DECEMBER SO FAR

Winter official arrived this morning at 5:44am but's it's been feeling very wintry for the past couple weeks. After the spring like temperatures of November, the cold and snow that arrived in December was a bit of a shock to the system.

The winter boots and coat and have been out for a while now, and I've adjusted. December is my favorite month of the year, and I'm not going to let a little snow and cold temperatures ruin that.  I love all the festive gatherings with family and friends, the special foods that are only made this time of year and all the lights and decorations.

Today I start my two week Christmas break from the University and I am so looking forward to the extra time at home and the extra time with Rob most of all.

I decorate for Winter as well as Xmas.

Enjoyed a festive Tea with girlfriends' on Dec. 9th.

We took part in our first Xmas bird count for Bird Studies Canada on Dec. 10th. 

The backyard the morning after our first real snow fall that started Dec. 11th.

Started my Xmas baking last weekend.

Fondue dinner party at friends on Dec. 17th.

Gingerbread cake for dessert!

Modeling our new owl winter hats I had made for us.

We've also had two special visitors so far this month, of the feathered variety. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker enjoyed our backyard, and especially the Holly Bush for two days, Dec. 16th and Dec. 17th. A rare bird here for this time of year, he should of been in the warm southern states by now. Hopefully he refueled enough here to make the trip.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker enjoying our Holly Bush berries.

And probably the most exciting visitor to ever show up in our backyard, an Eastern Screech Owl!! We're really hoping he sticks around, he seemed quite content in the box. It is an Eastern Screech Owl box, Rob put it up 3 years ago, but he moved it this year to a different location. He looked out the window this past Monday morning and this is what he saw. Very exciting!

Eastern Screech Owl in our backyard box.

Still lots of fun and festivities before the year comes to an end. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all the best in the coming year. I appreciate you all taking the time to read my blogs.
~Angie