Thursday, January 28, 2016

THE BIRDY BUNCH

The Birdy Bunch!
Last Saturday, Rob and I did something we haven't done in a couple of years, we went birding with a group. It was nice to see some old friends and meet some new ones, and it's always nice to spend time with like minded people. Rob and I usually go birding alone or with another couple, but they were a good group and I'm sure we'll join them again in the future.

Highlight of the day for me, a Tufted Titmouse.
I spotted a coyote on our outing.....can you see him? (Click to enlarge photo)

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

THAT CHICKADEE FEELING

Hand feeding Chickadee's on a snowy New Years Day.
All I requested for the first day of the new year was to go somewhere to hand feed some Chickadee's. Rob happily made that happen.

I hadn't been out birding since May. We adopted Merry & Molly in June, and they kept us staying pretty close to home all summer, as well as the summer bird visitors we have. I was quite content to stay home and enjoy the backyard. But then summer was over, and then Fall, we were into winter and I still hadn't been out. It was time.

I forgot how much I enjoyed it, I forgot how spirit nurturing being in nature is, and I forgot how much I needed it.

We didn't add any lifers to our list, or see any rarities that day, but there is truly something magical about having those little ball of feathers land in your hand for a treat.

There were quite a few around that day to feed. 
That "Chickadee Feeling!"
There he goes!
This White-breasted Nuthatch landed in my hand a few times for seed too.
The Cardinals looked stunning with the snowy back drop.
Chickadee Selfie!
I'm looking forward to getting out again soon!

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

52 WEEK MONEY CHALLENGE


About this time last year, someone on my friends list posted this "52 Week Money Challenge". I think it originally started as a way to save for Christmas, but you could use it as a way to save for what ever you want.

Our budget is tight; mortgage, bills, debt and improvements to an older home are our priorities. Still, it looked so doable, especially if we did it together. We did!

We will be taking our $1378.00 to the bank this Saturday to deposit into our vacation account. We decided in June what we would do with the money. We have a couple ideas in mind for our Fall vacation, either a nature getaway here in Ontario or a long weekend in Las Vegas, depending on how the Canadian dollar is doing. Either way, it feels great to be planning a mini vacation together, and already having the money for it.

We'll be doing the challenge again this year.