DECEMBER is a month of hope!
Cold yes, dark yes, but the gloomy grey days of November have generally given way to sunnier, brighter days. At least, so it generally is here in southern Ohio, and I hope for you too. Then the winter solstice marks the shortest & darkest day of the year, but we know that immediately after that each day gets that wee bit longer and therefore lighter. Not just hope, but proof that spring is on its way. And all month we look forward to Christmas, the happiest, most hopeful day of the year. December is the month of planning, of preparation, shopping, wrapping, baking and FUN (if we just don’t let ourselves get overwhelmed).
All the while we know that Breagha and Millicent are warm in Africa. We pray for their continued safety, as well as that of other osprey that we follow. But not all the birds desert us for the warm southern climes. Some are well adapted to our northern winters and are still here, providing enjoyment and often appreciating our bird feeders.
Here on the Gabfest, a music night “around the world” has been suggested. We hope to hold this in early December. Also, I’m sure that later in December I, and probably others, will want to play some Christmas carols. Whether this will be an organized Music Night or just spontaneous music remains to be seen. Also a few of us are planning Christmas cakes. A Christmas music night may be organized around these presentations.
So once again, I issue an invitation to all osprey lovers to come on in to the Gabfest chat room, where we can enjoy the warm fires and chat about all things osprey as well as most anything else that crosses our minds.
I have cut my raspberries back to about 2 inches for next summer the summer fruiting ones I have kept only the new shoots that didnt fruit this year!
The blackberries, we pick them wild growing in the hedges, there were so many this year and most rotted on the bushes. My mum always said ( when we were kids) that you should not pick then in October because the Devil defacates on them!
Very interesting new blog from Jen. The pines look lovely in the snow. Our Millie and Breagh are continuing to do well and relieved to see that! Im wondering if Breagh will start to move North next spring he will be 2!
Morning - June/58Willow - I think we have waited some time now for one of EJ offspring identified back home and now our hopes are with Breagha - who appears very settled.
Still a few months to go and also a difficult migration back home - I was very disappointed for SWT ANgus bird Blue YD who disappeared within a day or two of having arrived back in UK (I think something catastrophic happened to him.
For the record as 2YO that returned Rothiemurchus set off on his first journey home 9 May - Blue YD 29 April and Rothes (LG) 22 May.
I see you are both still working on the gardens - I planted 20 bare rooted bush roses just over a week ago which arrived from a rose breeder a couple of days before I was to go out to Ireland and had to get them into their bed I had prepared whilst the ground was still good. November is the best time to plant these as a bare root.
Morning Keith. I also wonder what happened to Blue YD, he just seemed to disappear after a lot of excitement about his return.
I have just two roses one is a pink climber that if it didnt smell so nice I would remove it as it looks very scruffy and has black spot but the smell is wonderful. Maybe will just prune it heavily!
Good luck with your new roses!
With all the songs about Christmas, I just love this one...and thought you all may enjoy.
Hello Christmas
Good morning ALL Gabbers everywhere
The Ontario, Canada feeders are busy this morning and very colorful with the Christmas decorations.
Yes our hopes for a returnee to Loch Garten rest with Breagha. I for one am scared to let my expectations rise very high, as I did with Caledonia. I'm sure excitement will rise with all of us as spring approaches.
Looks like the birds have their Christmas finery on too!
Keith I do hope your roses do well for you and I believe they will. I would love to make this a rose grow-off as Gabbers did with Christmas cakes and raspberries, but no.
When we moved here, the first thing we did was plant roses. They died or did so poorly that we decided to change locations. We built a small enclosed garden with a small fountain in the center. You have seen pictures of "Lisa" which the fountain had been named by the manufacturer. But no pictures of roses. In spite of much work and careful following of instructions, planting them was like planting annuals. Finally I said "No more roses!"
But with your different soil and climate and with your past successes, I know you roses will do well for you. As you know, we will hope for pictures.
BTW, Are you decorating your bird feeders today as you previously thought you might?
I love the shot of your raspberries, June. I am sure they would be the delight of the birds, if too sour for you! However, I do know that they can take over your entire garden if ignored.
Same as you, I googled Judy Murray and I think she is a tennis star who was on the UK's version of Dancing with the Stars. Lovely, but not a very good dancer... :((
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