The weather has been utterly hideous around here, endless, vicious hail, rain and freezing winds. Truly gruesome.
Sadly, despite Billy-bob and Bella’s best attempts, their second chick died. It was simply born too late. Such a shame though. How fragile is life?
Quick update, I’m so glad to see the back of the builder, he did a good job, for a very, very, pretty price, jeez, how he upped his price. He has to be the most intrusive, unpleasant person I’ve ever come across.
I almost disliked our new bathrooms because I disliked him so much. I’ll get over that though. He’s history now.
The dust is still falling though.
Hopefully nothing else will need doing for a good while.
The rescue is now full to overflowing with rabbits….
and hedgehogs. They are simply everywhere, everything you see in a cat carrier is a hedgehog. There are another 70+ in the hog room…. just like every other winter!
To survive the bleakness of these dark months, a girl needs a few indulgences. I just couldn’t resist this stunning blue orchid. Think it was dyed though…aint great that, didn’t realise until I got it home. Now I’m watering it, sparingly, the new flowers are getting lighter by the day, the new buds may be the true colour.
I also bought this, Aechmea, Blue Rain.
Candles are a must of course! Lots of them.
Flowers from daughter lift the spirits too…yeah, I love blue…
and a roaring fire. You just can’t beat a good fire.
And Finally…
What on earth is this green circular light I’ve captured?
Seems to be following hubs and the dogs.
Yes, the poor things would have struggled to survive the winter months…..what were they thinking? Building work is always awful isn’t it, the mess and chaos are nightmarish! Thank goodness it’s all sorted now. Thanks Annie.xxx
So sorry to hear about the second chick but they were up against it having it so late. Its been colder alot earlier than normal this year and the rain we’ve had too. Candles and firelight at this time of year are just perfect. Glad your work has been finished now, I hate any disruption in the house and it sounds like they were not the best either. At least you can relax now.
Thanks Keggy, good to hear from you, I hope all is well in your world. It certainly is permanent feeding time in the rescue, the staff and volunteers never stop.
I will look into the Christmas card situation, they normally sell them unless they have sold out. xxx
I had a look on the website but can’t see any, maybe they are just selling them at the rescue or have sold out. Sorry about that Keggs.xxx
Thanks for trying. Hope you have a good trip to Budapest xxx
Hi Dina, I am still here. Still reading your posts, but more often than not, missing a few weeks and then binge-reading several at once. I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear sister. Such a sad time.
The weather has indeed turned colder here too, but I suspect it’s harsher where you are. Good thing you have the wood burning stove (or rather buddy does LOL).
You have got your hands full with all those creatures who are depending on you at this time of year. How on earth do you cope with 70+ hedgehogs ? It must be permanent feeing time at the rescue.
BTW I really loved those Christmas cards you produced for the rescue in previous years. I checked on the website and couldn’t find them this year. Are you still doing them ? I would love to buy some.
Nice post and images. Your weather will improve in due course while our southern weather will deteriorate. We have n’t had a great spring this year – lot of rain and wind – and of course all those destructive earthquakes even here in the Wellington region – and out here in the Hutt Valley with damage in our mall parts will have to be knocked down.
Hi Peter, your spring doesn’t sound great, earthquakes even worse, I saw those on the news and thought of you. Glad all is well. xxx
I think I figured out your green dot. Were you using an iPhone, by any chance? There are all sort of questions about it on Apple and photography sites, and lots of examples from other people. Here’s one link that tells you a little about it. I used “green light when taking photos” as my search term, so you could use that with Google and get more info about the causes, etc.
I’m so glad the work’s done on your house, and you can start getting things back together. From what you say about your weather, you’re going to need a nice, neat nest to huddle into. I’m so sorry about the chick and oh! all those hedgehogs! but life is what it is, and doing all we can is all that can be asked.
I do wish they’d stop with the flower dying, but I can see why you fell for those orchids. They really are a lovely color. It will be interesting to see what happens with the new buds.
Thanks for that research, I didn’t think to google it. I was using my canon, the strange thing is I didn’t see the green orb until I downloaded the photos.
Yes, wecan only do what we can, I was always concerned about that poor little chick, how on earth could it have survived the winter months….I think the mild weather tricked the parents into laying.
You and me both re the flower dying, nature doesn’t need improving on. Thanks Linda.xxx
🙂 Cold is coming…
and a good fire can really do miracles!
About the green light: maybe is a little whimsical fairy of the woods….
But since “there” is more… I guess you know who could be…
For 49 days they still here with us, it is called *Bardo* and is a special moment to help them to follow the Light into the one Path which will take them away from our samsara!
The little Ismaela just prepared us for a worse experience… 4 days after her departure, my mom had a stroke. She was in surgery, now is everything OK… but there is a story to tell about how fate just brought us to “be prepared” with sufferance! My belowed Ismaela made that possible.
A great hug, dearest Dina.
Have a good week :-)claudine
What an interesting reply, I hadn’t heard of Bardo, how nice it would be if that little light was something more!
Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry to hear about your mum but so glad that she is well again, you’ve certainly been through it recently. Huge hugs to you, take good care of yourself.xxx
Wow does sound horrible weather! The wood burner must be such a cheery comfort in all the lashing winds and drenching rains and all. Glad there are so many rescued creatures safe from it all though must feel overwhelming at the rescue…..
Down here in Sussex it looked properly autumnal but lots of the leaves gone now as had a few very windy days….Our weather has been mostly mild with just the odd proper cold day….
Hope you are ok and thank goodness the horrible builder has gone – hope all is good quality after the experience of it all…. what a year you’ve had……big hugsxxxx
It’s actually lovely to sit in front of the fire when the weather is raging outside, fire is fantastic isn’t it? I think storm Angus finished off most of the autumn leaves, ours had been hanging on until it struck. The builder did do a good job but he was pretty unbearable and totally trashed the place. Still, he’s gone now and hopefully the dust will be too soon. It has been a grotty year in many ways….here’s to 2017. I hope all is well with you and you get a blog sorted soon, I do miss all your antics.xxxx
What a warm cosy world you have made up there, I’m not surprised your wood burner is so popular.
Stay safe and warm!
Thanks Pauline, you too.xxx
Maybe that green light is your guardian angel. 🙂
What a lovely thought!xxx
Oh what a lovely cozy post full of sunlight and log fires, fresh flowers and candles – definitely a hygge kind of post.
Ah yes….hygge, I had to look that up but the perfect word for winter cosiness. xxx
We feel lucky to have a working fireplace. We really enjoy the fires during the cold months. Lucky also that out town sells cheap firewood made from the street trees cut down by the forestry crew.
Glad you have a fire too Jason, and a good supply of cheap logs. I must say, I look forward to using the log burner, especially when it’s grim outside.xxx
With the wild weather outside your home looks beautifully warm and cosy with the lovely fire and candles. I think flowers inside are important, too, in winter; they’re a little bit of compensation for the lack of colour outside. I can understand why the rescue would have lots of hogs at this time of year but I wonder why you have so many rabbits. I hope they all find homes soon.
Your green flash of light looks like a bit of midwinter magic!
Being cosy indoors is vital during winter isn’t it, and the sight of a few flowers is so cheering. Sadly, people abandon their pets at this time of the year, dogs, cats, rabbits…I can’t understand it.
Yes….maybe that green orb is a little midwinter magic. Thanks Wendy.xxx
You’re so good at creating warmth and snugness for everyone, human and animal, and making everyone feel more secure. Hope you’re taking care of yourself too.
That’s a mysterious green light! Might there be a technical explanation?? If not, then maybe something is needing your care and attention …
big hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ah thanks Gill, it’s awful when things go wrong though. The poor little chick never stood a chance. I am totally puzzled about that light, I didn’t see it when taking the pics, only when I downloaded them. Most odd.xxxxx
Lovely post as always, and what a lot of animals you look after… winter is a busy time. For all the dramas involved in caring for animals, and birds, they can give such a lot of pleasure, especially in difficult times, and are great companions.
Good luck with the dogs, birds and not forgetting all the hedgehogs and rabbits!
Thanks Gerrie, the wildlife unit is always full, it’s mainly chicks in the spring and summer and hoglets in the winter. How true, having animals is always so rewarding.xxx
It must be terrible having your home invaded by an unpleasant workman. Not good business sense on his side as you will be unlikely to re-employ him.
I do wish growers wouldn’t feel the need to dye flowers.
The mind boggles re the green light.
Yes, builders are bad enough, but obnoxious ones are the pitts! I’m with you re dying flowers. That green light still has me puzzled!xxx
Oh, my goodness, Dina, the sunrise (or sunset?) shots are so gorgeous, as are the Aechmea, orchid, irises, and, of course, your daughter! I love the cozy candles and fireside…
The pups look good; love the downward dog! (Wish I could do it that nicely!)
Our weather has been chilly and bleak, too, a sudden turn from the weird warm days we had for so long. Snow would actually help brighten the gloom a bit.
I’m amazed at the numbers of rabbits and hedgehogs you’re caring for at the rescue; thank you for helping so many! Will some be released yet in winter, or must you shelter them till spring?
I am sorry the chick died. Life is fragile indeed. Thank you for giving it the best chance it could have had and making the life it had so precious. you do that for everyone and everything.
The green light looks merry to me. 🙂
Sending love and thanks for another post. How I wish I could trudge over with some caramels and a cocoa mug! Blessings on your week’s end, Dina.
A few candles certainly make all the difference don’t they? Lol, you and me both re the downward dog!
I totally agree about the snow, grey, sludgy, rainy, windy days are so depressing, snow transforms everything, I suppose it can be a pain when you have to go out in it though.
We will keep all the hogs until late spring now, lots more will no doubt come in!
What a shame about that poor little mite, I was concerned about how it cope throughout the winter. Oh, if only you were closer!!! Thanks Kitty.xxx
Well…..apart from a cyclist doing a careful run, I cannot think what else the green light might relate to.
Sorry the builder was such a diabolical experience. As you say, though, once the dust settles you’ll be able to make your bathroom completely your own.
We’ve had a very cold week with severe frosts. The up side is that we have had crispy bright days, though short ones, to go with the weather.
The dog also likes your firelight, sensible animal. the glow of lights at this time of year does make such a difference. I am restless for the town festive lights to be switched on, they are much desired, everything is so very dark, and so very early at this time of year. A tweak of glittery light would make all the difference.
Your bunny pic is a lovely one. Where do you place all the hedgehogs, or, do they not stay all winter?
xxx
The funny thing about that green light was that it only showed up on the downloaded pics. I didn’t see a cyclist. we were totally alone….
I have some obnoxious builders in the house but this guy had to be the worst, everything was on his terms, I’m so happy to see the back of him. Crispy bright days sound good, a little light and sunshine work miracles in these dark months. I do hope you get your lights turned on soon, most lights are up this time of the year.
We keep all the hedgehogs now until late spring when it’s safe to release them and they have gained enough weight. We have a hedgehog unit but that fills up quickly resulting in hogs being slotted in simply everywhere. Thanks Menhir.xxx
I’m glad the upheaval of the building work is over for you and hopefully now you can relax
in an evening, light the candles and enjoy the cosiness of the log burner. Lovely flowers, especially the sweet gift of the irises from your daughter. Not good weather for walking the dogs although they must appreciate the effort you put in to give them a run. Hopefully you’ll get some better weather. It’s been sunny here today. Your animal rescue place must continue to take up a lot of your time and energy especially as you look after all those hedgehogs and small creatures, so hope you get some opportunity to rest and keep well. xx
It’s always such a relief when builders leave, it’s astonishing how quickly they take over the house. One good thing about winter is the cosiness indoors. Glad to hear you have had a little sunshine, what a difference it makes. Thanks Linda.xxx
Yes, it is that time of the year….and it does sound as if you have had some really rotten weather…As for the builder…sounds like a real sod – and so hopefully he’s done a good job and you don’t have to see him again. Doesn’t he know that ‘word of mouth’ is key for people in his profession!!! Finding an all round good building is not easy, but thank goodness it sounds like its over and now you can get back to normal, whatever that is. When I see you on the 7th, we will have a jolly good laugh about it:)
‘This too shall pass’ – one of my favourite mantras is key to getting through the greyness….meanwhile enjoy the flowers and fire. Janet. xxxx
Oh, I’m so glad that guy is out of the house….his arrogance was breathtaking! Yes, we shall laugh when we meet up…all things are passing, and life just keeps on going…hope your place is moving along smoothly!xxx
It was sad to learn about the second chick, but life can be so very fragile.
The weather at the beginning of the week was simply awful, but today in my part of the UK it has been glorious. Clear blue skies and sunshine, yes a little chilly but wrap up warm and enjoy a good walk!
Oh my that fire does look so welcoming, I think I’d curl up with a good book and either a cup of tea or maybe a nice glass of wine … well it is Friday evening as I type this!
Those flowers from your daughter are fabulous, what a great colour.
I’m looking forward to getting some Poinsettia’s nearer to Christmas – I just love the red ones.
Sending my good wishes to you
All the best Jan
Ahh, yes, the poor little creature never stood a chance, it was far too cold for it to survive, despite having good parents. Good to hear that you are getting some blue skies, the difference that makes. Daughter is a sweetie. You go for those Poinsettia’s…anything that adds a little cheer is more than welcome at this time of year.xxx
Pleased you have your home back….Enjoy!!!! Have a Super Festive Season! Hugs!💕💕
Thanks Bushka, it’s so good to have the house back….xxx
A good post and lovely pictures. I especially like the rabbit and dog in front of the fire.
I’m surprised at how hedgehogs you’ve got at the rescue centre.
I hope that get some better weather. xx
Thanks Flighty, the seasons are so unpredictable, the poor hedgehogs are bewildered and keep breeding at the wrong time. We seem to have regular hot and cold snaps which throws their rhythms out. Each year, more and more juveniles land at the rescue, which I suppose is a good thing as most of them will be released in spring.xxx
Fire, flowers, candles and pups make a cozy sanctuary from your gruesome weather. All you need now is a good book, a glass of wine, and some favorite music. I cannot understand why anyone would dye flowers. But we have them all over the place here, too. Let’s hope your orchid will quickly shed its blue humiliation. Stay well and keep your spirits up!
Ah yes….I always have a good book, wine and music at hand. The good thing about winter is how it teaches patience, and the ability to ride the storm. Dyed flowers are an insult to the beauty of plants, why does mankind constantly strive to improve nature? xxx
The weather’s been awful, hasn’t it. Our little town flooded on Monday, we had so much rain. Such a shame about the chick, life’s so cruel sometimes. That bunny is so cute, he puts me in mind of my Sammy, how I miss my buns. Isn’t it funny how animals find the all the best places to relax, I’d like to lie in front of a roaring fire too.
Sorry to hear you were flooded, hopefully all is well now. Flooding is becoming such a threat isn’t it? I think we’re all vulnerable now. Yes, a shame about the chick, I was worried about how it would survive the winter months when it got too big for the parents to sit on it. I think the mild weather fooled them, then of course Angus struck…poor thing. Ahhh…I get how you miss you rabbits, they are such sweet creatures. xxx
Indeed, I was out in your gruesome Liverpudlian weather last Saturday and I can vouch for it’s utter gruesomeness. We found ourselves repeating Victoria Wood’ s catchphrase: ‘ It’ s grim oop North’. It’ s alright, we are allowed to say it as we are born and bred Northerners ourselves. We need to bring flowers inside to cheer ourselves up in these dark days. I would draw the line at a dyed orchid though. They dye anything now, as if the natural beauty was not beautiful enough. I love your blue irises though, what a thoughtful daughter. All those little hedgehogs, I am glad you are keeping them warm for the winter. They used to be such a familiar sight in the garden but I haven’ t seen one for years.
That unfamiliar light in the sky looks light ths sun. I hope you get to see a lot more of it whilst walking on your fabulous beach.
Arghh….sorry you caught up in the gruesomeness….yes….indeed it can be grim oop North! Good to hear you are both Northerners, I knew the Pianist was one, glad to discover you are too….welcome to the club, sister!
Dyed flowers are truly an abhorrence, why would anyone do such a thing. I was appalled when I got the poor thing home, at least the dye disappears eventually. xxx
Poor hedgehogs but at least they are in good hands.
My hedgehog box is vacant this year sadly. Had a visitor for the last few years.
Green light………how very strange.
Life is fragile. How are you??
Beautiful flowers, lovely colour,………..lovely daughter.
Have a good weekend Snowbird………..
Oh, what a shame to hear of the empty hogbox, poor hedgehogs, there is so much against them and their struggle to survive becomes ever more desperate, yes, life is fragile indeed!
I never saw that light until I downloaded the pictures….most odd, never had that problem with my canon before.
I’m doing okay…you have to just take one day at a time, as you well know. Thanks for asking Cheryl.xxx
Ooh, spooky green light! That’s a lot of rescued hedgehogs and cats you have there! I don’t know if you saw my reply to your comment on my blog – I wanted to thank you for the hedgehog advice. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen him again in order to weigh him, so I’m just crossing my fingers that he’s okay. With the candles, flowers and roaring fire, it’s looking very hygge round at your place. Mind if I pull up a chair?! xx
It was spooky, that green light, I didn’t see it while taking the photos but it turned up on each one as I downloaded them. Ahhhh, I did check to see if you got my comment, I hope the hog is doing well, this is one of the worst ever years for the hoglets…the seasons have become so unpredictable wildlife has no idea how to respond. My pigeons breeding in the milder weather are a testament to that. Oh yes, please do pull up a chair!xxx
With weather like that, you’d have a hard time prying me away from that fire. Especially if there will be dogs and cats sitting next to me 😉
I’d seen aechmea before at the Huntington Library gardens, but didn’t know their name. They’re blooming now, too, those crazy pink and purple bits that can’t help but make you smile.
I have a hard time prying myself away from that fire, it’s just so darn cosy! Especially as you say, with dogs all around.
I loved that link, they are such gorgeous plants, totally crazy!xxx