April First And No Jokes

The local orchid society had a beautiful display.

I went to the Garden and Flower Show again this year with my neighbor friend Annette. We had a fun time, but noted the big garden displays were not as many or elaborate as in years past. The flower designs were nice and we enjoyed the vendor fair due to so many samples and wine tastings available!  


One of the nicer gardens.

The sand carver was there again this year with colors in his designs!
The cat was larger than me in terms of scale.

I enjoyed ogling the treats even though I didn't buy any.
The Chelsea Buns were the size of a dinner plate!

My backyard has turned into a vibrant bird habitat thanks to the suet feeder. It has attracted so many species I haven't seen in a while; mostly woodpecker types, but some songbirds as well. Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Nuthatch, Titmouse, and Chickadees to name a few. I turned on the Merlin app which ID's bird calls and 20 species were within hearing in 5 minutes of monitoring. Yay! 

A hairy woodpecker and a nuthatch having a nosh.

Now if I could stop visiting all the greenhouses in a 30 mile radius trying to rush the season! We're still a month+ from outdoor planting. 

Sunday I went to Lyne's for a sign painting party in preparation for Saturday's Hands Off protest march in Albany and about 100 other places in the country. I already have my sign, but I fashioned 2 more signs out of cardboard, paint, and duct tape which 2 of my friends wanted to use. We had a nice time chatting, painting and eating! 

Why are cats so drawn to us allergic people? Lyne's cat was so playful and fun it was hard to resist. I paid the price that night with itchy eyes, runny nose, and a touch of asthma.

One of the signs we created.

On my way home I stopped to pick up more potting soil for my seedlings. I'm hoping for a show stopper garden of color this summer and six packs of perennials were getting very pricey last summer, so I'm growing my own.

The zinnias and tithonia will have a great start.

Walking each day continues to be an important outlet for my physical and mental health. I ventured over to the Mohawk River as well as the usual neighborhood routes this week as the winds have not really let up so biking is out.

Pussy willows by the farm.


It looks like the farm has a new herd of young Angus. They were very cute and curious.


I was shocked to find there was still ice in the old Erie Canal.

A pair of hooded mergansers - a new sighting for me.

While I did spot a beaver further up the river, this turned out to be a hefty muskrat.

I finally made the decision to go on a very expensive biking trip to Ireland this summer. I didn't work my whole life to just stay home. I'll be travelling with friends (one the travel advisor) so I will have no logistics to work out and he'll solve any glitches that may come up on the trip. Time to get excited!


Comments

  1. MargaretApril 2, 2025 at 2:13 AM

    I'm also tempted to plant too early; the minute I start seeing sun, I want to get my annuals. However, I have many planters and lots of color due to my friends' floral gifts. I'll be satisfied for now. A trip to Ireland! I am tentatively planning one too--probably a Rick Steves tour. I asked John about it and he isn't interested and wouldn't spend the money. "I didn't work my whole life to just stay home" I echo those words!

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