Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / Archives for birds

Peepers, Birds, Books, and Stickers

March 18, 2022 at 9:10 am by Claudia

Out the window: brown grass and no leaves on the trees – but the birds are singing and we heard the peepers for the first time last night! That means – no matter what the date is on the calendar – that SPRING is here! I was sitting in the den last night and thought I heard a peep, so Don and I went up the stairs to the window, opened it wide, and we heard one peep followed by a chorus of peeps. I cannot tell you how happy this makes us. We responded with a hearty “Welcome!” I have yet to hear the bullfrog. I hope he’s still there.

I read a lot yesterday: Orfeo  by Richard Powers. His writing is beautiful, his intellect unmatched. It’s been a bit of a slow go, only because there’s so much to take in, and Powers’ build to the climax is always slow and steady. I refuse to be a speed reader because, to me, the beauty is in digging in and savoring every word. I should finish it today.

I don’t know if you’re into stickers. As a rule, I’m not. But, I saw this book of stickers on Amazon and was attracted to the subject matter; vintage and bibliophilia. I think it was about $20. I love the illustrations and the book is truly jam-packed with vintage beauty. I use a planner religiously, as you know, so I sometimes add a sticker to that day’s page.

Don’t get too excited by the Country Living feature coming up. They only used two of my egg cups and frankly, they’re fairly mundane. No enchanting figurals at all – just a jadite egg cup and a small Delft egg cup from Holland. I’m happy, though, that they’re using the Delft, as it was a present from my mother and it’s precious to me. But that’s the world of art direction and stylists. Clearly, they had a certain look in mind.

Still, it’s flattering to have even two of my cups featured!

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

Filed Under: birds, books, spring 16 Comments

Two-Two-Two-Two

February 22, 2022 at 9:35 am by Claudia

Finished.

I started a new one, but didn’t get very far! The border is all in the same pattern and it’s hard to figure out what piece goes where. It’s a handful.

This morning, I heard several different birds singing in the vicinity of the porch. It’s so heartening to hear birdsong at this point in the winter. I heard the Carolina Wren singing before I opened the blinds and I couldn’t find it anywhere on the porch. Later, I heard it again and I peeked through the blinds that face the big maple tree and there were two Carolina Wrens going in the the trailer/nest! Whoo hoo! They’re definitely checking out available real estate. I ran to tell Don and then I looked out at the trailer from the living room, but they’d disappeared.

I wonder if they’re completely different birds than the couple who inhabited the nest last year? Or are they the same mom and pop?

Even though it’s winter, they clearly know something is about to change.

That being said, we’re due for 5 – 8 inches of snow on Friday and I can’t tell you how depressed that makes me. My only comfort is that it will melt during the following week. But it will take a while and right now we have no snow on the ground. Dang it!

Don has started a YouTube channel where he does what he calls his ‘Car Concerts.’ So far he’s posted five songs and I think he’ll post another five today. He used to post them on Facebook, but he likes this idea better. If you’re interested in hearing my talented husband sing some of his songs, you can find him here. (He likes the acoustics of the car.)

Stay safe.

Happy Tuesday.

Filed Under: birds, jigsaw puzzles 22 Comments

Sunday Snowfall

February 13, 2022 at 10:20 am by Claudia

I’m a little late posting this morning because Don suddenly decided to cook a big breakfast – an omelet and pancakes. (He cooked the same breakfast  yesterday.) Tomorrow, I insist on going back to my normal oatmeal. I love pancakes but I always feel drowsy after consuming them.

He also make a sugar-free apple pie yesterday. I know you’ve asked for the recipe, but he has yet to give it to me. I’ll keep reminding him.

We woke up to snow this morning and I was shocked. Much of it had melted over the past week. At first, I was disappointed, but I soon realized it was a lovely snowfall, gentle and beautiful. And only about an inch fell, so it’s no big deal. We saw a cardinal and several little birds flying around, as well as a squirrel.

While I was sitting in my chair, I heard – loud and clear – the call of a Carolina Wren. Sure enough, he/she was on the porch railing, singing away. Eventually, he flew up to the upper part of the porch where we had to close off the niche openings several years ago. He poked at one of the boards, as if he was looking for a place for a nest. I was telling him to look at the trailer that was used by the wrens last year! See above photo.

Hearing that call made me very happy.

I just tried to upload a little video of his voice, but I couldn’t do it. I’m not sure why…

We have to run to the store this morning – just a quick stop – and then we’ll be doing our respective ‘things’ the rest of the day.

Time to play with my dolls, I think.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

 

Filed Under: birds, snow 10 Comments

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Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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