Nesting

Unlike humans, birds instinctually know how to build their nests.   No contractors, no building codes and no mortgage payments! 

Nest Safety

We had a real life drama unfolding outside our windows this week, when a baby robin, which was not quite ready to fly, fell out of the nest and landed on our front lawn.

Ruffled Feathers

I grew up in northern mountains, where summer temperatures rarely reached ninety and the plentiful breezes were the only air conditioning that we needed.

Got Your Number

A highly visible house number ensures that emergency services can find your home quickly.    I love this sign, which demonstrates that safety doesn’t need to be boring.

A Clever Thief

Over the years, our squirrels have provided a lot of low cost entertainment.   While our feathered friends  haven't appreciated their adeptness in snatching seed from the bird feeder, I thoroughly enjoy the antics of these clever little thieves.   A friend now purchases special ears of corn designed just for feeding the squirrels and a quick internet search turned up dozens of squirrel feeders.  I’ve no plans to buy one, however.  I think they get a bit of a thrill from stealing it out of the bird feeder.  They’re a bit like our dog, who loves to swipe food from the cats’ dishes, but displays little interest, when we put the same food in his own bowl.

Cat Alert?

Does he sense three cats watching him through the french doors?

The Comforts of Home

There’s no place like home.

Greener Pastures

This post brought to you by apartments.com. All opinions are 100% mine.

I've heard that some people live in the same home for their entire lives, but I don't know anyone who has done that.    The census bureau estimates that Americans move an average of fourteen time throughout their lives.  Last summer's move took my personal total to nineteen and we'll be facing a twentieth, when my daughter completes her schooling here.  We're beginning to feel like moving pros, so here are a few tips on finding a new residence.

1. Get Excited
   This is easy, if you've made the decision to move on to greener pastures.  Even if the change has been precipitated by your spouse's relocation, a change in finances or other circumstances beyond your control, look at the positive aspects.  Research your new location.  Are there historical landmarks?   Extensive dining and entertainment choices?  Gorgeous scenery?  Finding out what makes your new location special, will help you get excited about the change.  Even in-town moves offer an opportunity to find your dream space and every move provides a chance to review your possessions and declutter your life.  That's certainly reason to get excited!
   

Child's Play

The next time someone tells you that something is as easy as child’s play, remember this picture.  I can’t imagine doing that and heaven help the person who is trying to catch me!

Warm and Friendly Giveaway

This post brought to you by QuadraFire. All opinions are 100% mine.

The utility bill arrived the other day and I could see my daughter frowning at it.  We believe in green living and part of that lifestyle includes keeping our thermostat set low during the winter.   Despite our efforts at conservation, the electric bill does climb during the coldest months. I've often wished there was a way to stay warm, while reducing our carbon footprint and our utility bills.

Turns out that there is a way to do just that.
Keep reading to learn how and to participate in a notebook giveaway.

A Helping Paw

Who doesn’t need a little help with the yard work? 

Christmas Ambiance

When I was a child, Christmas meant presents. As a parent, it meant lots of shopping and wrapping. Now, I spend far more time listening to seasonal music and enjoying the lights and decorations.

My Place

As a child, I never realized how fortunate I was to have so many acres of fields and forests as my playground.  I thought of one particular wooded spot as my outdoor home.  Who could fault decorating like this?

Colorful Design

Things are looking quite bland outside my window these days and the cold weather has barely begun. By spring, I'm sure I'll be more than ready for the reappearance of Mother Nature's colorful palette.

Fireplace

On a cool evening, there is nothing cozier than a fireplace.  More than the heat produced by burning wood, the flames have a life and spirit that warm the heart as well as the body.

Tiny Homes, Big Ideas

This post brought to you by Havertys Furniture. All opinions are 100% mine.

Tiny home popularity is growing by leaps and bounds.  Ranging from cottages of three hundred square feet down to ones that occupy less than a hundred square feet, these spaces provide a real challenge to make every bit of space count.

Many of the homes are masterpieces of building design.  I'm amazed at the fully functioning kitchens that include well planned storage space and appliances ranging from dishwashers to freezers, while maintaining a sleek, clutter-free appearance.  Tankless water heaters and space heaters borrowed from boats provide creature comforts while using minimal space.

Fountain

There’s nothing more relaxing than the sight and sound of water.

Mailboxes

E-mail may be efficient, both nothing beats the old-fashioned version of "You've Got Mail!"

Flowers Of The Field

Consider how the flowers grow. They never work or spin yarn for clothes. But I say that not even Solomon in all his majesty was dressed like one of these flowers.  Luke 12:27

Field Party

No invitations are required to join this informal field party.  Pull up a rock or sink into the lush grass and enjoy the beauty of the day.