A Wake Up Call

 Each morning at about 4:30 a.m., just as the sun begins to rise, a little bird perched in a tree outside our bedroom window begins to sing three notes repeatedly, with little pauses in between. It really sounds like the song we used to sing as children... Three Blind Mice.

With a little research, I learned that it's the Golden Crowned Sparrow. This video gives you a pretty good idea, but in reality, the little guy outside my window sings it even more clearly.

This bird is usually found in the city edges in winter along the Pacific Coast, but in the summer it prefers the tundra and shrublands ranging from BC to Alaska.

"Gold miners took cold comfort from this bird's melancholy song, which seems to reflect the bleak beauty of its surroundings".

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden-crowned_Sparrow/id

Although 4:30 is a tad early to be awakened, a bird's song sounds beautiful at any time of day!

Spring is in Bloom

I have to say, I was spoiled by my children this past Mother's Day. Spoiled with flowers and more!

My soon to be daughter-in-law speaks my language when it comes to flowers! I first met her just over a year ago, the week before Mother's Day. She brought along a bouquet of flowers for me, along with a hug. How sweet is that? Then the next week, she and my son brought me more cut flowers for Mother's Day. And this year..another bouquet. Yes, please. Thank you very much! :) I think I'll keep her!

There is something about fresh flowers, inside or outside! Have you planted any flowers this Spring?

What's Not to Love?

I am currently away for a few days, spending time with my sister who lives several hours away. Since I don't travel much over mountain passes in the winter, we don't get to spend a lot of time together during the snowy season. Come spring, we are just itching to see each other again.

Despite the busyness of life and unforeseen and often unwelcome circumstances that sometimes threaten to steal our joy, we have managed to laugh and have a lot of fun together over the years. She has the best sense of humour and if I am ever really stressed, I just have to connect with her and she puts things into perspective, usually leaving me chuckling. And I know she appreciates my practical support  and just 'being there' when she needs it. We've shared a lot of sister love these past four days.

What I've loved about our time together: 

What is it about spring cleaning  for someone else that makes it almost fun? My sis is a super busy girl, so I knew she would really appreciate it if I tackled the room that has been driving her crazy. I shared with her the simple question to ask when determining whether to keep or discard/give away an item-- Does it spark joy? Thankfully, she had already gone through her books earlier and kept the joy-sparking ones! That would have taken us all day just to do that! Several hours later, the room had been cleaned and reorganized. We loved that!

Taking a trail walk through Campbell Valley Park with M & D and the dogs. Being outdoors with some of my favorite people, enjoying a fresh spring morning..bliss. 

Watching The Voice together. She introduced me to that show last year and now it's something I anticipate regularly. Last week, we watched in our respective homes and texted back and forth during the show, giving our opinions and critiques. But sitting side by side is even better! Except when one of us falls asleep (which seems to be a regular occurrence). Late night watching does that!

Enjoying a cup of coffee together whether in her (newly renovated) kitchen or in a cute little coffee shop in the heart of a nearby community, bustling with people listening, laughing, and sharing, bent over their drinks of choice. Oh, and the coconut/almond latte was worth every penny!

Meeting Enzo, her recently adopted chi. I've been considering getting a little dog for a while and when I met this little guy, well, it was sort of love at first sight. He is sweet, cuddly, and smart despite looking a bit like a rat (the feet are rather undogly). Some people don't consider chihuahuas real dogs, but I know better. I understand why they might not be appreciated by those who prefer big, thick coated dogs, but this little guy has a charm all his own. We have the option to adopt him next month, when he comes over for a week while my sister is on a road trip. But that will take some serious considering and possibly convincing. A dog does tie owners down, unless there are family or friends around willing to do some doggy care when necessary. So.. we shall see.. 

Will post a few pics when I get home! 

Hope you have enjoyed some simple and lovely things the past few days, too! 

Spring Things

Did the best thing I could possibly do today--  spent some time outside, in the sunshine. Ridding the lawn and lilac bush undergrowth of soggy, matted Fall leaves and yellow, dried pine needles, and other unwelcome odds and ends that have blown into our little piece of the world over the last few months.  There's always more we could do to beautify this 1/3 of an acre, but we're both not perfectionists when it comes to our yard. I like it clean and tidy, but there are a lot of 'little wild spaces' which might always be there  and I'm okay with that. Better Homes and Gardens need not check out our property!

After an hour or so of  back-tiring labour, I decided it was time to lay down on the sloped lawn and look up at the sky.

It reminded me of a quote I heard today.

He who keeps his nose to the grindstone
gains nothing but a sharp nose.   (Barbara Mahaney)

My thoughts exactly!