Slight Detour: Wednesday Potpourri

This gal reappeared at the bird feeder yesterday after several days of absence.

We're hoping her two younger friends are okay because she was by herself.

It's not often that the deer stay around here for the entire winter, but it's also not often that we have winters or pretty much lack thereof like this one.

Seems like a good state of mind toward which to aspire during the doldrum season of the year and while doldrums associated with the country seem to go on, regardless of the season.

Even before I knew the word existed, I've tried to reach this state every day, and it seems like a wise practice for fending off the darkness of life.

It's just figuring out which habits to establish that help us attain a eutrapelic escape from harsh realities.

Anyway, I liked learning the word this morning; I never ran across it on my Greek and Latin word clues list.

Also, Mother Nature seems to be helping us into some eutrapelia today.

Even in the dark dawn I could see blue sky pushing away the clouds.

We can also count on warmer weather and no rain for the next few days. That thought definitely lifts my spirits.

This week I've enjoyed spending more time outside and actually getting a few projects completed, including lots of snipping of limbs.

For the past couple of days, I've snipped away at our big apple tree, a plum tree and several evergreen trees at the opening of our Lodgepole pasture.

It's amazing to see how much removing just a few limbs will do for opening up inviting walking routes in the woods.

In my outdoor activities, much of which still involves picking up doggie do, I've noticed that last year's snapdragons are still alive and almost in the same spot and pot where I transplanted them early last summer.

I wonder if they will bloom this year. A couple of primroses also survived the winter.

Inside, the pot garden continues to expand, and the lettuce planted just a few days ago is looking very abundant and healthy. There may be a lettuce transplanting project going on soon.

Tomatoes are popping through the potting soil as are some perennial flowers.

And, it's just Feb. 4.

The robins are still hanging around, and I'm thinking they must know something about an early spring.

Hope they're right.

Lots of melt-off and some pretty water running through our Love Canal.

We didn't see any Border Collies while watching the Westminster Dog Show last night, but we still enjoyed seeing the best of the breeds.

Before results were announced, I thought the Chesapeake Bay Retriever might get something, and she did: reserve champion.

I also thought the Doberman Pinscher was very regal and deserving of the championship. Plus, her handler seemed pretty pleased.

After the winner was announced on TV, I made a living-room announcement: that this year we had co-winners for the 2026 Lovestead Dog Show. Foster and Bridie share the honors.

They both seemed happy.

Not a lot else to report this morning, except that life is going to get pretty busy over the next few days.

So, I'll enjoy the lull while maintaining my eutrapelia.

Happy Wednesday.