What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Friday, January 28, 2022

Friday Foto Friends-Bluebirds and other Delights!

Happy Friday! Does it seem possible that we are almost at the end of January already? This month has certainly flown by...but it's not over yet. This weekend promises to bring us more really cold winter weather, down in the very low 20's each morning...so I bet that's why this Bluebird has had his eye on this birdhouse the past few days...


Caught him in mid-flight here...but he was very busily flitting around this house and back and forth up into the tree...there were other bluebirds about as well, so perhaps the competition is stiff to claim the birdhouse before the frigid temperatures come rolling in...


He looks it over this way and that...


Checking all the corners and floor and roof and every part...


But I never saw him actually go inside. He did look in the "window" a few times, but he's still not sure.
I'll keep watching and let you know what develops.  I wonder if this is the same Bluebird who was here last year? I wish there was some way to tell, but I don't think I'm quite up to putting a band on his little leg.  No matter...we will enjoy watching them whoever they are! I'm not particular! As long as they pay the rent and keep the place tidy...that's all that matters! LOL.


And as long as they can stay away from this fella.  Mr. Red Shouldered Hawk had found something tasty to eat way over on the other side of the pond. Sorry this isn't clearer, but he was a LONG way away, and of course as soon as I spotted him, he flew away.  But these predators are always on the lookout for things like unattended bird nests and rodents and lizards and whatever they can snatch up in their sharp talons and have for dinner. Even though I enjoy watching them, I don't want them to find any baby birds!!

So let's move back inside, shall we? 
If you've been following the development of my Amaryllis plant since Christmas, you will remember that it already had one batch of blossoms early on.  Then it sent up this very tall 20" high stalk, and soon two new buds appeared...this is how it looked the day before yesterday: 



And THIS is how it looks this morning:


Both blossoms are fully open!


It has been so much fun to watch this flower grow and bloom. I highly recommend that you purchase an Amaryllis bulb kit for yourself each year. They usually are available before Christmas at places like Lowes, Home Depot or Walmar, in the garden center.  They aren't very expensive...and they are so much fun to watch develop right inside your home during the winter. Then, if you wish you can plant the bulb outside and it will bloom again possibly this summer or at least again next spring. Of course in some climates it is best to leave the bulbs in a pot so you can bring it back inside in the winter. 

Such a bright and beautiful delight on these cloudy, dreary winter days!

Now, someone here in blogland mentioned Gingerbread recently, Nana Diana Takes a Break, to be exact...and that set my mouth a watering for some warm gingerbread with whipped cream on top.
So I made some last night. Forgot to take a picture with the whipped cream, so you'll have to use your imagination...but it was every bit as delightful as I remembered the way my Mama used to make it. (click that link for the recipe). 


I've been having a hankering for some fresh grapefruit. I remember the days when we could go out and pick our own grapefruit (and navel oranges) off the trees in my father's yard, and oh! how I've missed that wonderful juicy treat! Well, yesterday afternoon I got a phone call from one of our church friends, asking me if I'd been out on my front porch lately. I thought that was a strange question, since she knows we are staying indoors most of the time due to this "bug" we've been fighting and also because it has just been downright cold and windy and not all that pleasant outside lately. Well, anyway, she said I should look on the porch, and so I did, and there to my wondering eyes was a bag full of beautiful fresh grapefruit!! How did she know I'd been wanting some?  God must have whispered in her (husband's) ear...I say her husband because he's actually the one who picked the fruit off their tree and brought it to us. She said she was just the "messenger".  They have also been fighting this "bug" this past week,  as are about half the people in our church...so we've all been staying away from each other and trying to get well before we get together again.  But isn't that amazing how God provided this grapefruit for us to enjoy...and also to help heal us from this bug!?  God is so good.


So what else have we been doing while staying indoors?  Well, another one of our blogging friends recently mentioned (Your Friend from Florida, Terri!) that she liked to watch a show on TV called Escape to the Chateau, which is series of documentaries about this young English couple who buy a very old French Chateau, and are renovating it while supporting themselves by having it serve as a wedding venue...while also raising their two very sweet little children...anyway, I thought I'd check it out, and got hooked on it...and even hubby enjoys watching it with me! So that is a win-win! That should last us for a little while, and when we run out of that show, something else will come up.  I think the Murdoch Mysteries new season is starting up again later in February... 

So I guess that's all for today, folks!  I hope you've enjoyed seeing the things that have brought us some delight this past week in particular!  We are very thankful to be feeling better, but still have some residual sinus/cough issues so we are staying mostly at home except to make quick store runs. We are truly thankful for God's grace and healing power.

Okay, time to get moving. Have a blessed and wonderful Friday and weekend!

 

33 comments:

  1. Gorgeous red flowers!

    It's really amazing how the bluebird knows to seek shelter.

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    1. Thank you, Sandi. Yes, you are right...it is amazing how the bluebird knows how to seek shelter...and seems to know right where to come! God gave them such good instincts. I am looking forward to watching them again this spring. Take care and stay warm and cozy this weekend. Are you in the region that is expecting some bad winter weather? praying for you.

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  2. What delight to see the bluebird paying a visit! They are so beautiful and fun to watch. I hope he or she decides to stay! Sorry that you are under the weather and hope you feel better soon! I saw that gingerbread Diana posted and it did look soo good! And how sweet of your friends to give you some fresh grapefruit, yum!!!Have a blessed weekend!

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    1. Thank you, Marilyn. Yes, the bluebirds are such fun to watch. I do hope they will decide to take up residence again this spring and summer. We enjoyed them so much last year. We are feeling better...just trying to take it easy for a little while longer until our cold weather passes by after this weekend. I know it would be nothing here compared to your winter, but for us it will be quite cool and we are not taking any chances. The grapefruit came just in time! Blessings to you and yours. I love your photos so much.

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  3. I love our Bluebirds too. They are so pretty. And so are your flowers! I am looking forward to Spring this year but first we must trudge through all this cold weather.
    Blessings. xx

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    1. Aren't bluebirds just the sweetest little birds? I love to watch them and am so thankful to have a front row seat here. I enjoy the Cardinals too, but we don't have quite as many here as we did at our last house. The squirrels keep eating all the best seeds before the cardinals can get to it. Yes, we are looking forward to spring too...hopefully this weekend will be the last of our really cold weather. Take care and stay warm and cozy. xoxoxo

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  4. Love seeing your bluebird again; imagining the hierarchy which exists. Oh, that hawk makes me nervous! We've a friend back in Arizona whose 70# Golden Retriever was attacked by an owl last week! (The vet says Gracie will recover.)
    I downloaded something on the care and keeping of the Amaryllis, and will definitely be adopted one or two of my own next Fall!
    Your neighbor's gesture is so sweet! My mother used to enjoy fresh grapefruit from her tree and would freeze several ice cube trays-full to use in her water glass in the hot summer months. That's one of the fruits I actually enjoy, but don't get it because Tom will want some and he's not supposed to eat it. Enjoy!

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    1. I'm really not supposed to eat it either, because of the statin medicine I take, but I've heard that if I don't eat them at the same time, I should be okay, just not to overdo it. So I take my medicine at night, and eat the grapefruit in the morning. I don't think it will kill me and it tastes so good. Yikes, I'm surprised an owl would attack that big of a dog...but it makes me wonder if he was too close to a nest or something...I don't know. Owls can be quite aggressive. Glad the doggie will be okay.

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  5. When one has a craving for something having it satisfied is the best thing. How do you take your grapefruit? I take mine with maple syrup...yum! Hope that you and your family and your church family are all doing better and will be soon out and about enjoying warmer days.

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    1. Hi Vee, I guess you are in for some bad weather this weekend! I was just watching the weather and it looks like coastal Maine, etc., will have a LOT of snow. Praying you will be snug and warm in your home and that you have all you need to keep you safe. I like my grapefruit with a little sugar. Never tried maple syrup on it. I've had it broiled with some brown sugar before, which was good, but I prefer it cold with just plain sugar. We will have very low 20's this weekend, but nothing compared to what you all will be having, so I won't complain too loudly. Thanks for writing. TAke care my friend.

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  6. Murdoch has a new season!?! I have not seen one of those shows in too long. We used to love them and not sure how we got out of them but, my goodness, are we in need of something enjoyable to watch. And thanks for sharing those photos of the birds. I love watching the birds - am I old? And I never see a bluebird around here. So pretty!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead!

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    1. Yes, Murdoch should have season 15 starting the end of Feb. in the US. It can be seen in Canada now, but we can't get it. I am not sure what network, I think Ovation. No, you are not old. Watching birds is ageless. They are God's beautiful creation, meant to be enjoyed by us!! I hope you have a joyful weekend too! I hope wherever you are you are safe and warm.

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  7. Love the Bluebird. That Hawk is interesting too! Been loving your photos of the Amaryllis. The gingerbread looks great. I will check the link out. The was pretty sweet getting the grapefruits. I believe we watched a few of those Escape to the Chateau. Very interesting to watch. Have a nice weekend.

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    1. Thank you! We are doing fine...bracing for a cold weekend. Yes, the grapefruit was a real treat...hopefully it will help us get well. The gingerbread should help too. LOL. Have a blessed weekend.

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  8. What a treat the grapefruit is, not to mention the blooming amiryllis! I haven't had gingerbread in so long, your photo really had me craving some, Pam, but I certainly don't have the energy right now to concoct any of the homemade variety. Maybe, I can get Danny to order some ginger snap cookies the next time we do an Instacart order.
    Stay warm in that cold blast of arctic air headed your way!
    Blessings!

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    1. Will it be cold up your way too this weekend? Looks like everyone is going to get a wintry blast on the eastern coast. I wish I lived closer, I would make you some gingerbread. The soft molasses cookies would be a good alternative, although I like ginger snaps, but they are just so hard to eat! Hope you are feeling better each new day, but don't overdo it! Just take it one day at a time.

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  9. Pam: You must have a green thumb. The amaryllis is beautiful. I didn't know they could bloom more than once. Having extra cold temps up here and overnight snows. I am ready for spring, it is just around the corner. :)

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    1. No, my sister Doris has the green thumb. Trust me, if anything grows for me, it is only by the grace of God. I mostly neglect my plants and if they survive, it is a miracle. I hope you stay indoors and stay safe and warm. Yes, spring isn't that far off. Think positive! Take care my friend.

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  10. The Bluebird is so beautiful and I love their gentle song as well. What a blessing to be able to watch them on your yard! Fresh grapefruit, Yummy!

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    1. I wish I could send you some fresh grapefruit! It really is a treat, even here in Florida. It isn't that easy to come by anymore as so many citrus growers have gone out of the business and the groves have all been plowed under and new homes built instead. Sad, if you ask me. Yes, we are blessed to be able to enjoy the bluebirds, and I do love to hear them singing in the trees. They really are beautiful. I've been enjoying your photos of the snow, etc. You have some great photo ops there in winter for sure!! Stay warm and safe!!

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  11. I actually made NanaDiana's gingerbread this week and it was good. I shared it at work and it was gone! I am ready to hunker down this weekend and just stay in out of the cold! I do love pink/red grapefruit but buy it in a jar at the store rather than cut them and section them myself. Stay warm and have a good weekend! xo

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    1. I love warm gingerbread with whipped cream. I remember my mother making it on a cold night and it would warm us up! I hope you are having a good time with your boss and wife tonight? Or did I misunderstand that? Anyway, yes, this weekend is a good excuse to stay inside and stay warm. Take care and relax and enjoy your weekend. Seems like you've been out a lot already! But that is good for you. (((hugs)))

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  12. Pam, I enjoyed your beautiful photos of the bluebird and the Amaryllis plant. It's wonderful to hear that you're on the upswing health-wise. Oh...fresh grapefruit must be amazing. It has been awhile since I've had grapefruit. Living where I live, fresh grapefruit really isn't a possibility.

    Stay warm and safe as the cold arrives in your area. (I'm getting a couple days of "warmth" before more cold arrives.)

    Love and blessings!

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    1. Yes, we are feeling better and so very thankful. Still taking it easy for a few more days until we feel totally well. No sense in getting out in frigid weather when we already have some "issues". And yes, the grapefruit is a real blessing. I wish I could share some with you. I hope you are able to stay warm and cozy in your home when the cold blast comes your way again. Please do take care, and God bless you.

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  13. The bluebird and the amaryllis blooming were lovely to see Pamela as we are under a winter storm watch this weekend. The forecasts keep changing, so we will wait and see how much we do get. We have no plans to go anywhere other than to stay inside and watch the snowflakes fall. Thanks for the heads up about the Murdoch Mysteries as it's one of our favorite shows. That was a nice surprise you found on your doorstep.

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    1. I hope you will be safe and warm and cozy in your home this weekend. That winter storm looks pretty vicious! We are supposed to be quite cool here too, like low 20's, but no snow in our forecast. Oh, do you like Murdoch Mysteries too? Yes, they are supposed to start the next season in late Feb. here in the states. We are looking forward to it. And yes, the grapefruit are great. Very thankful for good friends who like to share with us! God is good. Have a peaceful and hopefully warm weekend.

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  14. Absolutely beautiful pictures of that bluebird. I think they are just such pretty birds. And the amaryllis is gorgeous!
    Glad you made the gingerbread and enjoyed it. I think it is a good recipe because it is rich and moist. Some gingerbread can be pretty dry. Thanks for the mention!
    Have a wonderful weekend. xo Diana

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    1. Thank you! We are enjoying watching the bluebirds and hope they will stick around and take up housekeeping again like they did last spring/summer. It seems as though they are a bit early, but at least they are checking out the real estate. Thank you for the gingerbread idea! We have been enjoying it on these chilly nights. I like it when it is warm best of all. I hope you have a happy and cozy weekend. Blessings xoxoxo

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  15. Hi Pamela, I'm glad to hear you and your hubby are doing better and taking things slowly. What a beautiful blue bird you've captured and the amaryllis is stunning. Having an amaryllis at this time of year seems to be a 'thing' in many parts of the USA as I've seen it mentioned on numerous blogs. I don't think we have that tradition here. At least I've never known anyone that has an amaryllis though long ago in late March or April people used to buy an Easter Lily in anticipation of Easter. Sadly that tradition seems to have gone the way of the Dodo bird. Every now and then I crave grapefruits too. I hardly ever buy any and they certainly don't grow here. It was so nice of your friends to treat you to an entire bag! I do buy a lot of oranges as those too are a nice refreshing treat. Take care. xx

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    1. Thank you, Penny. It is so good to hear from you. Yes, we are doing better but still taking it easy. We still were not quite ready to go back to church today, and I really missed it, but felt it was better to err on the side of caution for today. The amaryllis comes in a "kit" usually before Christmas...you can buy a bulb in a gift box that comes with the pot and the soil ready to rehydrate and put it all together and watch it grow. We've really enjoyed this one, and it is a tradition to buy one every year at Christmas. My father used to buy them for each of the ladies in the family at Christmas, and I have kept that tradition for our family. You can buy them in places like Lowes and Home Depot and Walmart, in the garden section. (Do you have those stores there?) I usually do buy an Easter Lily at Easter too. Quite often churches will have people place lilies in the church for Easter, and then they can take them home with them. Yes, I am enjoying the fresh grapefruit. It is a treat that is getting harder to find, even here in Florida. I hope you are having a pleasant winter so far. Please take care and God bless.

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  16. Grinning...thanks Pamela. Have a beautiful Sunday my friend.

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    1. So good to hear from you...I've been about to call out the National Guard 'cause I haven't seen much of you lately, but I bet you've been working hard. Hope you are finally having a day off? We are having winter today in honor of you. Hopefully by the time you get here, it will be 'gone with the wind'. Hope you are safe and warm and cozy. Blessings to you my friend.

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    2. Loving your delights Pam. Those bluebirds are beautiful aren't they? We are having some cold weather and us Floridians aren't used to that are we? I have been enjoying my fireplace for sure. Hope your week is wonderful. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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