in my patch of forest in the #PacificNW .

a good rain last night!

the small birds are celebrating with song and baths and picking thru the grass for fallen seeds.

the snails and slugs are on the move, their cute eyestalks leaning forward into the future.

the garter snakes are laying on the surface of the ground listening with their whole body.

the crows are cawing as their wings cut thru the air.

the 3 ravens are perched in the tops of tall trees more deeply commenting on the goings on.

I awoke to a little rain shower in the early morning hours in the #PacificNW .
Good for all in my little patch of forest. Creatures will be stirring about more.
It is early evening, cool descending, the tall trees are laying their long shadows upon the ground. Beasts rustle occasionally in the underbrush.
A blue jay squawks.
I look hoping to spot the intruder it is warning.
The blue jay squawks again.
I look up, just south of me at eye level, an owl flys by screeching.
Stealth mode interrupted.

#PacificNW
A pleasant afternoon was spent in my little patch of forest. There were pleasant gusty breezes to keep everything fresh and cool. I was hauling rocks with my wheel barrow from one location to another as usual, but I see a light at the end of that particular tunnel. I am thinking that by the end of next week the rock hauling portion of my project will be concluded!

#PacificNW
someone stapled a sign on the utility pole near the gate to my home
it said cheap yard work w/ phone#

I found a nice cedar board in my garage and hand painted on it
WILDLIFE MEADOWS.

I quietly, trying not to disturb the deer, birds and a sole pygmy eared rabbit, walked out to my gate. No luck with the rabbit, sound plus moving objects and they go zipping away into the brush.

I fastened the board to my gate.
I removed the yard work sign from the utility pole.
Problem Solved.

#PacificNW My current outdoor project is a puzzle and I love solving puzzles!
Transform pile of irregularly shaped 2-6 inch cobble rocks into water permeable driving surface.
Twist and turn rock till a tight fit so no shifting when driven upon, but leave cracks for water to sift thru and grass to grow.
Match heights against the uneven base to create a mostly smooth surface.
Rustic, functional for driving, green with grass, a slug and snail crossing in the rain and a fave with the garter snakes.

#PacificNW
Heading out to spiff in my little patch of forest and immerse myself in the mosaic of life.
To listen to the birds going about their day.
To hope to spot one of the cute little garter snakes decked out in their bold racing stripes shy tho they may be.
To hope to stand by and watch a snail or slug extend out their 4 antennae examining the future of their forward movement.
To observe a bee gathering pollen on a flower.
All while swathed in long sleeves and trousers to avoid bug bites.

#PacificNW There is gusty wind, just enough to make the lush meadows around my house dance. Whorls and curlicuques flash as the tall timothy and orchard grass stems and seeds bend to the path of capricious air. A ripple forms in a broader swath of rye grass as a stronger gust bends a full line over far enough to strongly reflect the sun. Sweeping briefly one way and then another, quick flashes transfering seamlessly among directions. An undercurrent of tiny yellow flowers accent the solid bass.

#PacificNW
tap, tap, tap
open the window
wings fly swiftly away
tap, tap, tap
open the window
look in the eye of a northern flicker
get the ladder
put a metal plate over the hole
tap, tap, tap
open the window
persistent pretty bird
scrounge in the garage
find cedar peak shakes
assemble six sided hollow
add a roof
get the ladder
mount the hollow over the hole
rustling
wings flying back and forth
beaks carrying sticks
squeals, whistles, squiggles
no translation
sense the joy of life in the sounds

#GrowAllTheThings
i am thinking of planting some borage to enjoy the pretty blue flowers and to provide forage for bees. does anyone have experience growing it in the #PacificNW west of the Cascades?

Reporting in from my spot in the #PacificNW... Slush storm yesterday, the dandelions squeezed shut their beautiful yellow flowers and rode it out. Bright sun today, bright yellow flowers spread out to bask in it and sitting on taller stems. As I was basking in the sun and reading, bare feet and all, a bee alit on the top corner of my iPad. I looked the newcomer in the eyes with welcome and the bee peacefully posed. I said to the bee - you know there are bright flowers nearby. Off the bee flew.

There is a bit of sunshine in my spot of the #PacificNW today. The rapidly greening grass is being punctuated by a few brave bright yellow dandelion flowers. The stems are short and not reaching above the level of the grass. Prepared and keeping a low profile just in case there is more inclement weather to come.

Top of the day, CoSo. The sun is bright and clear today in my spot of the #PacificNW. I soaked up its rays on my south porch in appreciation while listening to the crows caw back and forth. Soon only one still perched in a tall douglas fir tree. I asked - are you enjoying the sun as much as I? - caw! - caw! was the answer. I said how pretty it was when I saw a crow in bright sunlight, feathers buffeted by a gust of wind, flash iridescent purple sparkles. - caw! - ca-caw! - caw! was the answer.

Top of the day, CoSo. Sun slightly filtered by clouds today in my spot of the #PacificNW. The rays of sun hitting my south porch were still plenty to warm me from the outside in while I partook of my meal. Every cell in my body sighed in relaxation, my eyes recalibrated for daytime, my mood more outgoing. Then I hit my limit and a bit too warm - time to leap up to meet my day, to create or fix or solve or think or explore an interesting path.

Top of the day, CoSo. Its back to rain in my spot of the #PacificNW. Rain pattering on the skylight, eaves dripping onto the metal porch roof outside my window, all very relaxing. A good day to look outside while I remain inside - dry and warm and cozy.

Top of the Day, CoSo. Its calm and a sunball is out today in my spot of the #PacificNW. I will be outside this afternoon soaking up sunshine, breathing fresh air and gathering the wind tossed douglas fir branches from my meadows after a breezy yesterday.

Top of the Day, CoSo. Its a wild and wooly day here in the #PacificNW - typical winter winds not seen much for the last several years. When it calms down I will be outside once again gathering tossed douglas fir limbs from the front and back meadows.