Deep in Winter Wonderings

I was up early and out the door to refill the bird feeders. I've added a third this winter as it's turning into an especially cold one. Wind chill then was -35C ( up from the -39C low overnight) and wind in strong gusts made it most uncomfortable. That cold makes it such a relief to be out of it and back into the warmth of the house. But there are drifts over the front steps so I'll be back out there soon to shovel which will warm me up. 

I always feel lucky to get a glimpse of an owl and to get a photo even more so. But my odds are a little higher this winter as I've sighted one around the feeders twice now. However, these photos were taken from quite a distance down by our pond where I play ball with the dogs. I was so fortunate this distant "blob" turned out to be a bird rather than a clump of leaves which has happened sometimes. I'm thinking it's the same one that is sometimes nearer the house.

I'm cautious with owls because they always show they see me and I know what their talons look like. They watch me with those big eyes and move their head when I move. Though I must say this drowsy one seemed more intent on soaking up the sun's warmth than caring about me. This is a Barred Owl as identified by the bars on his feathers.

What a beautifully feathered fellow!

No winter lasts forever and thoughts of warmer days ahead are in my mind as I look through the Veseys Seeds online catalogue. In particular, since I've had good luck with Geraniums, I'm checking out a couple different varieties to plant this spring. Some of you mentioned Zinnias to me so I'm going to give those a go too. I also want to plant more Japanese Anemone bushes around the property. It's a huge favourite with the bees, blooms well into the fall and is so pretty too.

 I'm still appliquing more of the tiny baskets in blues and did finish one in February's dark green RSC colour. They are not exactly a quick stitch but I'm enjoying working on them, nonetheless.

In this photo below I'm ready to go shopping with Beth and was attempting to show you the scarf I knit years ago in 2014 and still love to wear every winter. I didn't realize that between the phone and the wooden bar in the mirror you wouldn't really see it, duh. I also wish I'd closed that closet door. And when I call our house the wooden house- it really is. The floors, walls and ceilings are all beautiful wood. 

 The scarf has jewel tones in reds/pinks and having colour up around my face is a good thing these days. It is a one line pattern and you can check it out at my post there. It was passed on by Stephanie on her Yarn Harlot blog years ago. 

My hair is so white and as I've said, I don't mind it at all. Both daughters have been urging me to stop cutting my hair so short and grow it out a little, so I'm doing that despite how wispy it is. The Moroccanoil Texture Spray is helping with that. HERE is the Amazon link if you'd like to check it out for your locks. 

Tony's ear syringing didn't work so we are back to the ear clinic tomorrow for a second try and he's also unhappy with his new glasses so we are going back to Costco to see what they can do about that too. Poor fellow. 

We've been enjoying the Olympics Figure Skating very much. Are you watching? 

Hope your February is going well and your stitching fingers are flying.