I got a late start yesterday and decided to stay at home and clean up the fallen branches in the yard, vacuum, clean bathrooms – that kind of thing. As I was about to open the kitchen door, I saw a chipmunk. That’s my first sighting this year. I figured I’d wait until he ran off and then I’d make my exit. But no, he ran to an old railroad tie that is part of the raised bed right outside our kitchen door. And he stayed there.
Facing out, as all smart animals do, he checked out the yard. I’ve seen chipmunks sit on a stone near the garden for an hour or so. That’s what this guy did. I love my chippies, so I was very happy to see this guy.
I took off my coat, ran for the camera, and took some pictures through the window of the kitchen door. Then I googled ‘chipmunks and hibernation’ and sure enough, they hibernate for the winter. But it isn’t a deep, deep sleep like that of a bear. It’s lighter and they will wake up to eat and occasionally come out of the entrance to their den to get some food.
This sighting seemed early to me – especially for the Hudson Valley. Maybe he’s officially emerged from hibernation and is ready to face the spring. Or maybe this was a temporary emergence.
I stood still and watched him breathe, his sides expanding with each breath. So sweet.
Eventually, after I ran upstairs to google about hibernation, he took off.
I so look forward to watching bunnies and birds and chipmunks and bees and butterflies. But in the meantime, we might get another nor’easter on Wednesday.
Please, NO.
Can you tell I’ve officially entered my “I’m sick of winter phase?” I have.
I may watch a little of the Oscars and I may not. I have a feeling that Three Billboards is going to rack up some awards and I didn’t like the movie. And, though I am a huge fan of Frances McDormand, this role is something she can do in her sleep. Just my opinion, of course. I know there are many who do not agree with me. It’s an ‘avenger’ kind of role but the script did not help her. Hey, maybe she should win simply for making some of the bad, clunky dialogue work! I didn’t think of that way!
Don has a day off today. Everyone in the show is exhausted from their crazy week, so I hope he just takes it easy. Friday night’s audience, in the middle of the nor’easter, was packed. New Yorkers and Parrotheads are not phased by inclement weather!
Happy Sunday.
Oh, I know what you mean about being overjoyed to see signs of spring. When I opened the garage door to go to work Friday morning, I heard several robins. In SE Wisconsin we’ve had a pretty mild winter, but it was still nice to know they’ve made their way back. I drove the inter-state to downtown a little more light-hearted because of those robin chirps.
I haven’t seen a robin yet. They take a little while longer to arrive in this neck of the woods. But I am hearing my mourning doves coo and that makes me happy!
Ah yes…the signs of spring. I haven’t seen a chipmunk yet…I usually hear them first…they are quite loud for being so little. I am happy to report that our cranes are back! I saw them doing what I think was a mating ritual. And I’ve heard them too…they are quite loud. When they fly over, they cast a huge shadow…and they remind me of pterodactyls…had I lived during the dinosaur period. I think there are more of them this year…you can hear them all over the marsh.
Unfortunately, snow tomorrow….maybe they came back too early? I am sick of winter, too…and all of our snow has melted. (I really don’t want anymore.). Enjoy your day! ;)
Snow for us on Wednesday. At this point it’s just a question of how much! I’m tired of it. When March arrives, I want it to be spring, even though I know it’s far from spring yet!
“packed” during a Nor’easter has GOT to be a great sign of a hit!
that little chipmunk darling is so adorable. and he looks healthy enough.
I hope he’s not super surprised by a bitter drop in temp.
aren’t signs of spring wonderful! xo
I hope he’s not either. He may go back to his snug and warm den!
I’ve been seeing the birds more and hearing them sing. Saw some deer the other night and a young one and Annie had a little stare off. I’m ready for more blooms but I’m way ahead of you in warmer weather so no complaints here. Made it to church for the first time in two months! Yay! Felt good for sure. Scout wore one of her new dresses I got her. I love that girl, I meant to take a photo but forgot. Home and enjoying another cup of coffee before lunch. Hugs!
I’ve been hearing the birds more lately, especially the mourning doves. Deer are always around here, no matter the season! That little Scout is adorable!
We’re in between rain storms. Hope the nor’Easter won’t be as bad as expected. You guys are just being pounded. My friend in Cornwall emailed me and said the snow in her area is unprecedented. Most communities, including her large town, don’t have snow removal equipment, so traffic literally ground to a halt.
Driving over to see my college girl today to bring her some things she asked for, hitting the farmers market near her school (it’s a terrific one, with my favorite farm family running one stand…an Asian family that grows lots of different Asian vegetables), and then going out to lunch.
Hummers are returning to my yard, as the albutilon and salvias are blooming. When my landscape architect friend planned my garden, she made sure I have blooms nine months out of the year and most are hummingbird and butterfly friendly. And the squirrel that lives in the trees behind my back fence is making an occasional appearance. My kitties are happy with watching the outside wildlife show.
I can’t wait until I can watch the birds and they’re taking baths in the birdbath. That will be a while, though I do see them stop for a drink now and then and I saw a wee little bird taking a bath in a puddle on the driveway the other day!
hope you and don can *both* take it easy today!
love squinnies (chipmunks) … so sweet. glad you had a nice visit from one. have seen a few robins here over the past week and i hope that means an earlier spring. i, too, am tired of the cold weather, ice, etc. (and we’ve had a mild winter). hope you don’t get a bad storm coming up.
happy sunday.
kathy in iowa
I hope so too. The weather forecast for the next couple of weeks doesn’t look promising.
We have had a lovely weekend for early March with the sunshine being the primary star. More snow tomorrow into Tues. The only “good thing” about it is that we know it won’t last at this time of year. But just seeing it come down from the sky can be disheartening when the ground is finally bare of those dirty white piles.
Hope you had a lovely day. Not sure if we will watch tonight, either. I have been cleaning all day and got all of my snow-peeps packed up and put away. That is my declaration that winter is done. Sadly it seems that the weather-peeps continue to have different ideas. This too, shall pass, but not soon enough. I do hope it by-passes you again in a few days!! I believe that we are all over this winter and ready for some bees and butterflies.
Very little sunshine here this weekend though it did pop out at the end of the day today. I’m over snow, but it clearly isn’t over us!
Ya know, it’s even pretty chilly down here, too! I made a big pot of soup last night and it was a perfect dinner for our “tropical” weather. Love your little stripey fur ball of a chipmunk. Our squirrels are cute, but much too fast for photos.
Chipmunks tend to stop and stay in one place for a while – when they’re not busy looking for food!
I hope you don’t get more snow. I’m over winter, too. Thank heavens my daffodils made it through being crushed by our last snow and they’re all perked up and I have a bouquet on my dining table. We saw a promotional segment about Don’s show on the TV news.. I hope it’s a huge hit. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
So do we, Teresa! xo
Chipmunks are the cutest … but boy can they do some extensive structural damage burrowing under sidewalks and patios. Lolo dog loves to look for them on the front porch as she sits on her little stool by the front window.
So ready for spring. Baseball season has started … so that in itself has guaranteed us some cold & windy “wintery” weather still ahead as we sit out on the bleachers! Ha!
And we’re getting lots of snow in two days!
Yuck!
He is a cute little critter. I love the stripes they wear! We had a few at our last home, but not at this one…. instead we have gray squirrels and LOTS of cardinals.
I am also soooo over winter. We didn’t have much snow this year, but the temperatures have seemed to be much colder this year. Maybe it’s just that my bones don’t like or can’t deal with as much cold anymore…. whatever the reason, I am really looking forward to spring and the greening of the trees and lots of pink blossoms on all of our bushes. It can’t come soon enough.
I feel the same way, Diane!
Glad you came thru the storm OK, altho you’ve had to weather (no pun intended) some bitter winters while Don’s been away the past few years. You are a tough cookie!! Seeing the chipmunk is delightful! They are such fast, cute little guys with their tails up straight like teensy rudders. I loved your closeup of him. Could almost feel his thick winter coat.
I just read your post from the other day with the wonderful mug that Don had made for you. I’ve seen that move a few times and I don’t know why it isn’t one of the annual Christmas movies. It belongs in the rotation! The b&w filming is beautiful and rich and the characters are charming. You’ve probably read that Jimmy and Margaret had a torrid affair for a number of years. I think in this move you can see the attraction spark between them. Thanks for reminding me of it! It’s a beautiful mug!
Oh yes. I know all about Jimmy and Margaret. And Henry Fonda was married to her for two or three years – so the three of them had an interesting relationship!