Snow pics

The hills above us are beautiful with snow. There's just enough to coat the rock outcroppings and the tops of trees, yet you can still see the trees beneath the snow. Love it!


This is a sunset view looking down from our place.


And here, from the top of the driveway, is how we looked the morning the snow level got down to us.

Some of my favorite things about snow at this elevation are the odd combinations like the snow on my lemon tree - named Leona. She's new just a couple of weeks ago, so I hope this cold spell doesn't do her in.


And, I always love the look of the snow on my little rock bench. I can't look at it without remembering the generosity of the guy who made it as a surprise after finishing our rock wall.


And finally, hummingbirds in snow! How cool is that?


OK, I know that family and friends back in Illinois must think I'm nuts, but the thing is, I've lived in California long enough now - over 20 years - that snow is a wonder again. No, I wouldn't want to live where it's knee deep, but the little bits that we get here are wonderful, and with the Sierra Nevada in our backyard, we can go play in snow whenever we want. It's the best of both worlds for sure!

"Our" Coopers Hawk

Look carefully. This is the juvenile Coopers Hawk that is hanging out in the oaks around our house. He's been named Gary - get it? Coopers Hawk. (Scottie came up with this.)

He's here every day for much of the day, but I don't think he roosts here at night. At first I was not happy with him being here as he was taking an occasional bird, but I've decided that he has to make a living too. And, wouldn't it be wonderful if he found a mate and decided to nest here? Of course "he" could be a "she". If that turns out to be the case it will become something like Garita or Garene. But for now it's Gary the Coopers Hawk.

A couple of days ago Scottie noticed that Gary refused to put one foot down on the branch. We were concerned that he was injured, and I'd seen him make a major swoop after a dove, maybe hitting a branch. But, by the next morning, both feet were firmly gripping again.

I've worked so much with the dogs on the issue of NOT going after the birds. . . talking to them about the birds, holding a bird that hit the window and petting it, rubbing the bird on the dogs, etc., etc., etc., telling them how much we like the birds. Buck will still eat a dead bird, but neither dog goes after the live ones now. Anyway, when Gary swoops after a bird, usually a dove, the dogs go nuts barking at him, dashing at him, generally letting him know he's not to go after the birds. When he's just sitting in the trees they ignore him, but after he's tried for a bird close to the house they sit under the tree and bark at him! Goofy dogs.

Thar's snow in them thar hills

We've had some nice rains the past few days including almost 3/4" last night. The snow level is down to maybe 2500 or 3000 feet and is just lovely in the hills and on the peaks above us.



After much difficulty finding a "just right" plant I finally invested in a Juniper to finalize the Christmas gift from friend Yvonne - here we have the Jansen Juniper. I really like it's unusual yellow color, and since Y is a blond, it's perfect!



Almost every morning the puppers join me on the day bed while I do emails, check the news, and have my latte. They are inclined to stay put when I get up.




And, just what's the deal with cats and unmade beds? Mine take over the bed every morning after we get up, and I usually have to work around them to make the bed. They don't find it nearly as inviting when it's all snug and neat.



Such is life in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada - pretty quiet.