Unexpected Finds...

When Winston and I head out for his walks, I expect to find wildlife in our path.  

It is about time for the deer to have their young.  I am hoping each time we head out (camera in hand) that I will spot a fawn.  I have read that newborns do not smell, so I don't expect Winston to point them out!  I observed several deer together last week and one was being aggressive to the others.  Again, I have read that when a doe is close to having her babies she will chase the others in the herd away.  

But alas, no young yet near the Burrow!  I remain patient.  

*****

Yesterday on Winston's and my first walk of the day, I did find not one, but two very surprising finds...

.....domesticated bunnies, dumped in the woods.  Shocking!!!  But not really I suppose.  It is spring break and I am sure these babies were cramping some ones plans.  Winston and I walked right up to these two.  Do you think they would have survived long in the woods?  I was quite a sight as I stuffed first the black bunny and then 40 steps later, the white bunny into my coat vest.  Winston was a very good boy.  All he was interested in was smelling the bunnies.  

Thankfully, my daughter is not home this spring break.  She did not have to go with me to the animal shelter.  She will be upset that we didn't adopt both of these fluffy balls, but now was not the time for adding to the menagerie of our home.  Our local shelter is an invaluable asset to the community.  I am sad that they must exist, but happy that our community can be supportive.  Once again I would like to encourage all my readers to give to your local animal shelter!  

I was angry with the irresponsibility of these humans living near me and for their dumping these pets.  If they are comfortable dumping pets, I wonder what else they are comfortable doing......

Serenity!

Spring has finally sprung in my neck of the woods!  Yesterday I noted this first flower:  Harbinger-of-Spring, aka Salt-n-Pepper, popping up near the stream.  

It's such a tiny little flower, if you aren't down by the stream floor you might miss it!  I read it's called Salt-n-Pepper because if you pick it, as it starts to dry out the little red stamen turn black.

Above is the foliage of the Spring Beauty, 

another early bloomer.  

I'll be looking for these blossoms over the next few weeks.  

Textures are starting to come alive in the woods too!  

Flower leaves, moss and tiny little ferns

 lay at the base of many trees.  

Stepping back a bit, here's what that mossy area 

two photos above looks like at a distance.  

Even with a lack of soil, these little bulbs have survived the winter and form a little cluster of lush green on the wood floor.  

I noticed that the Towhee's are singing again too!  

Can you see him sitting in the middle of this photo?  

At my kitchen window... a bouquet of Snow Drops.  

I find the awakening

 of flora and fauna in the Spring 

refreshing for my soul!  

Hootie's Almost Famous Cinnamon Scones

I have had several requests for my almost famous scones recipe.  This is a recipe that I created...hence the fancy name! My words of caution are: the hardest ingredient to find is the Cinnamon Chips and, once you make them they will disappear quickly.  I order my chips by the case because they are not available in the stores where I live.  I prefer Hershey's Cinnamon Chips and they should cost about $2.50 a bag.  If they cost more than that you are getting ripped off.  When I head out of town on vacation, etc I always check the local grocery stores to see if their shelves carry this baking treasure.  

Hootie's Almost Famous Cinnamon Scones

1 1/2 C all-purpose flour

1 C rolled oats

1/4 C packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 C (one stick) unsalted  COLD butter

1/2 bag (between 3/4 & 1 C) Cinnamon Chips

1/2 C milk

Cinnamon & sugar  

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

**********

Mix all dry ingredients, but DO NOT add chips yet!  

Cut in cold butter, use a knife first and then a pastry blender.  

Mix should resemble pie crust dough before any liquid is added.  

Stir in chips and milk using spatula.  

Fold onto stone...dough will be dry.  

Shape with hands, dust with flour and roll to a 12 inch circle 

(approximately 1/4 inch thick)

Cut into wedges, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar then bake.

Scones bake in 400 degree oven for 15-17 minutes.  

Finished product!  

Re-cut and enjoy!!!!!

Yields 12 scones

House Hunting!

A month ago I caught these house hunting Bluebirds checking out my digs!  

I can hear Bluebirds singing each time I am outside.  I think Spring really is just around the corner.  :)