Humans 3, Varmints 0

If you frequent this blog, you know I constantly have to thwart the attempts of various varmints to make a home where I don't want them.

It might be hornets.  We had a big nest under the porch roof last year.

I've had to put bird netting up to stop them from nesting under the porch roof.

The warm spring weather has let me get out and do some much-needed yard-work.  It has also signaled the starlings to be on the lookout for new nesting sites.  You need to pay attention.  Look to see if they are perched in unexpected areas.  Do you see them flying with grass or twigs?  Watch to see where they go.

I found three places I had to cover with metal flashing on the house and barn.  The starlings were trying to make new nests!

I won the battle today, but the war continues . . .

March 7, 2006

It was 6 years ago today that my brother Kevin passed away unexpectedly.

There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about him.

Early 1960s - Kevin is 2nd from left in the front row.

Early 1970s - Kevin is on the far left.

Late 1970s - Kevin is on the far right.

Mid 1980s - Kevin is in the middle.

Early 2000s - Kevin is on the right. 

Early 2000s - Kevin in the center of back row.

2005 - Kevin

We miss you Kevin!

Early Spring

It has been a very mild winter.  I haven't used the new snow blower, and I only plowed the driveway twice.  Even then, we only got a few inches of snow.

Last year we had a lot of snow . . .
 

. . . as we did two years ago!

This year there are just a few piles on snow by the barn.

I checked by the rock wall near the barn, and the daffodils are starting to push up.  They should be emerging in a few weeks.

I went cycling today, and heard the call of red wing blackbirds.  I was lucky to see one displaying. I also heard robins, though I haven't seen any yet.

I am sure we will get more snow - maybe even a significant storm.  But you know spring has arrived when the red wing blackbirds appear!