Advent Calendar, the Carolina Wren & A Great Book

I woke up early this morning to freezing cold temperatures ( 4 degrees F), the Puppy Girls and kitty Jackson under the blankets with me and the birds eating their breakfast at the feeders outside my windows.  I laid there a while, loving the cuddling of the kids and enjoying the vast array of visitors this morning.  I have observed that when it’s this cold, the birds are not really picky who’s eating along side them – sort of like eating at the counter of a diner. You may pass the salt and pepper, say a few words but you’re mostly there for the chow.  

I’m extremely lucky that several types of woodpeckers regularly visit me – Downys, Hairys, Red-Bellied, Pileated and Northern Flickers. Then there’s standard Chickadees, Titmouse, Sparrows, White Breasted Nuthatch, Blue Jays, couple of Finches, occasionally American Goldfinch. Occasionally will have some of the ground feeders – Mourning Doves, Juncos, Cardinals – up at the feeders.  But today, there was a new customer at the diner – a Carolina Wren!. I’d never seen one in person before, so it took some research to identify this pretty.  Has beautiful coloring of brown and buff, curved beak and very compact body.  It flitted back and forth and occasionally sat like it is here.  I looked around from another window but didn’t see any others.

Eventually we all got up, quick trip out for Girls , breakfast and back to bed – now to continue reading my traditional Christmas book – this year it’s The Christmas Boutique by Jennifer Cheverani.  Wonderful book, cup of hot chocolate, watching the birds, all 4 Fur Babies snuggled in and I am admiring my Advent Calendar.  There’s only a few ornaments up just yet but I love the tradition of each evening pulling out an ornament and putting it on the ‘tree’. Like everyone else, I’m especially busy this time of year though it is more for work than for fun.  But still, I take a little time here and there to enjoy the moments of the holiday season.  And you should too.  It is way too easy to become overworked, overwhelmed and underappreciated. We owe it to ourselves to find the joy whenever possible.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with the story of my Advent Calendar, you should read last year’s blog at http://puppygirldesigns.com/a-christmas-memory-revived/.  I’m sure you’ll love it!