Gratitude

I've been feeling very grateful today for light winds, fluffy clouds, and gentle sunshine.

Native Berries

I love the native berries. They aren't as sweet and flavorful as imports, but they have reasonable growing habits and come into fruit throughout the spring.

Thimbleberry blooms. 

Salmonberry, ready to pick. The earliest berry, and oh so pretty.

Blooms of the native ground blackberry, which will be a small burst of intense flavor.

Native Iris

Old Stump

Out of the sad remains of a majestic tree new life thrives.

Scotch Broom

This year the scotch broom is everywhere under the power lines. It's a noxious weed, but a beautiful one.

The Dabbling Duck

The day started out overcast and not too cool, so I'm out in a t-shirt, vest, and jeans. It starts to rain. I'm a Pacific Northwesterner, what's a little rain. Then it starts to pour. Hail was mixing in with the rain crashing down on me, and I was losing my happy frame of mind when I turned a corner and saw the duck. He was in his element, happy as a duck, dabbling at all the new puddles and enjoying the free shower. It is impossible to be grouchy around ducks.

Excuse me while I go change into something dry.

Mushrooms

These lovely little mushrooms are growing next to my hay shed.

The red petals are from nearby Douglas maples. 

Wildflowers

Spring is such a beautiful time of year.

Winter Woes

I realized as the days lengthened and lightened that I had become depressed and lethargic over the long, wet winter. I even stopped blogging. I need to figure out how to handle winter better, how to keep engaged with the things I care about. My project for spring and summer: how to make a better winter. Joy abounds as days lengthen, soil dries, and the sun shines.

I have taken pictures and thought of stories to share, and I will backfill here as much as possible. Anyone still reading, thank you for your perseverance.  I intend to get back to sharing the joy and wonders of life at Ravenwood.

Spring Pleasures

New leaves glow

Lit from within

Showing the world

The tree's joy

In the return of 

Long days

and Warm sun

MY Sheep

My gander/sheep affiliation continues to amuse and amaze me. Three of the ewes and the gander were munching on a hay bale when I came by. The gander immediately came to attention.

He then pointedly strutted out from behind the bale, crossed in front of me to the other side of the yard...

to protect the ewe hanging out with the chickens. I might be willing to attack a lone ewe, but everyone knows I'm not going to mess with a Toulouse gander.

Hello?

I love seeing these guys when I turn my head.

Interlude

The day started sunny and bright, and stayed that way. The sun warmed things enough that it felt, and looked, like Spring. It was a glorious break from our usual wet winter weather.

When I went up to the power lines to retrieve my Alpaca, I stopped to enjoy the view. It was apparent that the good weather would be short lived - clouds were advancing from every direction, determined to set the weather right.