I gloat only because I have finished the task after a month of staring at my own tarp-covered pile.

When the subject of stacking wood comes up I find that even the burliest of hard-working men says, “Stacking wood – that’s good exercise!” And believe me it is. It’s bruising and exhausting, and a challenging technical puzzle. When I started to rush I caused a tumble and had to start over. So a practice in patience as well.

I am pausing to note my accomplishment before it all goes up in smoke.

After posting the picture of the wreath on the front door I thought I’d share some before and after photos:

Before

Stripped of paint

Primed

Finished

It’s good to be reminded of the changes this past year. In my mind I’m already on to the next challenge and I need to dwell more on what has been achieved. But that mail box is definitely on the challenge list…

I still have my holiday wreath up because a pair of finches visit it daily.

At first I thought they were building a nest which would have been a very bad idea. I pictured myself dealing with eggs and newly hatched babies while collecting my mail and was ready to nix it but closer inspection showed no signs of nest material accumulation. Perhaps they’re collecting?

They’re very chatty, and the porch ceiling amplifies the sound so that I can hear them upstairs. When I come down to see them they peek around the makeshift curtain at me.

And they drive Annabelle wild with desire. Or at least as wild as her 14-year-old self will get.

If they keep visiting I may still have a wreath at Easter .

I planted this snow drop (and more) last November. The bulbs were sitting around for a long time and I was afraid I had waited too long and they’d no longer be viable. I finally just ran around in a frenzy shoving them into the ground willy-nilly.

I’m so grateful this one made it. Don’t know how much longer I could go without some evidence of green.

He came from space, expressly to steal peanut butter.
Must find squirrel kryptonite. Or a bigger, heavier, better, tougher baffle.