of course, but each one of us must set out to be happy, to make it better.  So there it is, my lunchtime meditation.  Attitude. Gratitude. 

They say a blizzard is coming..  

beginning.. 

step 1

When I decide to begin a new project, the first place I go to is my stash.  Like many of my friends and accomplices, there is enough stored away to keep me busy for a very very long time.  Usually, hopefully, I can locate what I'm after.  Not always. It's generally best to go hunting with an open mind, as in the picture above. I had no idea what I was after when I searched this time. The lovely dark chocolate is a Romney/ Border Leicester that is all that's left from, if I believe the receipt found in the bag with it, a 12 lb purchase at Rhinebeck in 2007.  And, if I remember correctly, half went to a friend, another 2 lbs was spun and knit into a sweater years ago, and the last (I think) of it, about 24 oz. was carded with 8oz of that dark blue blend merino a few weeks ago.