Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Signs of spring

What a beautiful day we had in Mid-Missouri Wednesday.  This shot was taken out of my kitchen window and shows the maple tree leafing out.  And look at that gorgeous sky!  And, yes, I did get out of the kitchen and went outside. 

I zoomed in on some of the Redbud trees down by the creek on our back 40 6.  I have several in the yard, but some of them aren't quite as full as in other years.   Don't you just love the Redbuds and Dogwoods in the spring? 

The Goldfinches are enjoying their new feeder.  It has a few more perches and feeding spots than the old one.  There are usually a dozen or more fighting for a spot.  The little Goldfinches are a delight to watch and are a favorite of mine.   I love their color and the yellow has really popped the last few days on the males. 

 I liked this photo of the Goldfinch coming in for a landing.  And at the other feeder is, I believe, a Red-bellied Woodpecker.  Not sure what the bird on the opposite side is. 

The pair of geese that we had at the pond for a few weeks have disappeared.  I was really hoping they would raise some little ones this year, but something must have scared them off.  We have a Blue Heron that has returned for the summer.  He has been here the past few years.  I'm assuming it's the same one, but who knows?  I haven't gotten a good clear photo of him yet. 

It's a busy time of year.  I've been busy going through stuff and trying to make myself get rid of things I don't need or can't use.  Hubby has gotten in quite a bit of overtime with the wind and storms the past week or so.  His job always seems to put a wrench in some of our plans, but we're used to that happening.  We still haven't started on the bathroom project yet.  I'm still waiting on a sofa and we have some fruit trees and shrubs yet to buy and plant.  Also, I've ordered some more Knockout roses. 

Our garden is tilled and ready for some planting although it is still a little early for some things.  We will see who wins the garden war this year...the weather, the deer, or us.  We usually plant our tomatoes and green peppers by the house where the deer so far have left them alone.  

I have plans for the inside and outside.  We'll see how many get done or even started on.  But 'tis good to have plans, I think.  I love to have something to look forward to and if it doesn't all get done....well, there's always next year! 

Until next time...

18 comments:

  1. Wonderful photos Cheryl,I love the bird ones.We have Goldfinches here but I have never seen one but I have taken pictures of the gold tit which is similar but has red on it's head.
    I have never seen a woodpecker on a feeder,that must be unusual.
    I do not know what a redbud tree is,but it looks so pretty.Good luck with D I Y projects,they will get done eventually,mine took twenty years !!! but I now have a lovely bathroom and bedroom,it was worth the wait.
    Carolyn.

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  2. All those colors, the birds, the trees - everything - it's all beautiful. Such pretty sights you have out your door. It would be hard thinking of indoor projects knowing all that was outdoors to enjoy.

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  3. Wonderful pictures to prove Spring is really hear.
    It really has been windy here also. The chore of playing pick up sticks in the yard is as common as brushing your teeth.

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  4. Your photographs are beautiful!! They really show the colors of spring. Amazing picture of that little goldfinch coming in for a landing.....and a meal!

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  5. Great photos, Cheryl! We are lucky to get one or two finches...never a six or eight!

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  6. You sound like me with your plans. Your spring is a lot more bright and colorful than mine at the moment. Love that capture of the goldfinch coming in for a landing!

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  7. What great shots here...love the ones with the birds! I put feeders out and they don't come to them at all..we live too much out in the wide open spaces I guess, anyway, loved these birds! ;D

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  8. Oh my, that blue sky is Gorgeous!! I could just sit and stare at that photo with such a sense of peacefulness in my heart.
    I do love the redbuds and dogwoods. I like how the redbuds start popping out amongst all of the other dormant trees. Ours have come and gone, but the dogwoods are still in bloom.
    I also love your goldfinch photos ~ just beautiful.

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  9. Oh, my gosh, Cheryl, your shot of the sky through your kitchen window is sooooo beautiful. And, I love the photo of the woodpecker and friend with the goldfinches!! Spring is definitely a BUSY time of the year! Wishing you good progress on all of your projects! blessings ~ tanna

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  10. Hi Cheryl, Love your Red Buds... Gorgeous... Our Dogwoods are just now blooming --but none of them here in Fairfield Glade seem as pretty as in previous years.. They look a little brownish....????

    Love your Finch Feeder. Where did you get that one???? I might want to get one like that... I have tons of finches also--and they fight for a spot on my feeder (which won't hold as many as yours).

    Have a great spring day.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  11. I just came in from marveling at the redbuds and dogwoods. The redbuds are almost gone now, though. Your photos are beautiful.

    Where do you order your knockout roses from? I'm wanting to order a few for the new rose garden we are trying to plant.

    We are way behind on things this year, but hopefully will catch up.

    Have a great day!

    Deanna

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  12. Yes, yes it was a most magnificent day here in the Ozarks.

    Too bad I spent a good piece of it on a tractor tryin' to pull hubs and the fertilizer wagon outta the creek! Believe me, it wasn't a pretty sight. Heehehehe!!!

    Have a blessed and beautiful day sweetie!!! :o)

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  13. Wow, I loved the pictures. I can hear the birds singing sometimes here; but spring hasn't come yet. I am bummed out because I would love some warm weather. We haven't done anything in our garden yet.
    Snow is expected tonight. Today has sunny; which has been nice.
    Blessings to you! LeAnn

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  14. Gorgeous pictures!!! Would love for you to stop by my farm for a visit. :)

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  15. Girl....I love your pictures...Not sure which is my favorite...The beautiful blue sky, or the one with the green grass...Actully enjoyed them all...
    Isn't it so nice to see the beauty of Spring popping out everywhere...
    I hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful weekend...
    Sweet Blessins.
    shug

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  16. I love, love the sky picture! There is nothing more beautiful than blue sky and green trees in my book. The finches are such fun to watch ...ours are gone already. The indigo buntings have arrived to take their place, but I haven't managed to get a picture yet.
    Have a great weekend
    Carolyn

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  17. My brother was just mentioning to me the other day about the fact that our mom has always loved dogwoods. She's a Missouri native, and grew up with them :-)

    Thank you so much for your continued prayers for Jordan. I know that having Jay there with him will be a big help. He dearly loves his little boy.
    Blessings,
    Marcia

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  18. Beautiful signs of spring. I love the birds, especially the finches and hummers this time of year.

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