A PEEK AT OUR MARCH AND APRIL

Easter Cookies

I can't believe how far behind I am on my blogging. My life took a bit of a roller-coaster ride in May, and I'll get to that eventually, but first I want to do a few catch-up posts.

Like most people, once March rolls around we're all ready for the winter weather to end and Spring to really arrive. Planning something fun to do in March helps, and for us this year it was going to Niagara Falls for a night to see Bret Michael's perform at Fallsview Casino with friends. 

Bar Barista Cocktail and Coffee Bar

Before meeting up with Brian and Amanda we discovered Bar Barista, a great place for coffee, a drink or some small plates to share. I fell in love with this place, so much so we visited three times in less then 24 hours! 

We met up with Brian and Amanda and their kids for dinner and drinks at Margaritaville before the adults went to the concert. Their oldest was sibling sitting back at the hotel. We enjoyed the concert and our time at Bar Barista after. We went for Whoppers at 2am, it's been years since we stayed up that late! 

A collage of our Niagara Falls fun.

The end of March saw my life long friend, Cathy, in Toronto, as it was her last appointment regarding a health issue. We were all sad that this was her last visit but made the most of it.

Rob, Cathy, and I enjoying our time together.

April gave us a long Easter weekend and we took advantage of that. Enjoyed a dinner at my Cousin Andi's place, and on another day we went out on a walk in search of Eastern Bluebirds with friends and enjoyed a meal at a favorite restaurant, Cascata.    

Success, we found an Eastern Bluebird on our outing! 

Another yummy meal at Cascata.

The Easter Bunny always finds us.

Boop, our backyard Chipmunk provided lots of April entertainment. 

Early migrants found on April weekends. 

And to end the month, Merry and Molly celebrated their 8th birthday! A cake was made for their humans to enjoy, and they received new scratching pads, though they sometimes use it as a bed. 

Merry and Molly celebrated their 8th birthday April 30th.

APRIL RECAP

A Painted Turtle enjoying the warmth of the sun April 29th, 2018.

The calendar in our kitchen states Spring arrived on March 20th, the fact I was wearing my winter coat Saturday evening tells another story. I don't remember another April where "Old Man Winter" and "Mother Nature" have battled so ferociously. 

Neither Rob or I had to deal with a cold or flu like illness all winter, but this month, we both battled what I consider a winter bug a week apart. And then there was the ice storm the weekend of April 14th. It felt like Spring was never truly going to arrive. Then, low and behold, one week after the ice storm, the sun finally came out, and it warmed up a little. Rob and I got out for our first real Spring walk together on April 22nd.

My first Tree Swallow sighting for the year. April 22nd.

We saw many Tree Sparrows on our outing. April 22nd. 

The highlight of this outing, a baby Screech Owl with a parent. April 22nd.

Just when we thought the Spring like weather had finally arrived, we were dealt another round of below normal temperatures this past Saturday. We did go out for an evening walk since the rain finally stopped, but I was wearing my winter coat against the bitter cold wind.

Thankfully the sun decided to show itself again on Sunday and we visited three different parks after having breakfast with friends. It was so pleasant to feel the sun on our faces, and with bird migration well under way, it was hard to go back inside.

We saw 8 Great Egrets this past weekend. April 29th.

We saw many Ruby-crowned Kinglets on Sunday April 29th.

A first year Night Heron gave us quite a flight show. April 29th

My first warbler of the year, a Yellow-rump. April 29th. 

Tomorrow is the first day of May, and I think the warmer temperatures are finally here to stay. Rob, myself and the migrating birds are happy about that! And just in time for our vacation which starts Friday. Happy Spring! Happy Birding!

THE LAST WALK....FOR AWHILE

Two coyotes on the hilltop.

Normally, Sunday evenings are spent at home. My weekdays start in the early hours of the morning and I like to be home Sunday evenings. But, last Sunday, the night before Spring was to arrive, after we finished dinner I suggested going for an evening stroll. Rob jumped at the chance.

We drove to an area not far from home just as the sun was starting to set. We didn't see many birds, though we heard lots of Red-winged Blackbirds. We did have quite a few wildlife sightings though; 3 coyotes, 6 deer and 1 skunk.

Watching us.

"You looking at me?" 

Nice healthy coat on him.

The deer watched us for a few seconds, and then ran away.

Hope to see a few in the yard again this year.

  It was a very enjoyable walk, and looking back on it now, I'm very glad we went. Because 24 hours later I had a fall on the stairs at home and broke a bone in my right foot.

Getting a temporary plaster cast.

We were at the hospital from 11pm to 3:30am, and then back to the fracture clinic the next morning. I have a boot, crutches, and pain medication.  I'm back at the fracture clinic this week, but it's approximately 6 to 8 weeks healing time. 

My new fancy foot wear.

At first the kitties were terrified of the crutches and the boot, but they are getting use to it now. Rob stayed home with me the first couple days, and we got the house set up so I can survive on the main floor alone while he's at work. 

Checking out the boot.

The kitties take turns keeping me company on the couch.

Molly

  

Merry

Goodies dropped off from a friend today.

Spring really arrived with a bang this year! It's going to be a long few weeks, but I am getting around  a little better everyday, and am hoping to return to work in another week if I can. Lots of resting and TV watching in the meantime.

FEBRUARY FREEZE

Our owl rocks buried in the snow.

February hasn't been much fun in our home. Rob and I both took a turn with illness and with the seemingly never ending extreme cold, we've spent most of the month hibernating. I am looking forward to flipping the calendar page to March this Sunday.

I feel like I have been cold for weeks and am longing for any sign of Spring. I can't wait to see some green grass, some buds on the trees and feel the warmth of the sun. I know I will take special pleasure in the sight of the first Spring flowers this year, and the smell of the lilacs. I can't wait for it to be warm enough to enjoy sitting in the backyard once again and watch our Spring/Summer birds return for another season.

Just a few more weeks, Spring is coming, I know it is, and I can't wait!

It's been a long, cold, winter.

Even Meadow has had enough of winter!

Looking forward to days like these.