late autumn feast - haiku

starlings on branches

laden with ripe yew berries,

a late autumn feast 

White Christmas

 

Another snow storm coats the landscape in winter white. Yews bow with its weight after their berries were plucked clean by European Starlings. Mourning Doves visit the feeder during the storm once they woke from nesting in the cedar hedge. They have become the earliest of visitors taking flight when I fill the feeders. They know my footsteps.

The family of squirrels return mid morning to feast. The usual suspects of four blacks and two greys scramble for the piles of sunflower seeds I spread out, wishfully thinking there is no squabbling. That doesn’t mean they eat in peace for they do argue among themselves. I spread an extra Christmas treat of peanuts that were devoured in an hour.

When the squirrels are full and move onto another garden the songbirds fly in. Junco’s, Chickadees, and Cardinals alight soaring in, choosing a seed then fly into the tree’s to eat. They are silent and I miss their songs.

As night appears the bunnies hop in searching for leftover seed. Carrots are left below the bird feeder and am happy they have disappeared by morning. Their paw prints continue through the garden and onto the veranda where I am sure they shelter under during the winter. The front drive is scattered with paw prints every morning. O they know where a good meal may be found.

Tomorrow there will be a clean up before Christmas Day’s feast with family. Parka, scarves, two snow pants and sweaters, and heaven forbid socks in the snow boots will be donned. Merry Merry to all. There will be a white Christmas after all. 

ripples - haibun

 

ripples over Ponds

surface, meteors shock waves

during pass over

It was end of the day as I stood on the patio searching for fire-flies.

I heard a soft boom, if a boom may be considered soft, and looked up. 

Soaring over was a brilliant light of orange travelling horizontally above the tree line.

I smiled not having seen one in years. 

Note to self: 

always keep my eyes

looking upward during twilight.

Summer Solstice

The day began with tea in hand and wandering into the coolness of the garden at 5 am. Light was soft with a pleasant quietness. How I adore these mornings when all is still. I plan transplants and what is working for my eye. Japanese Ferns do not thrive in brilliant sun so it needs to be moved. The Double Mock Orange requires a bit more shade so add that to my list.

It is the perfect time for a gardener, a painter with plants, and yes a dreamer.

All of which I am.   

tsking - haiku

 

days end, dusk descends

Cardinals tsk tsk tsking,

song from the garden

acacia's honey - haiku

 

bumbles settle down

in shrubs with bellies full of

acacia’s honey

Night Visitor

 

Wednesday morn past I woke to squawking birds at the feeder. This wasn’t normal at 5 am so after dressing I ran to open the patio door thinking it was one of the bloody neighbourhood cats. I stood staring uttering “O Hell no!” and ran out flaying arms and shouting. Well, quietly shooshing as it was early and didn’t want to disturb my neighbours.

Sitting on the feeder platform was the largest raccoon I have ever seen. It stood and glared at me and I glared right back. Slowly it turned and latched onto the tree beside the feeder. I don’t know which one of us was more stunned.

Slowly it crawled its way up to a crook in the tree where it spent hours in the sun on one of the hottest days so far. I did feel for it. Really, just look at that cute face staring down for hours. Doncha feel an awwwww.

It disappeared before noon and though I searched I didn’t find its hidey hole.

Until...while night rose one more look out I found it backing down to the feeder. I was ready for it. The Ultra Super Soaker was locked and loaded. My aim is rather good and after delivering a soaking of water it disappeared into the darkness not to be seen again, at least for now.

Note that the feeder and patio is swept clean every evening and fingers crossed this night visitor will return to the park along the river.

natures fragrance - haiku

 

black locust in bloom,

air is intoxicating

with scent of honey

Thrum of Spring

 

This week I walked my garden taking stock of plants showing life, or not. My eyes looked down and was surprised to see clumps of Crocus in full bloom. Royal purple, buttercup yellow and white greeted me. Though I am unsure where the white ones came from as it is the last “colour” I want to see after months of snow.

My ears perked up to the thrum surrounding my feet. Honeybees! They had woke from winter slumber and were sipping nectar of the Crocus. My heart jumped at this omen. Truly a good omen. I walked around the garden and everywhere there were blooms not just from Crocus but Scillia as well. The tiny blue flowers that are harbingers of Spring were filled with Honeybees. O happy days!

If one looks closely you will find Honeybees sipping from the royal purples. The perfect beginning to Spring in my garden.

red - haiku

a dreary day ends,

cloud filled sky weeps cold drizzle

Cardinals red winks

robin of red breast - haiku

robin of red breast

greets new day with joyous song,

slowly spring arrives

Burrowed

 

Burrowed in worn quilts

as another blizzard

covers the land

in its own natural form

of protection and warmth

seed away - haiku

 

finches and grosbeaks

flock to the feeder before

snow blows seed away

watcher

 

3:30 a.m. the watcher stares

out into the neighbourhood.

It is silent, and dark until

a figure appears plodding

along the street.

Another like the watcher

who can’t sleep this night,

walks alone in its own world.

One night the watcher

will join the figure offering a cuppa...

winds - haiku

 

winds roaring through fields

and forests, stripping limbs off

old growth trees, world aches

River Runs...

 

Ice formed on the river, shore to shore.

Cross country ski tracks appeared for a day.

I shook my head knowing the current

and deaths over the years from ignorance;

and wondered why anyone would dare fate.

One day later, the ice had melted.

Must have been a newbie to town.

sparkling - haiku

 

sky fills with snowflakes

falling languidly to earth,

sparkling coverlet