Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Finally--Signs of Spring!!!

I know I'm not the only one who has felt that this winter has been a particularly long and cold one. So, its really been a bit of a relief to say goodbye to February, and "hello" to a few little indications of spring...

Like the Eastern Bluebird:
The (American) Robin:

We even saw a weasel, although I think it's still a bit early for this critter to be out and about--I wonder what woke him up? With temps above freezing during the day, I noticed today that the Forsythia is also starting to bud.

Another signal of spring is that Charlie, our Wheaten Terrier went today for his "spring-do." I always think I like the shaggy-dog look best, but then he comes back from the groomer and I can see his eyes, and then I think I like that look best!


Unfortunately the warmer temps have also brought out of their winter hiding places the "stink-bugs" that we were bombarded with last fall. The ones that found their way inside are now appearing on the floor, the counters, the furniture and even on Carl's painting...Bugs make me a bit squeamish; but I am proud to say that I am picking some of them up and putting them outside--They hate the cold but the birds really love them and have been coming onto the front porch looking for ones we have tossed out. By the way, the ones that don't get picked up, vacuumed or tossed out the door sometimes get eaten by our boy Maguire--I guess they are an acquired taste, none of the other dogs seem to want to sample them! Whatever March brings, I'm glad that at the start of it, there are a few signs of spring!

26 comments:

  1. HOORAY!!!!!! I saw a family of Robins today too and those little stink bugs have started to appear at my house too. Oh I think we may be able to see the light outside the tunnel now. Keep thinking Spring :)
    xoxo
    Mimi~
    PS Charlie is sure one handsome guy!!!

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  2. You know, I just had a discussion today about robins with one of my professors. We have both heard them as of last week, but haven't seen them. Either way, it's a sure sign of spring!

    Great pix!!

    -C

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  3. by the way, do stink bugs, stink?

    Gill in Canada

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  4. we are plagued with cluster flies and those rotten Aisan Beetles, that look like lady bugs.........a bit warmer here as well.

    Gill in Canada

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  5. Hi Gill! Yes, stink bugs do stink. They have a "musky" kind of smell that has a tendency to linger on things and your hands too despite washing them afterwards--I'll take anything that looks like a ladybug over these! :-) Glad it's warmer for you!
    Lets all keep thinking spring!

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  6. Hooray for signs of spring! I'm actually seeing some "terra firma" again, though still lots of snow around. The bluebirds have been coming to visit us also.
    I know there is a bunch of us who want to see green and not just on St. Patrick's Day!

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  7. I saw my first spider of the season just yesterday...ugh. That's the only thing I don't like about warmer weather, those 8 legged critters. We don't seem to have many stinkbugs. i know the birds are nesting and they are really singing a lot. Yes, finally, spring is on it's way!

    Liz

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  8. I was thinking that just today, the Robins are everywhere, pulling up the worms from the moist earth.
    Stink bugs, not very nice critters, I usually try and leave them be.
    Love your Wheaton boy....

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  9. Hooray for Spring! Boo for Stink Bugs!

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  10. Well, you can keep those stink bug things over there...we defo don't want any of them over here Kim! PS....doesn't he look a smart boy! Sue xx

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  11. Gosh, those eyes get me every time. I love dogs. I love 'em!!!!

    Charlie is one handsome fella. I like that he gets his fur "did" for the springtime. Ha!

    I've got to say, I've never heard of stink bugs. But Nick, our first Golden, loved snails. Eeegads!!!! My stomach is turning over just thinking of it. Ha!

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  12. I can smell the sweet fragrance of spring as it drifts acrss your meadows. I feel like racing down the hill.
    I hear the birdies chirping far away at your home, and right here at mine.
    Do you know what bugs we have? We have stinky lady bugs. Not the kind ones- these are mean and they bite,
    But I say welcome spring! I am ready.
    love
    tweedles

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  13. Hi Charlie
    your sooo cute and I love your sweet face and your hair do!
    love
    tweedles

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  14. Icky bugs! Hope they go away.
    Glad Spring is visiting you.
    And glad you found my blog again.
    Thanks for visiting and commenting.

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  15. Hope the stink bugs go away and leave your house alone. Love that barn painting!

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  16. YES! We are finally starting to see some signs of Spring here in TN too! FINALLY! This has been one of the coldest / snowiest winters we've had here in years! LOVE the new "spring do" ... Matilda needs one too!

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  17. I remember well that feeling of coming out of winter when we lived in Canada! Here we're thinking about summer already and it is already almost too warm to walk the dogs during the day... we'll be back to dusk walks before we know it.

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  18. Hi Kim.
    We're so happy to read the great news about Sam.
    Hugs and kisses,
    Thor and mom

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  19. Isn't it nice to know that the tell tale signs of the change of weather is heralded by the birds and the bees.

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  20. Hi there!
    Lovely post! I also love birds - they do tell their own story and you have captured it beautifully! So the pendulum swings - Spring will be yours and Winter ours!
    Be gentle to the stinkbugs :)
    Lotsalicks
    MAXDOG IN SOUTH AFRICA

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  21. Good Morning,

    I came over from Wilf and Digby's blog to introduce myself. I thought fellow Virginians commenting on a French blog should meet. My name is Lynn and I live in the Southwestern part of Virginia where I am owned by my 3 Scottish Terriers and an aging Labrador Retriever. Come by and visit sometime - we have puppies.

    Lynn
    www.rockycreekscottieadventures.blogspot.com

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  22. We're fortunate not to have those nasty bugs here - but I lived in the south previously and I feel for you!

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  23. those stink bugs look huge ! Great painting.
    Gorgeous coloured birds - they are feeding like mad here - I love my Robin.
    I like dogs shaggy but they do need a tidy up sometimes ! Do pop over as I've posted about old Sam xx

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  24. Hi Kim.. I've " lost " comments recently too and some blogs I can't see their pictures either !

    Sam has glaucoma like one of your old boys.
    When we saw the eye specialist - a very sweet eldely gent, Sam's eye presure was horrendous ! Luckily he responds to the drops & didn't loose his eye. The drops are called
    2% Dorzolamide.
    His vision is blurred & he sometimes bumps into things but is pretty good really. I think he is fairly deaf too !

    Recently he has become rather partial to hen feed !
    Dillon gets jealous when Sam gets his pills especially as hubby calls them " sweeties " ! So I give Dillon an ice cube ...he loves them ! The big dope.

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  25. Woof! Woof! How LOVELY ... LOVE it. I am looking forward for SPRING to come SOON. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!