New Neighbours!

When I built the fence just before my operation, I left 4 posts long and stuck bird houses on top of them It appears the bird below (Phoebe?, or wren?) is making a nest in a big hurry. Sorry, it's a House Wren.

 One of the other bird houses have attracted some tree swallows. They too, appear to be staking out turf. I am walking about, but not very far yet, so sitting on the deck chair waiting for action is more up my alley. Tomorrow, after Church, I am going to try a trip around the block. They say walking is good, and so far, no legs going to sleep, no stumbles and very little pain!

 Anyway, a big thank you to those that forwarded good healings and Prayers to me. They all were much appreciated!

Postponed again!

The surgery that I was to have had on May 26 was moved up to May 12. Just as I was getting mentally ( and physically) prepared, they moved it back to the 26th. Go figure.

There were a few things that got bounced up in the priority list to make it easier on Elaine, and myself when the operation does occur. First of all, I wanted to fence the yard so that the dogs could run free. This means no more ropes to tangle up, trees to wrap around etc. this also makes it much easier to let them in and out.

I had started deck repairs involving new plywood on top, a proper railing with balusters and proper handrails for Elaine.

I wanted a two way swing gate to make it easier getting a walker in and out. This I found at UFA at a reasonable price.

I only have about 4 more bays to complete the fencing which should be about 2 days worth of work. Many thanks go to my son Andrew who stopped in to visit from Houston, Texas and who dug the post holes, very carefully. I say very carefully, because the person who developed this subdivision, laid the power line for my neighbour right on the property line! The power company basically could not tell us how deep the line was, due to liability, even though their equipment would tell them.

Anyway, here is a shot facing the front. Today, about 8 swallows looked over the bird houses. Hopefully, some will nest.

After about 4 hours work, my maximum, a hot tub at the Millar Center and 3 Advil get my back into no pain mode. Almost done! Yeah!

Some Things are Missing in Town

In town it's difficult to appreciate the night sky due to the light pollution.

Stepping outside in the morning certain things are missing. You just don't see these in town. The next three photos show what is not present.

The first one is one of my favourites where Brooklyn saw her first moose. She was not sure what it was, so decided to lay down and observe. The shot was on the Acreage at first light and turned out pretty good for hand held low light. Brooklyn weighs 109 pounds to give you some perspective of the size of the cow.

The shot below was of a cow moose and two calves that wandered up to the house. Again, captured at first light from the deck.

Of course, Whitetail Deer were a dime a dozen. I kind of like the look of this doe that has just given birth within the last few days.

These have been posted before, but remain some of my many favourites.

Very Cold Outing!

Today was one of the warmer days over the last 10 days, so I decided that a walk was in order. Looking like the Michelin man all bundled up, I took the two dogs down to a vacant field and turned them loose. They did not seem to mind the -15C  (+5F) temperature and brisk wind.

I did not take a lot of pictures because my hands kept freezing.

Freedom!

Slogging Along

Left Over Cow Parsley

More Cow Parsley

Worn Out Boots!

Worn out Brooklyn!

 Mission Accomplished!

-30C ( -22F) for the next few, and last few days! The Tournament of Hearts (curling) is on plus the Olympics. Life is good to be in town in front of the TV and vegetating rather than feeding horses, watering horses and shoveling snow! Life is pretty good in the mini-city!!

Saturday Morning Walk

At 9:00 am on a Saturday, the Town park is pretty quiet.

The Loons are still asleep.

The baby ducks and their mom were awakened by brooklyn trying to catch them by swimming. She swam half way around the pond before she gave up.

The little guys were none the worse for wear, but their  Mom was a little frazzled.

The other loon was awakened at the noise of the chase.

This is some type of water weed that is just beginning to flower. It is interesting that the flowers come up into the air.

We did about 2 km of walking then decided to head for home.