Monday, January 4, 2021

Happy New Year!


Happy New Year to all of my friends here.  Thank you all for the comments on my last post.  With the new year I am feeling a renewed hope for the future with the vaccine rolling out.  We need to continue being careful and willing to do what will make us safe.  


I have never been one to make resolutions.  Do you?  I do resolve to look at the positive that surrounds me.  There is much to be grateful for and I am so thankful.  



With winter now upon us, the birds stand so beautifully on the leafless trees.


We've had no accumulation of snow so far this winter.  I do love snow, but I don't have to shovel or deal with the problems it causes.  


I heard the call of the hawk before I got out of bed this morning.  Prime hunting seems to happen during these chilly days.


 We occasionally are lucky to have the pileated woodpecker come by for a visit.


As much as these rascals can cause problems, I think they are adorable.  Tell that to Grayden and he may disagree.



Grayden and I have continued to take our 3.5 mile walks each morning.  After eating a little breakfast, we lace up our walking shoes and bundle up for a walk outside.  I find it is good for my mental health and my body.  Do you find you feel better if you exercise?  


Slowly but surely our Christmas decor is being packed away.  Our tree is still up as well as all the candles in the windows.  Taking our time to put away our decorations is not like us, but this year we are taking our time.  There are many decorations that we didn't put up this year.  We have offered pieces to our children and those things they don't want we will be giving to Amvets. 

Even with the restrictions we are facing, our days are full.  Do take care of yourselves and stay well, my friends.




 


 

  


 




 


29 comments:

  1. How great to see that hawk and the woodpecker. Good for the two of you to stick to your walking plan. Happy New Year!

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    1. Thank you, Ellen. We love seeing a variety of birds in our backyard. Having a daily walk is good for our hearts and souls.

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  2. Whatever is going on, nature just carries on regardless. I think, despite the vaccine, that mask wearing and social distancing will be with us for the long haul now. Did you see all of the UK is in a Tier 5 lockdown again? Heigh ho! Very worried for people's mental health, as January is such a bleak month.
    On a cheerier note, I love your teapot. Your bird photos are superb.
    Happy New Year
    Deb in Wales xoxo

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    1. Deb, I was just reading about the UK's lockdown. I'm so sorry. With so much sickness around us we may be headed for more severe restrictions as well.
      I don't know what I'd do if we weren't able to take morning walks. Nature provides a balm for my soul. Our walks have changed drastically(to avoid people), but still it's good for us. Take care, my friend. xoxo

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  3. Hi, Martha Ellen! We love watching the birds that come to our feeder! The Christmas decor here is in that slow motion, too. I’m not quite ready to stow it all away. The time seemed to pass too quickly for proper enjoyment! Take care, be safe, and stay well! xoxo

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    1. Nellie, the Christmas season did pass so quickly. It's nice to hear we're not the only ones taking our time putting it all away. Continue to be careful, my friend. xoxo

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  4. Your bird photos are stunning. And I'm taking my time with decorations, too. I love them and I need the light! (I did take Santas down today, though.) But snowfolk will replace them.

    No resolutions for me! I have enough to do on my plate without adding to it!

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    1. Jeanie, we don't need anymore on our plates is right! Your snowfolk sound darling to replace the Santas. And oh yes, we need the light! Stay safe and well, my friend.

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  5. You are soooo lucky to have Cardinals there! I'm so jealous, I love them so much. I don't get why they haven't migrated to the West US. We are also pacing ourselves with taking down Christmas. It's so much less stressful!! Take care my friend.. it's a long wait for us regular souls to be able to get the vaccine. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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    1. Teresa, I think we are both blessed to have unique species of birds in our areas. It will be a while before we get the vaccine, but hopefully when we do our lives will have some normalcy again. Stay safe in the meantime.

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  6. Hello, my friend.
    Such a warm and comforting post today.
    I always enjoy your photos.
    And the inspiration you offer as well.
    Have a cozy afternoon!

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    1. Thank you, Billie Jo. It's lovely to have you visit today. Sending blessings to you and yours in the new year!

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  7. How is it that the days are so full, even with so many things that are not happening? It's a mystery to me! But I'm actually glad that they are full. I love to imagine you and Grayden lacing up your shoes and heading out in the cold for an invigorating walk and time in nature. Your photos are wonderful! I especially enjoyed the pileated woodpecker!

    Happy New Year to you and yours! Praying that it is filled with His presence!

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    1. Grayden and I so enjoy our daily walks. They actually are good for our bodies and our marriage. Many hard decisions have been solved as we take one step after another.
      Cheryl, I am so thankful for God's presence all around me!

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  8. It's so nice coming over to your blog while I take a break from cleaning and moving.

    And what a treat it was to see all the bird photos, especially that pretty Cardinal. I saw a bunch of birds in my front yard this morning, and it made me smile.

    I hope the new year is being kind to you, Martha Ellen. These are wonderful photos.

    ~Dheri

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    1. Thank you for stopping by during your busy time moving, Sheri. Isn't it wonderful when the birds make us smile? Nature is a healing balm like none other.

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  9. Delightful photos Martha Ellen. I love your teapot, and pretty Christmas decorations, birds and squirrel. We have also not put all our decorations out this year, have started the process of putting them away but the tree is staying up for another few days. Yes, I always feel better if I exercise and am glad you are enjoying yours. Thank you for this cheerful post, does bring me a lot of smiles. Happy weekend to you :)

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    1. Thank you, Denise for your kind comments. We have almost finished putting the decorations away now. I have a couple Christmas flags that I need to get Grayden to get out the ladder to change. I hope you are enjoying a nice weekend, friend.

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  10. Hello, lovely to see and read this post, I did enjoy seeing your photographs, and like you I think squirrels look so adorable :)

    Well done to you and Grayden for continuing your 3.5 mile walks each morning.
    Like you I find it is good for both mental health and bodily health.

    My good wishes to you for 2021.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you so much, Jan. Wishing you and yours a wonderful new year!

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  11. Lovely pictures of birds and squirrels. Wishing you a great year ahead!

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    1. I'm glad you like the photos. Thanks for visiting. Happy New Year!

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  12. Such a lovely post. I love watching the animals. Hopefully we shall get the vaccine soon. We are all ready for this Covid to be over and get back to normal living. Let’s hope this new year brings us happiness.

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    1. It will be grand when we get the vaccine, won't it, Linda? Sending you wishes for a healthy new year.

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  13. It's wonderful that you walk 3.5 miles every day, Martha. My husband and I usually try to walk at least two miles daily, but a lot is up and down hills so it is rigorous. I don't make resolutions any longer for the new year but I do try to promise myself to keep enjoying the gift of life as much as possible. I love seeing all the different birds that come to your feeders. I mainly see magpies here. My husband was able to get the covid vaccine here, as he is over 70, but I have to wait until 65 plus can get it. He had no reaction--felt great!

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    1. Pat, that is great your husband has been vaccinated. Our state seems to be running quite slow in getting the plan implemented. We are now in the group that can get the vaccine, but will have to wait until they are ready for us. I'm so glad you and your husband enjoy walking. It's served us well for all these years.

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  14. I love that little red birdhouse. I am keeping my red one on the mantle for a while. It's winter and I am hoping for snow. Woodpeckers have always amazed me along with owls, love those birds. I don't want the vaccine as yet, still thinking. Mom at 99 is eating and good as new with getting over the covid. She is not a worrier and never has been. Worry can make us sick too or make things worse. I think I take after her. I take my zinc and magnesium as always just as mom always has done along with a good amt of vitamin c. I wish I could get out walking more but the left knee looks like TKR. Hate the thought of that. Happy Week end to you, Betsy

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    1. It's really good to hear your mother is doing well! She sounds like a really strong, healthy woman indeed.
      We have always taken a lot of vitamins as well, Betsy. We try to eat well and exercise daily to keep healthy. We have registered to get the vaccine, but our area does not have enough vaccine.
      The birdhouse was given to me by our grandson. He knows how much I love nature and particularly birds! Thanks for stopping by.

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