After the Storm

The morning after our first storm of the season, the sun was shining warmly through the kitchen curtains. 

My sweet 'Grand-pup', Peanut always loves a good sun bath and seeks out the warming rays.

"Look deep into my eyes", she says.

"You will give me a treat and you will do it now."

She is joined by her 'sister', Weenie Baby. I am pet-sitting these two little darlings while my daughter is moving to a new home. 

They are patiently waiting for me to slip on my boots and red plaid flannel (it is hunting season) to go outside for our morning walk. 

We are joined by these two, Champ and Whitey, who were let out by The Mr. earlier. 

They can't wait to get outside in the morning, racing each other to patrol the property and investigate any new scents left during the night. 

My Guardian Angels. 

They are fearless. 

We had high winds which left a beautiful golden carpet from the cedar trees along the walkway. 

The Mr. is already out surveying for damage. 

Weenie Baby waits for me to hurry up. 

It is a golden world! 

My faithful chariot did not escape. 

I'm a truck drivin' gal! 4-wheel drive. 4 on the floor. Oh yea! 

This is no place for Sissies! 

Whitey leads the way - can you believe this is our driveway? It is completely buried. 

We only lost one small tree. The Mr. has moved it to the side of the driveway. Can you see it? 

Hardly a leaf left! 

These are 'Big Leaf Maple' leaves. The leaves are sometimes a foot across! 

Champ retrieves his beloved ball. 

I set to work sweeping the deck of storm debris. 

I make a little sampler of what I find. 

Begonia blossoms, winged maple seeds, mossy twigs, alder and cedar cones. 

Once everything is tidy, I set up an impromptu potting station. 

Daffodils and Crocus to bring next Spring's surprise. 

And a basket of ivy for the front door. 

A flock of geese fly overhead as I enjoy this beautiful day. 

A late season bee enjoys a sip of nectar. 

My Anna's Hummingbirds will stay year round. Of course I will feed them! 

Beautiful Begonia continue to bloom. We have not had a hard frost yet. 

Hardy Fuchsia will sometimes bloom through December. 

I soak up this rare day of sunshine, knowing the cold, dark days of Winter lie ahead. 

But with hope of Spring's beauty safely tucked away. 

Have you planted any spring bulbs this year? 

xx

Thank you Dear Friends for your kind, sweet visits. 

I appreciate each and every one of you. 

xoxo

'I have three chairs in my house: one for solitude, two for friendship, three for company.'

Henry David Thoreau