Into the Woods and a Special Message at the End . . .

WARNING . . .

Lots of photos ahead!!  : )

We've been in a pattern of rainy and grey days here in New York but this past Sunday was an absolutely perfect day.  The sun was out, the skies were blue and the temperature was near 70 degrees.  A perfect day for a hike. 

Not far from where we live is this magical place called "Black Rock Forest."  It's filled with trails and wildflowers.  Big rocks and little waterfalls.  The trees are just starting to get their leaves.  

How the heck did that happen?? 

There's even a little stone cottage.  We think it may have been a ranger station or something at some point.  It's definitely run down but still adorable!!

We packed some snacks and stopped at a great little spot to sit for a while. 

The perfect place to go for a swim when it gets warmer outside.  Right now the water is FREEZING!!

A frog that Brendan spotted.  He sat in the same spot the whole time we were having our snack.

My handsome honey.  : )

Jim and the kids ventured off for a few minutes and I sat on the big rock and took in the beauty around me.  We are so blessed to live in such a wonderful part of the country!!

Heading back to get me.

We hiked for about two miles and then headed back to the car.  

That is one brave squirrel to build her nest so high up!!

Waiting for me to catch up!!  : )

She's happy because she just got a piggy back ride to the car.  He's ready to go home now.  Lol!!

Such a great day spent with my loves!!

On a completely different note . . .

a few months ago I wrote that I was thinking about starting a private blog separate from this one.  I've been working on it the last couple of days and it's now up and running.  If you would like to be a part of it please let me know and I'll add you to the list of people who can view it and share on it.  I try to keep "Crickleberry Cottage" happy and not complain too much when I write here.  There are other things I'd like to write about but I don't want to share with everybody.  This is a space where you can share whatever may be on your mind.  It is a judgement free blog and you can choose to either ask for comments on your post or decide you just needed to get something off your chest and don't want anyone to comment.  I may be the author of the blog but it was created with the intention of being for anyone that would like to participate.  Please leave a comment and I'll add you.  You can also feel free to leave the new blog at any time if you feel it's not for you.  : )


Wishing you a beautiful Friday!!

~ Wendy

And Just Like That . . .

. . . Spring has sprung!!

Can you spot the bumble bee?  He's in the middle of the photo.  : )

This lilac bush is blooming right outside my bedroom window.  I can't wait to be able to smell it!!

A cluster of pretty little violets.

This tree in our back yard had nothing on it last week.  It's amazing what a little warm weather, rain and sunshine can do!!

Can you spot the little woodpecker?  I heard him when I was walking back into the house from taking these photos this morning.  He's in the middle of the photo, on the right side of the middle branch. 

Now he's on the left side of the middle branch.

Now he's looking at me!!  : )

Grape hyacinth.  I don't remember seeing these in our yard last year.  They smell soooo good!!!

The woods across the street from us.

The forsythia has finally bloomed!! 

This part of our garden is currently under construction.  The plan is to clean it all out and eventually make it a bigger vegetable garden for next year.  This year we're probably just going to throw a box of seeds on it that I found in our local dollar store.  They're supposed to be a mixed bunch of annuals that are good for cutting.  Next year we'll plant perennials in the garden where the vegetables are and move the vegetables to the bigger space.  It's really a nice size and I just may be able to plant potatoes and even watermelon. 

This is what's been cleaned out so far.  The people that we bought the house from had planted a lot of greenery and ornamental grasses.  We definitely prefer flowers.  Each season, we'll add a little bit more depending upon our budget.  We have a lot of beds to fill and it can get so darn expensive.  The gnome and mushroom stool were added last week.  I put them where you can see them from the dining room table when you look out the window.  : )

The kids are back at school and work today.  My love is working as well.  With the exception of the five fur babies, I'm home alone for a change.  Hallelujah!!!   xo


~ Wendy