Monday, Monday

This is what Maggie thinks of Mondays......

The holiday weekend is over and the Mr. has gone back to work, 

so now I can take a break and relax before the serious business

of putting away all the Christmas decorations begin. 

I am ready to have my house uncluttered...

It's a funny thing - I am so excited to get the house decorated, 

but once Christmas is over - I am so done with it all! :) 

I can see through the glass door behind Maggie,

 that it is a beautiful winter day, 

so let's take a little walk, shall we?

As we step out from the front door, we look to the left

and see the garden gate. 

Let's go this way....

Looking straight ahead we can see the big Holly tree. 

This tree was growing here in 1981 when we first walked 

onto this bit of wild land in hopes of buying. 

It was only a tiny shrub back then. 

Now it dwarfs the tool shed (to the right). 

It is over 30 ft. tall and covered in beautiful red berries. 

Looking to the left of her, we follow the rutted tracks towards

the gate. Champ waits patiently. I have his tennis ball.....

It is a lovely day, but very cold - just above freezing. 

There is a 'high wind' that blows steady along the tree tops. 

Occasionally, a gust will slip down and freeze my finger tips.

The wind makes a lovely, 'Hush - hush' sound as it reminds

us to be quiet and listen..... 

I can hear the little birds twittering around the feeder
 as I approach to refill it. 

All at once a whole flock of Mourning Doves rise in a loud rush, 

their wing's signature whistling announcing their presence. 

I always thought this was a terribly unfair affliction, as they are 

so coveted by birds of prey. 

We have had a Cooper's Hawk hanging around and I have 

seen evidence of a successful hunt of these sweet, innocent birds. 

I like to remind myself that all creatures are Nature's gift, 

and the Dove is a noble sacrifice. 

Perhaps they are aware of this in the grand scheme of things, 

and immediately become companions to the Angels

upon release from this life. 

It is certainly depicted in the great works of art....

The tiny Chick-a-dees, Sparrows, Juncos, and Nuthatches, 

are friendlier and bolder and scarcely wait for me to finish

before landing to steal a treat. 

The Stellar Jays do a very good job of warning the forest

when a predator is around. 

These beautiful, brave birds will mob any interloper and 

try to drive them away. 

Sometimes the hawk is too sneaky and will slip in unawares. 

Champ holds his stalking position as he waits for me

to toss the ball. He has that mesmerizing Border Collie stare.

It was those beautiful, intelligent eyes that attracted me to him
on the Border Collie Rescue website.

He was so damaged by his previous owners that his
foster caregiver never thought he could be adopted,
and after over a year of trying, she was ready to give up.

He was so wary of people and other dogs
 that he had to be kept isolated in a kennel.

Since coming to live with us in 2012, he has lost that wary look
in his beautiful eyes and now he even smiles!

The beautiful sunshine. 

My neighbor's horse barn. 

The horses are all inside eating breakfast. 

Looking out over the driveway gate..... 

Can you see the Raven? 

He is very large. At first, I thought he might be an Eagle. 

But as I zoomed in, I could see his beautiful darkness. 

He's checking me out....

He croaked twice and then flew away. 

Ravens follow predators and they are signs that 

something might be lurking today. 

Then, Whitey gave Champ this look....

And they were off, chasing something way down into the forest. 

They do seem to have silent communication with each other. 

They left me behind....

I quickly made my way back to the house. 

Beautiful day or not, I am alone and I don't take chances. 

I am grateful for my fearless companions, 

but I take them inside with me on their return

and shut the lower gate. 

We have Mountain Lions, Coyotes, and Bears 

(although the Bears are probably in hibernation - 

but this has been a very mild winter). 

My new neighbors (transplanted city folk) have poultry
that they let run free.
They are always attracting hungry visitors :(
If you provide a free feast, they will come.....

So, I will stay cozy inside, content to look out the windows. 

A little warily. 

Once, I didn't pay attention to my dog's warnings

and came face to face with a very large bear. 

Luckily, my dogs were very brave and chased it away. 

Nature is beautiful, but deserves respect. 

When you disrespect Mother Nature, 

she puts you in your place:) 

Like any good Mother would :)

It's a beautiful world. 

xoxo