Bird Watching...Yes, a First For Me!!

Those of you who know me well know that I do not have much interest in birds or nature.  To me, they all have looked the same in the past, they poop on my car, and all the chirps sound the same.  I am happy to announce that my old perspective on birds are changing. On Monday, after that last (hopefully) bit of snow, I heard lots of pretty chirping.  The chirps were all different.  So as I am folding laundry in the bathroom, I happen to look out the window and see some beautiful brightly colored birds perched on the branches.  I have Grandmom's old binoculars, her Birds of North America book, and my own camera.  Here are some of the birds I saw during my first hour long bird watching session...who would have thought?  

Please, anybody who has any other additional information or corrections, please feel free to comment and educate me!

This was the first little percher I found.  I looked it up in the book, and think it is an Eastern Blue Bird.  Obviously, I am no bird expert, but that's what picture, area, etc. matches.  

 He was right outside the window!  This is the one that hung around the most.

Here is my other little friends.  These were in pairs as they dug out the worms.  They didn't seem to mind me snapping their picture, but they moved quickly.  The reference book leads me to believe that these are Cardinals (not red robins...I guess those aren't really red?).  They are big puffer bellies with the black beaks and a pointy red mohawk.  They would sit on the branch then fly down to hop around on the ground.  They cycle kept repeating.

These next few are not yet identified.  They moved very fast, could hear the click of my camera, and came in at least 2-3 to a pack.  They climbed all over, under, and around the branches.  I remember seeing some bright colors on their bellies as they flew away.  They have a mostly white underbelly with white and black on their wings.  Any ideas on which kind these are?  Maybe chickadees? Warblers?  It's hard to get a good picture of them because they dart away so quickly.  

Storage Area in Barn Update 2

Here is the next barn storage area picture update.  As we are getting ready to move some storage boxes in, we need a dry and secure place for these items.  The floor is officially done in 1/3 of the barn.  The next step is to add walls.  As Rocky was replacing the beams, one of the back rotted pieces came off.  We were expecting this and are even surprised that more hasn't fallen off.  Well, when it fell down, it revealed the most BEAUTIFUL scene overlooking the back barnyard and pond.  It's perfect at sunset with the light streaming through.  My mind is already racing forward when the main house is done and this can be converted from our storage room to the perfect arts & crafts room for scrapbooking and Christmas wrapping.  I totally want windows back here now after seeing the open space.  Hmm...maybe a screened in balcony?!?!  (wishful thinking)  Anyways, we are going to put 2 window sashes in to achieve the view and light.  It's coming along so nicely!!!  Below you will find pictures of the room thus far and some of the views from the future window spot.  I love it!

Check out that light and perfect spot for windows!

The views from the window spots in the above pictures.

You can even see the peninsula!  

Signs of Spring: A Walk

Spring is fighting to arrive here at Hearthstone.  I LOVE walking around the property looking for more signs of her arrival.  I find new sprouts with each walk.  These sprouts are fighting their way through the frosty ground even as it is currently sleeting outside.  I thought I would dedicate a blog to the constantly blooming signs of spring.  Bulbs are popping up EVERYWHERE, even in the areas we had to clear to get near the house.  They are sprouting all over the front, back, and side yards right up through the mud!  It is SO exciting this first year eagerly watching to see what will pop up next!

Here are the sprouts that finally popped on the side wall driveway garden.  This is the area that Rocky raked last week:  

This little "future herb garden" is on the back patio of the main house.  This is on my to-do list to immediately rake out! 

These next few pictures are from the driveway edge by the waterfall.  This is a surprise spot as I was totally not expecting so many sprouts.  Maybe day lilies?

More snowdrops!

These next few photos are of what I think are scilla growing underneath the first arches by the creek.  They look like the violet blue version of snowdrops.  Mary and I were googling to figure out what they were.  They are gorgeous!!!  In my limited knowledge, I think I can best describe them as a mix of snowdrops & myrtle blooms.  (also need to rake this area ASAP)

These are quince?  Hmm...I'm not quite sure I remember, but these are also found along the second arch of the bridge right over the wall by the creek.  You can see them as you drive up the driveway.  They are beautiful!

These are bulbs that randomly popped up in the back of the cottage towards my favorite picnic spot by the pond.  Also, there are huge clumps of bulbs growing along the "thicket" edge in this area.  This is one of my favorite spots!

I absolutely cannot resist posting the next few pictures of my walking buddies!  Thanks Don for bringing the girls down to go on our walk!  You can see Sophie loves the back picnic spot as well!  Notice the bulbs behind the girls in this first picture.  This is right outside the cottage in the barnyard along the stone wall.  Check out all of those bulbs!  

Storage to Come in the Barn

Here are some updated pictures of the barn process.  This will eventually be a storing room for all of our additional belongings, clothes, and furniture that we do not have room for in the cottage.  Roger is doing a great job milling the pieces while Rocky puts it all together in the barn!  A big thank you!!!!  I can't wait to get more things settled!

Raking the Side Yard

Good afternoon!

Here are a few updated pictures of the side yard.  Rocky brought the backhoe up and was raking and hauling out all of the old leaves and brush to clear the gardens so that we can play "I Spy a Sprout!"  Later, we walked around the property and the boys discussed the barn doors.  They tend to get stuck on the track "rolling thingy" (in Brey-language).  Seriously, is it warm yet? 

I'm running outside to get some more pics.  I will post shortly.  

Rocky's new fave.  Cousin Steven's Armstrong Ales, "Stoney Run"