Wintry observations

Linn County Master Gardener, Claire Smith, shares her observations during this wintry weather:

       They look like a chorus line, standing with obvious great anticipation on the eave's spout.  Others flit by the window either swooping or being uncontrollably blown by the high wind.  The Cardinal and Blue Jay present a beautiful contrast to the huge white flakes.  The huddle of sparrows resembles a fur stole.  They're waiting for me to do chores so they can fill their tummies then cluster together for warmth before the real blizzard begins later today.  We've geared up for winter with sheds bedded and tank heaters in place.  We plan it for our four footed friends, but the feathered ones take advantage, too.  All creatures of the great outdoors need protection (birdhouses or barns) and sustenance (food and clean unfrozen water) from the elements this time of year.  

      Have you tried solar lights for your outdoor decorations? We used them for the first time this year down the driveway where electricity isn't available.   They're not as bright as LEDs, but the twinkle that does show is enchanting.  Hopefully the sun will melt away some of the mounds of snow covering the holiday decorations or else how will Santa find our homes? 

      The ensuing storm created a hot chocolate and holiday card kind of day so I snuggled down next to the window and fireplace and wrote out cards to friends and family whose fond memories over the years create warm thoughts.  Emails are a possibility, but as I'm more than a bit old fashioned, hand scribing still seems fitting.

     Shopping has been postponed for a day or two.  While pouring through gardening books for the perfect gifts, I came across a fun idea for youngsters.  I'm going to scour the garden centers for fast growing vegetable or flower seeds and assemble a garden box fashioned with pot(s), a bag of potting soil, seeds, a bit of fertilizer, kid size gloves, a watering can and care directions.  The recipient will need only a sunny south window and a string on his/her finger to remember to water appropriately.   Then I thought about creating a garden of herbs for a friend who loves to cook.  Multiple mini-gardens are even a possibility.  My imagination could run wild with these ideas.

     “Tis the season when everyone can become a kid at heart.  I'd flop down to make angels in the snow, but I might not be able to get myself back up, so I guess I'll just go sing carols to my two and four footed friends as I trudge through Mother Nature's handiwork with buckets of grain. 

12 Days of Christmas Clue #4- winners