Shopping Online, Indoor Gardening, Pileated Woodpecker

 The little pond sported a thin covering of snow one morning recently. Neddy ventured onto it and, for the first time, the ice held his weight.  The lure of a stick is strong for that was what enticed him to toddle to the very middle. He gathered his prize and quickly hightailed it back to shore just as if he knew he was pushing his luck. 

The snow is not sticking but the ice is. Brr temperatures every day this past week as the season tips over into winter. 

Winter gardening is underway with the outdoor plants now inside. Fingers crossed I can keep them alive till spring. 

Heading quickly towards the shortest day of the year here in our hemisphere. The sunlight, when it does appear, is thinning. I'm questioning whether I should bother opening the curtains in the bedroom. 

Except I do enjoy this view below of the hydrangeas now wearing their brown autumn colours.

I heard a familiar drumming and grabbed my camera. It is always a treat to capture a few photos of the Pileated Woodpeckers. There is a second one there and this is usual for here...I spy two together quite often. 

Many of the trees here bear their marks.

My Christmas tree, which is heavily laden with bird ornaments, is up. Snowy owl is looking down again this year. 

I'm busy doing a little last minute shopping, all online. Here are three sites I enjoy scrolling through.

Hammacher Schlemmer

Lee Valley Tools

and 

Wild Bird Store Online

All have wonderful products and excellent service. Lee Valley Tools is Canadian and became well known when it was mentioned in an episode of the American sitcom, Parks and Rec. Here is an article featuring a chat with actor, Nick Offerman, telling how that came about.

Hope you are enjoying this time of year and remembering to relax as well. 

Happy to link with Our World Tuesday, Viewing Nature With Eileen and Paying Ready Attention.