birds

This is a photo of my circa 1890 pastry server (taken without a flash).  How do I know that this particular piece is an 1890s pastry server?

Cause Martha Stewart magazine says so.  Here is a photo spread from the March issue featuring the pastry server in the centre.

It's the same as mine! (way ahead of you on that one, Martha, call me anytime for TIPS on how to do STUFF).  Here is a photo of my 1890s pastry server (with the flash).  Pretty, huh?

Actually, there was an entire article on bird motifs in decorating.  And here I thought that birds were so over.  And weren't fish supposed to be the new birds? (or something like that).  Anyway, the truth of the matter is that bird motifs are classic and have been around for a long time.  I've always been drawn to them.

Here is a bird-themed needlepoint chair detail.

Bird salt and pepper shakers.  I'd never really noticed before, but these particular birdies look somewhat unintelligent.  Oh well.

Alabaster bird baths.  Love these things, they have no real purpose, except to tickle peoples' fancy.

A birdy-themed wall hanging in my daughter's room (out of focus ceiling shot due to extreme toxic teen mess on the floor).  Oh, and one of the bulbs is out in the chandelier.

Little wooden bird on windowsill.

Birdy votive holders.

Did you know that a bird dropping landing on your head is good luck?  It's true.  I'm looking forward to spring when there's a real bird extravaganza, complete with songs, laying of eggs, and much twittering and swooping.  I'll be on the look-out for the first robin.  Can't wait.

thaw

We enjoyed some lovely, above-freezing temperatures this weekend.  There was a melowness in the air, a feeling of winter slightly loosening its grip, and granting us the favour of allowing some of the tired, dirty snow to melt.

It wasn't that urgent, rushing spring thaw, but something much slower.  A reprieve.

There's still quite a bit of snow left, but we've definitely turned a corner on this challenging season.  Oh, I know we're in for some major weather wallops before it ends, but it feels great to have most of it behind us.

And by the way, look who's back!

Since our wonderful Ed is gone, there wasn't much point in keeping Ollie at the in-laws', so my husband brought him home.  He loaded very well into the trailer.  Unfortunately the driveway was very icy, so he had to park truck and trailer on the side of the road, unload this lively fellow while there was a break in traffic, and lead him (slip-sliding) down the icy driveway.  I had enough of a hard time just getting myself down the driveway, so that was quite a feat.  

And imagine, if you can, a sweet reunion of a little horse family.  It was the bright spot in my weekend.

The time away has done Ollie a lot of good.  He seems to have matured and has benefitted from daily handling.  He' still just a giant baby, though.  Welcome home sweet (and troublemaking) Ollie!

gasp

This morning the thermometer read -30C (that's -20 something F, I think).

This means that the moment you went outside, your breath was stolen from you by the dry cold, and you were left gasping.

It was that hovering, still, windless, BURNING cold.

Ice on your eyelashes cold.

Frost on your whiskers cold.

'Double rations plus extra grain' cold.....are you getting the picture??

At least the sun is out, and the day is bright.  Stay warm, wherever you are today.

Ed

It is with great sadness that I share with you the news that Ed, our lovely horse-trainer and helper, and friend, died yesterday in a road accident.  

I tried to find a photo of him, and the only ones I could find were not full-on shots.  He was a very unassuming, shy man, but always helpful and kind.  He loved horses and was a true natural horseman.  His techniques were not fancy, but based on patience and kindness.

Ed moved to a slower rhythm than most people do.  After spending just a few moments with this quiet man,  you couldn't help but feel more peaceful.  I'm so glad that he was able to help us with Ollie, our little horse- he gave him such a good, loving start.

I'll miss the sound of his  blue pickup truck rumbling down our driveway.  I'll miss shooting the breeze with him, and hearing his latest verdict on Ollie's progress (and hearing him say "he's growed").  

He will be missed by his friends and family (human and horse alike).  Happy trails Ed.