happy birthday to me

I chose a nautical star because of the reference to life direction..I am at that midlife point where possibilities and choices still hover..
plus..I am a sucker for stars....
the morning was delightful outside our door
flowers still vibrant and jaunty
potatoes from my garden..yum!

I had the loveliest birthday on Friday..realizing I had pretty well everything I wanted..my family were sweet and attentive and my partner gave me a tattoo ..(well ..paid the tattoo as opposed to inking me personally)

home again

toronto

a moment of surreal pleasure ..aDjango inspired musical barkeep

monoliths

city hall art show..

After returning form the big smoke, (my former home and stomping grounds)-I realized my home is here in the soil of Grey County . The mystique, energy,business of the City contributed to a feeling of isolation and loneliness.. It is as if everyone (except for the guy sprawled on the sidewalk) is having a much better time of it -myself being on the outside of the fishbowl..The anonymity is not welcome anymore ..While living in my former community within Toronto there was a small town feel ..but to leave it was to hover over the abyss ..Walking around, exploring this on my own again brought back memories of the lack of identity one has in a larger metropolitan centre..Even as a youth I was sensitive to this ..but buffered myself with a close set of others..Seeing a couple of old friends was a comforting element of this weekend .Cultural diversity is a big plus..and yes-lacking in my new found home ..and to visit and breathe in the many nations is a tonic-. Yet ...I found it sweet to return to my peace..away from the cacophony of noise, smells and indifference.

cluck ckuck peep peep

a new fuzzy addition....

holiday inspiration

Having a two week respite from my other work makes me content and creative..It has been lovely to explore this property,pick weeds in the garden,plant,water and tend to the space in a loving kind of way. I have cylcled,walked,visited peolple that I had neglected and spent unlimited time with all of our creatures. Time is so precious..and as it slips by I try to drink in every moment.

chicken not so little

I am overjoyed to report the addition of a new feathered charge to my world..She is a mama too ..due to hatch sometime this weekend. I adopted her from my chicken guru Bonnie ..a local woman who rears her flock of 40 some chickens with lots of respect and loving attention..They definitely come from free range heaven! It was her idea to try a broody hen rather than try to adopt a few smaller chicks..It is never long after an idea is hatched that I try to set wheels in motion! Well..this home has a lovely coop outside..and I have waited almost a year to fill it with life..I added some extra chicken wire for security-and we will have it wired/insulated for winter too..As I am on a two week holiday I felt it was a good time to supervise and introduce this beauty (and her babes)into our life (Here's hoping she doesn't hatch all roosters!)

septic peptic

I know it's a crummy header..but we just sank a small fortune into something we will not really love or appreciate..well aesthetically anyhow ! I guess we did need a new septic..as the possibilities of unpleasantness abound if we had ignored the overflow! chickens on my mind....
a view of the construction/excavation required yikes!
I stopped one morning on the way to my other work to capture this moment..listening to classical music..recognising my commute is pretty sweet another jaunty surprise in the garden
a weathered maple syrup pail purchased at a local lawn sale makes a lovely planter

A Grey ..Grey county morning

A grey Morning yet brimming with life..The little things can be heralded ..Nature keeps surprising me daily with new jaunty growth..Potatoes are coming along magnificently ..as are onions and tomatoes..The irises are in show off mode and a solitary poppy steals the show..

New Growth

floral splendour..at last! a little more cow..

Chester at ease..

Lovely June

Something in the June air makes me sigh and unravel all that muscle tension I have been holding on to since last November..Despite arrrival of mosquitoes and abundance of dandelions ( they have defeated my removal efforts..what do you do with 3 billion dandelions..except grow to accept them :-) ) My potatoes and onions are growing magnificently and tomatoes..staying erect and strong! Every night I walk down to the fence and pay a visit to the cows..they continue to keep me inspired..their large eyes ..mournful and steady with eyelashes to die for. last night I also spent a little time at the local auction..a feast for people watchers like myself..