They're Back!...

 

I thought I'd seen a flash of blue in the yard two days ago. Yesterday it was confirmed. The bluebirds have returned to Hickory Hill Farm! 

I was standing in the yard, talking with Andy. It's been a long winter and these most recent days with temperatures in the 70s has coaxed all of us out of the house. As we stood on the drive near the compass barn, I saw that flash of blue again. Not wanting to startle them as this pair inspected accommodations to raise this year's brood, I took a couple (less-than-ideal) photographs to share.

I'm so glad I cleaned out two of the three bluebird houses on our property over the weekend. I attempted to clean the third, but when I opened it, a happy, plump field mouse dropped out of it. Claudette saw it and wanted to collect it, but I picked her up and took her back to the house until she forgot about it. I closed the house back up and actually put a feeder with sunflower seeds near the house because...I didn't have time to knit a little sweater for it. (Just kidding. Mostly.)

This old fence is beginning to fall down. I grabbed some stay straps to pull back a couple panels where the wood had rotted off the nails, but I think this year will be the summer we replace it...but not until after the bluebirds have fledged their babies.

I've been watching the Hummingbird Central Spring 2023 Migration map for hummingbirds this past week and see that they're getting close. I'll get out the hummer feeders, re-clean them (I always put them away clean in the Compass Barn), and make up a batch of nectar. They'll go up on their hooks later this morning so the little travelers have food once they arrive.

In case you'd like to explore the Hummingbird Central website for yourself, I'll share the link. Just click HERE.

After this past winter season, it's wonderful to see the fields greening, the deer grazing to the north of the farmhouse, and the sight and sounds of happy birds returning. I think I'll spend more time outdoors today. What are your plans?

Completed Sacred Heart...

 

I finished the Sacred Heart Brooch and it now sits on a special pincushion next to my first Immaculate Heart. I'm working out the details for the lilies for the Most Chaste Heart, but in the meantime, I'll set up another of each of these two to make available in my shop for purchase. 

It was a long day yesterday, but I think we narrowed down that it's not a neurological issue with Bella, which is a good thing. I think there's still a CT scan in her future, along with a possible change in medication, but we're narrowing down the issue. I'm waiting for a call back from the clinic, but I think her next appointment will be back in Madison on May 10th - after Handsome and Carly are back home. (yay!)

My sister, Jan offered a watercolor class in her Facebook group last night, so I pulled out a set of watercolors I bought for using with needlework and just played along. I've never attempted painting an actual scene or anything, but I had fun with it. This is what I created. I have to say it was a peaceful way to end my day.

Handsome will be returning soon, so I'll probably be working upstairs again today. I really want to get this organizing and purging finished by the time he gets home, but I also want it done so I can get outside while this weather is so perfect! Time to get after it! Right after my morning cuppa...

 

Tuesdays With Tag - New Stickers & A Road Trip...

Hi, Everybody!

 

First thing I wanna tell you about is that we got more stickers yesterday! My Bowtie Tag sticker, and a WMBBD sticker! Mom's workin' on a Carly sticker now, so when that one's done, she's gonna offer a whole set - the Dogs of Hickory Hill Farm set. She'll add these to her shop soon while we wait for a Carly to complete the set.

Mom and Bella are on the road today. They have an appointment with a veterinary neurologist for an initial consult. Then, they'll have to schedule another appointment for the actual tests. Mom only found out about the two-trip part late last week. We were hopin' to get everythin' done on the same day, but no such luck.

So, we'll see if we learn anythin' new today that will lead us to the next diagnostic clue as to what's goin' on with the WMBBD, and hope we get some answers soon. 

In the meantime, I'm gonna hang with the felines today. (Borrrrinnnnggg!) I'll look forward to Mom and Boo gettin' back soon. Gotta run. I'm in charge today. (Or at least that's what Claudette told me. lol)

 

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Be A Good Dog."