Camellia Bloom

Last fall we planted two Camellia bushes. They have had buds since day one but we didn't get our first bloom until last week. Just a couple of days earlier, the bush was weighed down with snow and then the red flower popped out. After closer inspection, we are lucky we got this bloom because something has been nibbling on the bush. The ground around the bush is littered with broken stems and buds that will never bloom.

2nd Snow Storm

After the inch of snow a week ago, we had another storm - this time heavier. This storm was 3 inches of wet and heavy white snow. The 40 foot tall Bamboo were bent down to the grown because of the sticky snow. We were lucky to get some sun the next day which allowed the Bamboo spring part of the way back. It won't ever get back to where it was before the snow. The second picture show the solar panels after I started clearing the snow. It was made harder because the snow was so wet and heavy. Can't make any electricity with snow covering the panels but it sure is a pain to clear it.

Butterfly Bush Haircut

If it is February, it is time to cut back the Butterfly bushes that surround the deck. During the growing season, they grow to 10 to 12 feet tall crowding the deck seating. Every February we cut them back to about 2 feet and the growing process will start in the spring. In the first picture is our compost ball that is turning food scraps and leaves in the "good" soil. We roll the ball around every week to mix up the ingredients.

First Snow of 2012

Our mild winter ended quickly last weekend when the overnight temperatures dropped to about 20 degrees. With the cold temperature came an inch of snow that created a winter wonder land while not being too dangerous. The sun came out the next day and the daytime temperature hit 38 so the snow melted.

Owl is a Giants Fan

The truth is out; the Owl is a Giants fan. Here we see the Owl celebrating the Giants winning touchdown with perfect touchdown signal form. He could be an official in the NFL.