to 2010, that's what we're going to have. The unseasonably warm temperatures we've been enjoying this fall & winter have finally gone away, just in time for New Years. Today is the first day (in a long time) I've looked out the window and thought the birds looked cold:
The little goldfinch above fluffed himself up and was patiently waiting for an opening on the thistle feeder when I snapped his photo. You can also tell (from the white background) we've had a little snow. It actually seems strange after so long without it.
The cold, snow and wind will make it a good day to curl up indoors and start perusing the spring garden and seed catalogs that have been showing up.
I know it won't take me long to have a big wish list! Maybe 2011 is the year more of the grass will be excavated (to make way for new plants & seeds)???
Alas, it does not appear the paph orchid will be blooming (as I'd hoped) when the calendar rolls over to January. It's very slowly unfurling but I am doubting now that it can fully complete the process????
That's okay, it's well worth the wait as you can tell by the glimpses of color & markings its shyly revealing. What sometimes seems like an excruciatingly long build-up to bloom time, actually makes the flowers even more special/spectacular ~ at least that's what I tell myself when I get impatient!
Maybe Amaryllis 'Clown,' is a better bet to be blooming:
It has a day and a half (at least) to pull it off. I'm thinking these buds move at the right pace to accomplish that goal....
After all, we need a new bloom to ring in the New Year, don't we???
I think you're right - that little bird does look cold. It's sure an adorable picture. I need to go read about your Amaryllis plants - Bob's fizzled, fell over and croaked! He was sure disappointed.
Posted by: RainGardener | December 30, 2010 at 11:09 AM
I'm sometimes sad to see a bloom finally open because I enjoy the anticipation so much. Happy New Year!
Posted by: AngryRedhead | December 30, 2010 at 02:47 PM
I would watch that orchid all day and night as it opens. How exciting. Love the bird photos.
Posted by: Janet | December 30, 2010 at 03:29 PM
Poor little bird. Hope you're staying warm, Kathleen. Your comment about the "excruciatingly long build-up to bloom time, actually makes the flowers even more special/spectacular" also applies to the long wait for winter to end. Happy New Year!
Posted by: PlantPostings | December 30, 2010 at 09:48 PM
I have an Amaryllis that I have been willing to open fully since before Christmas, it is going very slowly, obviously quite shy!!
Best wishes for 2011
Posted by: Helen | December 31, 2010 at 08:48 AM
Happy New Year to you!
Posted by: tina | December 31, 2010 at 09:10 AM
The Goldfinch does look a little cold. We have had a thaw here it was up to 62 today and the snow has melted but I know it will all be back.
Have a Blessed New Year ahead and thanks for all of your gardening help this year.
Posted by: Lona | December 31, 2010 at 03:07 PM
I always feel sorry for the birds when the weather is very cold. I bet he was grateful for the thistle seed when he got his turn.
Ah yes, seed catalogs... :)
Winter is good for planning and dreaming.
Posted by: Sweetbay | January 01, 2011 at 06:17 PM
The bird does look cold. Our pond is still pretty frozen but the waterfall keeps part of the water open. Birds have been hanging out all around the pond for a drink or a bath.
I think 2011 will be a good year for you to remove grass, that's hopefully something we'll be doing too. Anything to create more room for plants.
Posted by: Catherine | January 01, 2011 at 06:18 PM
Yes, that poor bird does look cold. We've had cold weather here too after a nice long stretch of mild temps. I wish you many blessings in the coming year. Hugs, Grace
Posted by: Grace | January 02, 2011 at 12:33 PM