Monday, January 4, 2010

Brazen squirrels and other matters

So there we were, my husband and I, sitting in the warm breakfast nook and working on a puzzle on this cold winter’s day. He had just poured me a cup of tea and we were listening to the wind howl outside. I laughed at something funny he said, and as I did, I looked out the window.

And saw this.

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Apologies for the quality of these photographs. I had forgotten to reset the ISO on the camera and was shooting through the glass of the breakfast nook. The glass is wavy. And dirty, but enough of the excuses. This squirrel was taunting me. And looking right at me, while he was sitting on the top of the feeder.

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The cardinal was waiting for the squirrel to get down, so he could get a bite to eat.

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My husband fills the feeders every morning. Here some birds alight after the squirrel has left.

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I put a texture on most of these photos. Because I felt like it.

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Oh, my heavens. Was it ever cold here today.

I took my morning walk with George and was completely bundled up as I used the hiking poles and went around the property several times along the paths my husband has created. The cold made my eyes water. I was actually crying into my scarf. Not really crying, but you know what I mean.

I had a blast, like I always do, reading your answers to yesterday’s questions. I love getting to know you all better. Thanks to all who participated. And hey, has anyone noticed that I have navigation widgets under my header (on both blogs)? Pretty spiffy, eh? I’m a technical genius (absolutely not). Would you believe that I have been wanting to do this for about three months now, and finally e-mailed my friend, Mary at {Little Red House} who told me where she got the instructions for hers. Thanks, my friend!

Back to work tomorrow. I’ve had off since December 19 and it’s probably time things went back to normal around here. ** Sigh **. Hope you have a great Monday, all.

Love,

39 comments:

Driftwood and Pumpkin said...

It sure was cold! I didn't even brave the temps today as my 365 pic was taken inside today. I was saving that idea for a cold, blustery day like today. Too bad it is only day 3. Now I have to think of other "too cold to shoot" ideas ;0)

Hilary said...

It's been super cold here today too.. getting milder now with big fluffy snowflakes. Adorable critters.. even through panes of glass. And I do indeed like your navigation tabs. Very nifty!

Nona said...

Love what you have done here! Keep up the great photos!

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

Squirrels are brazen - and curious. I often look up while working at the sink to see one sitting in the nearby treehouse staring at me. Great photos as always.

Lea and her Mustangs said...

Its cold in Washington State too. No matter how many pictures of cardinels you post, it won't be enough. I love those beautiful birds and we don't have any here. My sis in TN has them and love looking at them. They always make me feel good.

MrsMama said...

Your blog looks great. Love the large photos and your new navi-links. I love stopping by and seeing what George has been up to (you too, of course) :)

Julie Harward said...

Looks like you have a great show out your window everyday..fun! How come no one wants to feed the squirrls..they are so cute! :D

Anonymous said...

Brrrr....smiles.

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

Your new navigation widgets are great. Just love that cardinal. Before seventy-eleven cats migrated to my house, I used to have bird-feeders and loved watching them. The chicadees were my favorite.

word verif: vecess. When vampires are turned loose on the playground, it's officially vecess.

Ellen said...

Beautiful photos. My father is a cardinal fanatic.

Have a great day back at work.

Russell said...

Enjoyed seeing all this activity on a winter morning!

I think the cardinal is my favorite bird. When I lived in town I saw them a lot at my bird feeder. Now that I live out in the country and am surrounded by open area, I don't see them very often.

They are numerous in Iowa, of course, but in wooded areas and in town.

Take care and thanks for sharing these great images.

Tess Kincaid said...

Super duper cold in my neck of the woods, too. Things get back to normal around here tomorrow, as well.

Astaryth said...

Love the squirrel! Too funny.

I want a set of the little tabs :( How did you do it? Where is the How to???

Pony Girl said...

I love the squirrel! I tried to snap some pictures of one today, but no luck. Too fast and goodbye, he's was into someone's yard. Ah, well. I love the navigation bar. Can you link us to the how to? I have a "fake" one on my header (looks like one but the links go nowhere, LOL! :) Thanks!

Reddirt Woman said...

I understand it being so cold it makes your eyes water. That's how it has been here today and I haven't been out much at all. Went out to unload some more stuff out of my truck and went out and fed the outdoor dog and cat, then have been out twice to load up the wood wagon for the wood stove that my Cuz uses to heat the house. I'm learning about layering. It's 22 degrees here at 10:30 p.m. and dropping.

Helen

Arlene said...

Squirrels and so silly. They basically do what they want. Those are great pics. And yes it has been so cold here too. I think I live just up the road from your home.

Maria said...

Wow! Navigation tabs. That is pretty darn impressive. And bold, brazen articles! My favorite kind of animals. Ha ha ha.

I'm actually looking forward to returning to work tomorrow JUST because the heat at work is cranked to an unbearable and unadjustable temperature. Brrr. It's below zero these days. It will be nice to be too hot for once. :-/

JC said...

I love the cardinal ... I don't get those in my woods.

My name is Riet said...

I love the squirrel and that beautiful red cardinal. Your new header with George in the snow looks great.

BB said...

Am quite jealous of your navigation tabs! Too clever - shall have to explore now...

I posted about publishing fuzzy pictures (if that's what you call these - they still look pretty good to me) at my place today. Remember: the story is ALWAYS more important than the picture!! The picture might tell the whole story itself of course... esp in your case.
:-)
BB

Rinkly Rimes said...

What a wonderful window to have. All the creatures look so appealing, but maybe they're just appealing for a little warmth!

Kerri Farley said...

Great shots Mary! Back to work for me too. In the very back of my mind the "oh I don't want to go to work" thought came in to my head...and I immediately nipped it and told myself I am thankful to have a job.

And I am.

Also thankful to have wonderful blogger friends like you that post such lovely pics and such entertaining words to go along with them. I always enjoy my visit!

Country Girl said...

In response to the questions regarding the nav tabs, here are the instructions I used:
http://haptreeandme.blogspot.com/2009/09/adding-link-bar-below-your-blog-header.html
The hover color didn't work for me, but aside from that, I'm happy.

Thanks, all.

~ C.G.

Ann Marie said...

now see.. ME I would have been actually CRYING in my scarf.. if it has to be this cold why can't it just SNOW!!!!

If the husband has to be stuck home cause the creek is iced over.. that leads to massive amounts of crying LOL...

Mary said...

Aw, those little house finches are so cute! Yes it's been freezing and windy here, too. Took a walk yesterday all bundled up and I know just what you mean about crying into your scarf.

Your nav bars look great! I have to get to work on doing one for In a Soft Light.

The Weaver of Grass said...

I think the look on that squirrel's face is one of sheer envy - he sees how cosy and warm you are and wishes he was in there too. Also I have a look of envy at that cardinal - how I wish we had them here.

The JR said...

Sneaky little devils. Great pics.

Treasia Stepp said...

Love today's pictures. I just love watching the animals in play.

I would love to know how you put the bar at the top as well. Would it be possible to let me know how?

Mental P Mama said...

You are a better woman than I! I spent the day indoors...at Dunville's;)

Daryl said...

Spiffy and nifty

And baby its cold outside

Carolynn Anctil said...

I can't help it, I love squirrels. I love birds too, but squirrels are just so darned cute. Great shot.

Deb said...

Happy New Year Kate (& George).
Love the pics taken from your breakfast nook. I know what you mean about crying into your scarf :-) We adopted a black lab over the holidays and now spend the early mornings walking with him ...-16C today ...brrrrrrr.

Maria said...

The squirrel looks more like he's freezing than taunting, I think he's asking to come in.

noble pig said...

There is also a squirrel outside my window. Happy New Year dear friend!!

Som mine dager er said...

Love your pictures of animals. And the squirrel is really looking straight in your eyes (or lense). Amazing.

Congrats on your menu bar. Looks great. I'm happy to hear someone could help you.

My first day at work is over, and what a day. I'm exhausted ;-)

See you my friend.

Marit

Kay said...

Pretty balmy here in Coos Bay, Oregon at 59 degrees....no sweater even needed...Kate: I just love those red cardinals. Nothing prettier. Wish we had them here.
Stay warm. Kay

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the photos of the cardinal. They have always been my favorite bird, since I was a child. But I've never seen one in person (I live on the west coast). In this area, the prettiest bird is probably the mountain bluebird. There is also a little green tanager that is very pretty.

Sharon said...

I love the shots.

We had loads of cardinals around all summer long. But they seem to be gone. Do they go up north in the winter? Do they weather extremes?

We have another week of break. :(

Unknown said...

Great pictures through the window! The squirls really get ballsy when it is cold out. I bet it drives George crazy :)