Picture three and four would have been much better if I had a tripod!!  They were “night scene” (without a flash) so required a steady hand.  Obviously, I don’t have a steady hand!!  Furthermore, I went outside in my pajamas without a coat!!  Burr-r-r!!

When I lived in Shelby, North Carolina (approximately sixty miles from my current home), we had a significant snow storm.  I rarely go camping now (and I miss it).  My backyard projects–and my birds and squirrels–require a lot of attention.

Are you aware of the statistics regarding rural hunger?  The numbers are alarming.  ~~  Counting my blessings!!

Man with no arms [or] legs original story.  Nick Vujicic, no arms, no legs, no worries!  ~~  Counting my blessings!!  Truly, I am so very fortunate to have ample food, comfortable apartment, and reasonably abundant health.

I’m adding my voice: Support Hobby Lobby!!

Hobby Lobby finds loophole in Obamacare mandate.

Watch This Dancing Dog–You’ll Be Amazed !!

It is another cold, cloudy, rainy day.  I was very briefly in my backyard to fill the squirrel feeders, and add mealworms to the Bluebird feeder.  ~~  I’ve spent the better part of the day on the computer.  ~~  I really enjoyed this video.  Please watch.  (Wouldn’t it be nice if I could train the squirrels to stay off the bird feeders?)

Freezing temperature predicted for tonight.  I’ll need to cover some plants (in large planters), and the Honeysuckle, and bring numerous others indoors.

You must agree with me that I have a “droll” sense of humor.  This is so-o-o-o cute!!  And if you visit this website you’ll read about, and view, details about the specific feeder.

Oops, my mistake, it is a Twirl-a-Squirrel.  Quite honestly, I’m content with my Squirrel Buster.

Another squirrel video (1) and another squirrel video (2) from my friend, Deb, who faithfully follows my blogs.

I wish I’d thought of this squirrel obstacle course.  My creative projects are lame compared to this.  ~~  Imagine my surprise, this morning, when I found a squirrel inside the feeder.  Was s/he enjoying an early breakfast or was this a shelter from the weather?

I have a small flip chart with a brief message for each day of the year.  It is The Grace of Encouragement, Daily thoughts to encourage and uplift you!, by Charles R. Swindoll.  For January 15th, from his book Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, pp.378-379:

Why do we need a refuge?  Because we are in distress and sorrow accompanies us.  Because we are sinful and guilt accuses us. Because we are surrounded by adversaries and misunderstanding assaults us.  

The scripture reference: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Psalm 46:1 KJV.

(My backyard is my refuge.)

Dawn of a new day–and a new week!!

What a difference a few hours make?!

The BIG story on TV news is the unseasonable weather all over the nation.  Warm in the East, cold in the Southwest, etc.  In North Carolina, the temperature is dropping and the weatherman predicts one-and-one-half inches of rain within the next forty-eight hours.  Rain is expected during the entire week.  It’s a fact: We won’t see 70 degrees again for quite a while!!  ~~  I’m forced to return to indoor projects like “downsizing.”  But, in my humble opinion, my backyard is attractive and a joy for this old lady!!