After the Rain

We experienced quite a bit of rain here the other day. The stream is running very strong and fast. The area out front is now a good size pond, even the ducks are enjoying it. Today is partly sunny and mild.

We have been blessed with an abundance of birds at the feeders. Orioles, Rose breasted Grosbeaks, Titmouse, Golden Finches, Rose finches, Bluebirds, Indigo Buntings, Hummingbirds, Juncos, Cardinals, Sparrows and blackbirds. The Pileated, Hoary, Downy, Red-Bellied, and Red headed woodpeckers are enjoying the suet blocks.

Of course our Squirrels and Chipmunks are also enjoy the feeders refuse as it falls to the ground.  We have a small black squirrel that enjoys sucking nectar from the hummingbird feeder.

I have finished the inking od another in my Muskegon Architectural series. This is the Russell Block building. Home on Unruly Brewery and The Block listening room. I will be adding color to this in the next few weeks.

Russell Block

Frost Warnings, Snow and Cold Winds

Well we are back to a wintry kind of day. I remember my father telling me that every season has all four seasons in it. I didn't quite understand what he was telling me at the time. We were planting a garden.

But I have been watching the weather for years now and as a gardener I now clearly understand. There is a winter, spring, summer and fall in every season. I love those warm sunny days in winter that remind me of the summer days to come in the future. I am not as happy about these wintry days in spring.

I have been listening to all these people who have been complaining about not being able to buy plants when it was to early to so. Now I hope that if they planted any tender plants they they are ready to cover them or know the risk if they don't. My grandfather, a truck farmer, taught me to plant nothing that grows above ground until after Memorial Day ( the exception was peas as frost made them sweeter).

Pansies and earlier blooming bulbs were the only flowers that were capable of taking a frost. I am also hoping that my Japanese Maple will be protected near the house. Last year it did fine. I have reading Peter Wohlleben's The Hidden Life of Trees and I think it should have enough sugar to protect it.

We had a turkey visitation yesterday. The male turkey fan tailed, puffed up and strutted to impress the three ladies he was stalking. They weren't impressed as that moved away in the opposite direction.  Almost felt sorry for the poor fellow so much energy expelled and no results. I did get a bit of poor video, which I am posting, so if look closely you may see his mating ritual. These birds are absolutely beautiful in the sun of early spring; copper, greens, and sienna browns dancing in the light.

 

I have finished the color work on the Methodist Church so I am including that also in today's post. I hope you enjoy it. Work has started on the Russell Block building. Will keep you posted as I progress.

Methodist Church side entrance

Warm Weather Brings Return

Returning guests enjoy the feast

We finally have had a few days with warmer temperatures and sunshine. As a result our brightly colored friends are beginning to return. We love drinking our morning coffee and watching our feathered friends. Where other people have cats and dogs we have our birds. We appreciate the Bird House here in North Muskegon for it's wonderful supplies. At one point in our morning there were six orioles. We also get a variety of finches, warblers, and those sweet little bluebirds.