In the Garden

It was absolutely gorgeous today! spent some time in the yard with the cats and the chickens. Raked a bunch of leaves into the chickens run. They always seem to enjoy that once I lock them back in there. Dan and I also burned a bunch of fallen sticks and twigs and pines cones as well as part of our Christmas tree that we just took down last week. I also decided to hand the bird house my brother Marc built for me for Christmas this year. It is made out of ironwood. The design is simple and elegant. It looks like regular wood. But man, that birdhouse weighs about 30 lbs. Ironwood is one of the most durable woods out there. I picked a nice spot in the biggest pine tree closest to the house to put it. It is a great location because it is about 12' off the ground, yet eye level out of the back windows of the house. It is a perfect viewing area! The glue hasn't even begun to dry on the perch yet (this part was separate so not to break it in its trip back from San Juan Island) and it has already got some prospective renters for the season. I didn't have the perch in for the first visitor and the second just barely gave me enough time to clear the ladder away. By time the third came around I had my camera ready. The birdhouse is a hit! Can't wait for spring and some chicks!

 Can you spy the birdhouse? 

Also found these blooming back in the nature preserve. It is February 18th!!!!! All the glass flowers are also popping up. Crazy!