The Birthday Girl

Pictured here is another resident of Sanctuary Pond - Cynthia, who is celebrating her 29th birthday (again). She's arranging a very special bouquet of roses given to her by Clifton. This assortment is a favorite of hers.

Transformation

Before

After

This shrub can be seen from our bedroom window, and it greets us cheerfully each and every morning. We are amazed by its transformation. Last year, we had a spring frost which severely damaged the blossoms. This year, as you can see mother nature has been kind to us.

A Visit with Keith

Keith stopped by today. Here we are visiting; we'll be on our way to Downers Grove to see David Hayes in his new play "Over the Tavern." Please visit this blog for a review of the play.

Vote

We just added a poll to the blog. Place your vote for a new name for Mr. Egret. Or, if you'd like to submit an entry, just leave a comment and we'll add it to the poll. Mr. Egret cannot go on much longer without a proper name.

Mr. Egret has Returned

Our friend Mr. Egret has returned for another season on Sanctuary Pond. He's very shy and steers clear of the other wildlife. Since he has never introduced himself, and we don't know how to properly address him, we're looking for suggestions on what to name him.

Daffodils

The daffodils are now in full bloom, so on this lovely Sunday morning Dick decided to enjoy a peaceful stroll in the garden. But he was shocked to find that he wasn't alone in his admiration of the daffodils...

What a surprise! Look what he found! Could this duckling be related to Peep?

Our Indoor Garden

Begonia

Poinsettia

Just take a look at two of Cynthia's house plants. The Begonia and Poinsettia are in full bloom. The Begonia is 15 years old and blooms all year round, but the Poinsettia really has us all amazed by the endless bursts of red blossoms. Our visiting teachers brought this Poinsettia to us as a Christmas gift in 2006; they’re always astonished by its vibrancy and longevity.

Anticipating Spring

Well winter seems to be nearly over. Every morning we see a few more daffodils poking up from the ground; we may have finally made it to spring. This is usually a great time of year for us, anticipating the beginning of outdoor fun. Although our weather here is not making it easy to be outdoors just yet. With the exception of the pond's year-round inhabitants, we've had very little new wildlife activity but we are anticipating the arrival of many new feathered friends.

Off to Harmonica Club

Wednesday is the day that the Windy City Harmonica Club holds its weekly gathering for club members. Here I am with my harmonica case in hand, ready for a jaunt to Elmhurst for another jam session with other harmonica enthusiasts.

Meet Peep and Creep

Our orphaned duck Peep has returned and she's brought a friend, whom we've affectionately named Creep. We'll be on the lookout for ducklings in the very near future.

A Fresh Look

I look forward to this every Saturday morning, dusting the floors with my two favorite mops. If you're willing to pay the airfare, I'll travel to do your floors at the rate of $50.00/hr plus lodging and meals (I need the money). "Have mop will travel" is my motto.

I went to the beauty shop today. Now, I sit at the laptop awaiting feedback on my new hairdo. It seems like a good style for me.

Oh the Guilt

We couldn't resist a visit to the bakery today. We enjoyed luscious, cream-filled bismarcks for breakfast, and custard coffee cake for dessert.

Meet Some of the Residents of Sanctuary Pond

A favorite pastime…snoozing and eating chocolate.

Here’s Charlie…one of three senior citizen cats. Charlie is a Maine Coon.

Meet Sheba…she’s a British Short Hair, and has fur as soft as mink.

Poppy is a Rag Doll and is Fran’s constant companion.

Our neighbors, Ruth and Laura, brought their Schnoodle Maggie over for a visit.

Where are the cats?