Share Your World – 2016 Week 1

Here we are, another year – so far, it’s much like last year, except the number is different. Cee carries on with her sharing challenge, a clear indication that life goes on.

1. As a child, who was your favorite relative? This one made me go back and think – we didn’t spend much time around relatives as I was growing up, moving from place to place for my father’s work as we did. I think I would have to say my favorite relative was my cousin Sheila, who was my best friend for the time I did spend living with my aunt and uncle. Sadly, life took us in different directions and we lost touch many years ago.

2. If you could be a tree or plant, what would you be? I think a tree – home to birds, squirrels and other furry creatures. A tree that would bend and flex when conditions demanded, but stand tall and strong despite all challenges.

3. What would be your preference, awake before dawn or awake before noon? Back in the day, I used to be able to sleep late on the weekend mornings, but as I got older I began to feel I’d lost half the day by doing that. I now awake before dawn, due in large part to the insistence of my furry girl Shasta, although in summer when dawn comes much earlier I am sometimes not up until after the sun has crested the hills behind me.

4. Would you like to sleep in a human size nest in a tree or be snuggled in a burrowed spot underground? In a nest in a tree – I would not do well burrowed underground where I could not see what was around me. There is the claustrophobic thing, and I would feel like I was being smothered underground. I would, however, insist on blankets for warmth in that nest in the tree, and no mosquitoes, please.

Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up? I am grateful for safe passage over the icy mountain roads last week, and the time with my Kat. I am looking forward to a quiet week which will offer some time with friends, time to read, time to decide what comes next.

Now, of course, there are a few photos. Some of the last for the year now in the history books, reflecting the snows of this winter.

Through my window as it stormed

The aftermath – it’s a blue morning when the birds have to work for their food.

I’m fascinated by these quail, their rotund bodies and proud carriage.

The Quail Trail leading from the scrub to the slope where I throw the seed that draws them.

Finally, a couple of Chickadees enjoying the suet.