Springtime

This is an unusual spring. By now we usually have our garden planted. So far we have only put in potatoes and they are just beginning to peek out of the ground.  It's been too cold to garden. It's not just a continuation of winter but extremes of temperatures are inhibiting not only the growth of plants but of our usual joy at the arrival of spring.  Each spring we get a break on our utility bills as it gradually warms and the need for heating the house wanes and the summer heat has yet to require the use of air conditioning, but we find ourselves heating the house in the morning and turning on the air conditioning in the afternoon.  Thunderstorms pop up in the warm, humid afternoons only to leave a layer of frost in the mornings. The people who doubt the existence of global climate change probably don't live in the country.

Here are some photos I've collected in recent weeks:

This squirrel has invaded our attic. Those pesky critters will

do much damage to your home if you allow them to remain. They will

chew the insulation off wires potentially causing  fires and will even

chew into PVC pipe. In the lower left of the picture is a humane

trap which I'm using in an attempt to capture the squirrel and relocate

to a new home miles away.  He doesn't seem too interested in being

 caught so I have my .22 rifle at the ready. I would prefer not to kill

him but one way or the other he is going to leave the premises.

 

Mocking Bird

 

Blue Jay

 

Tulips

 

Daffodils

 

White Breasted Nuthatch

 

Red-bellied Woodpecker

 

Show Gracen a box and she will crawl into it.

 

Grand kids enjoying Nana's fried chicken, mashed potatoes,

and gravy.  LtoR Jenna, Gracen, Hunter, Marley.