Afternoon Sunshine

It wasn't sunshiny when I was taking pictures of wildlife, of course. It was dreary and overcast. I laughed when I saw the squirrel perched on the side of the square green feeder with its hind legs under the snow-laden lid. It was eating out of the feeder ports and holding on for dear life. 

 

A couple hours later it had figured out how to get in despite the snow load on the lid and was digging in the seed like crazy. Of course you can't see that but, trust me, it's little front paws were going like crazy piling seed up under its belly and I could see it munching away.

 

The first time I saw the Red-bellied Woodpecker it was on the square green feeder and it was sunny so it was well lit. The next time it was on the suet nuggets feeder and the drear was back so it was barely discernible. On the fifth shot it moved to the side just enough that I could see it and snap a picture. I had to brighten it up quite a bit so it didn't look like a blob. And it still looks pretty blob-y.

 

I painted four more postcards (2 triangle trees & 2 snowmen) this morning and think I might have enough. I have 26 of them, one of which I probably wouldn't send, but 25 might be sufficient. I signed them all and have to start writing on the back and addressing envelopes. Maybe I'll do that on Sunday while the city is paralyzed because of the Packers-Bears game at 3:25pm.  

 

After supper tonight I finished the top of Llama Mitten #2 and put the thumb stitches on DPNs (double pointed needles) and knitted a few rounds. I feel so awkward sliding the stitches from the holder to the needles and then picking up stitches to fill the gap on the hand side of the thumb but I manage to get it done with the help of a crochet hook and a few choice words.

 

After Jeopardy! (didn't get the Final) I drew a gratitude journal page. I'm most grateful for mixing up a batch of Mother Malcolm's Never-Fail Coffeecake dough. You have to make it the day before and let it sit in the fridge overnight. Tomorrow while the furnace guy is here to do the annual tune-up, I'll finish the coffee cakes, keep one out, and freeze the rest so I don't eat them. All. In. One. Day. I haven't made them in years. I hope Mother Malcolm (Durwood's mom) is looking over my shoulder from heaven so they turn out. Please, Vi, I suspect I'll need all the help I can get. Don't worry, I'll post pictures.

 

Oh, it was cold today. I did the afternoon school run and the kids could walk to my car so I didn't have to get out and stand in the cold wind. I felt lazy and kind of bad about it but I was glad not to have to be out in the cold. And this morning I awoke to discover that my tenant had shoveled the little bit of snow we got yesterday off my driveway. Thank you, MD! I really appreciate it.

After the school run, I sat down to write. I made 670 words behave. It wasn't easy but I pinned those suckers to the page and made them hold still. The hardest part was figuring out how to let Rose hear what was going on with the guests. I think I managed it. I'll reread it tomorrow and see. 

--Barbara