Friday, January 4, 2008

Hearts of Fire

Last night I had a dream where I was surrounded by bluebirds ~ it was lovely.
I'm trying to stay warm-hearted despite the sudden plunge in temperatures - this lovely, but currently cold, metal heart was a recent Birthday gift from a great friend.

So, I hurried outside with my tea kettle full of hot water to defrost the birdbaths this morning ~ our coldest day this Winter. Plenty of feathered friends still around so food and water is important for their health and safety. No sooner had I melted the ice on one bath in the front garden, when a pair of blue jays arrived to drink, followed by the sweet tiny chickadees and then a red-bellied woodpecker.


My angel girls were cold but this one still chatted with a bird friend ~ and at least the sun was out.


This fairy seems intent on looking and waiting for the first Spring bulbs to emerge from this pot.

And, thankfully, we have a cord of great oak firewood, delivered last month, so we are enjoying cold evenings by a blazing hearth.




I saw these snug homes in a shop yesterday - such elegance for the sweet birds who must be struggling now to stay warm through the long, cold nights.

Today I'm scattering healthy bird and squirrel treats - the vegetable peelings from soup preparation, some grapes and apple cores, and I tucked in a few almonds and peanuts as a surprise!

14 comments:

  1. Isn't it strange how the wildlife adapt to the environment. I live on an estate with a shop carpark backing onto my back garden. We have a little brook at the end of our cul de sac and some beautiful old willow trees. I looked out of my window earlier to see two squirrels scuttling along my fence to get to the seeds I had put on my bird table. I have a cat and with the area being so busy I don't often get birds visiting. To see wildlife in my garden this morning has made my day!

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  2. I heard you were having some cold weather from Mandie. I love that heart you put on today. You are even kind to the birds, what a thoughtful person you are.

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  3. I am off to feed the birds at Cranberry Cottage but they will be mad at us as we have to miss two weekends after this. :(

    Now there is always a silver lining isn't there and your firewood is definately one of them. Enjoy the toasty fire and perhaps a warm drink or glass of wine. Life is good!

    I have your email half written but will send it on Sunday. I don't want to rush it so I will send it when we are back and I can take my time finishing it. How wonderful to have found that email in my inbox!

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    Hugs ~
    Heidi

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  4. Hello Mary! Oh I love your yard decorations! How wonderful a dream to have. There are no birds out here. I think even the cast iron decorations have migrated. :) Hugs to you down south! ;)

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  5. Such pretty things you have in your yard, and I love those little bird houses! I've been busy feeding and watering the birds too, it's so cold out!
    Stay warm and enjoy your cozy fire!
    Donna

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  6. It's actually warmer here, than it has been the past few days. We're promised even warmer weather for the weekend while we're at the lake.

    I love those little birdhouses!

    Pat

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  7. You are so sweet. I love the heart and the birdbath, and the angel. I put peanuts out today for my squirrel.
    Keep warm and cozy!
    Rosemary

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  8. Hi Mary I feed the birds here too. It never occurred to me to get hot water and melt the ice on the bird bath. I will do that from now on so the birds will have water. I like the heart! Rhondi

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  9. It's been so cold here that we have had very few birds - three sparrows today, but the feeders and suet baskets are filled. I loved the metal heart hanging from the tree - what a lovely gift.

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  10. Bless you for taking care of God's little ones Mary. You have a kind heart. I filled my squirrel-proof feeders a couple days ago and noticed today that one squirrel has found a way to feast on the seeds ... he must have really been hungry! I should post some squirrel photos this weekend - caught one with a mouthful of leaves today - must have been padding her nest for this cold night.

    I'll trying to come back to blogging - will email you this weekend.

    Hugs to you and Bob,
    Deborah

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  11. Those birdhouses are so pretty...as is your lovely gift from your friend! You are a dear one to watch out for our animal friends; this weather is so harsh, isn't it? Spring isn't *that* long away...

    Happy New Year,

    Andrea

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  12. All I see out my window are pigeons. Somehow it isn't quite the same--and I never feed them.

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  13. Hi Mary! Happy New Year to you since i haven't been to blog land in a few days! I absolutely LOVE that heart in your first photo! How beautiful! And what a nice gift to receive from a friend. I hope you have a wonderful New Year!

    *hugs*
    Mandie

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  14. Wow, that´s a beautiful heart and wonderful birdhouses!
    It´s a pity our birds here at home dont´like fancy homes! They love an old wheathered well worn grey wooden houses!
    Liisa

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