365 Days of Gratitude - Day 168

I've always loved capturing moments with photographs. Even though so much of my adventurous life is etched in my memory forever (or as long as my memory holds out), I do take great pleasure in capturing moments in photos and then looking at them over and over throughout the years.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Last night's beach walk. Thank you Mr. Seagull.

Marti and the moon

Shoreline riding

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 167

Recharging the batteries is essential for all of us. Knowing exactly what you need to do to recharge those batteries is equally important.

For me it's adventure. Oh sure there are a multitude of other ways as well, like riding, or music, yoga, hiking, and especially nature. But in truth what really reboots my system is adventure. Different sights. Different smells. Different lakes, trees, trails. Different people. Different schedules and routines. Yes, that's always been the best for me to feel re-charged and ready to take on the world.

The funny thing. We just happen to be camping by the Bruce Nuclear Power Generating Station. Lol lol. We're cracking jokes by the hour about not needing flashlights because we're 'glowing'. 

Feeling grateful for these few days away with our best friends - laughing and enjoying life.

Louise

Linda in the Brant Trails

Stopping for a phot -Lori was the photographer

Last night's stroll on the beach

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 166

One of our favourite things of travel is listening to new radio stations. Even though it's always the music that steers our choices, you'd be surprised how much you can learn about an area by listening to local radio.

Our favourite radio station ever (so far) came out of Rochester NY. We dialled it up while camping at Letchworth State Park in NY. The music was INCREDIBLE! Their claim to fame was that no song would be played more than once a day. I swear every song brought a 1000 memories of my life flowing back into my head and heart.

We're in a gorgeous area right now on Lake Huron (internet is spotty at best), but Paul found a radio station that only plays accoustic/unplugged versions of music. My gosh, I'm in heaven!

Feeling grateful,

Louise

P.s. Here's a couple photos from today's ride. We're lucky to be miles away from the horrible weather back home.

Sunsets here are unreal. I promise photos for tomorrow.

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 165

The more I travel, the more I learn. When my eyes are gifted with new horizons to gaze at, and when new aromas tickle my senses I can't help but feel alive. 

A new adventure is like turning the channel. Everything old shuts off allowing an entirely new story to unfold. It's like rebooting your system so that it runs smoother, better, more efficiently.

Feeling grateful to be on another such adventure. Life is good. 

Louise

Standing on the edge of Lake Huron.

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 164

Picking our teams!

Kelsea and I are co-managing our operation (park) in the Ontario Celebration Zone at the Toronto waterfront for the 2015 Pan Am and Para Pan Am games. This week we hired and trained our 30+staff. 

We joked all week that we would be holding our own 'draft' on Friday night so that we could pick our teams. The draft is done and we're super stoked about our teams.

Everyone is excited to be hosting people from all over the world on our amazing zipline, wheelchair access zipline, rock wall, and adrenaline jump.

See you at the waterfront. 

Feeling grateful,

Louise

The draft

Things got feisty. Just kidding. I couldn't have a better partner!!

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 163

Grateful for fun at work!!

Today I hosted the local fire department for an emergency response planning session. T'was rather fun to have 30+ firemen playing in our Treewalk Village. 

Yes, they practiced scenarios. and YES they giggled, hooted, and played like little boys. Quite frankly it was a blast!

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Practicing retrievals with full gear in The Shire

Practicing retrievals in the Treeforts

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 162

Some days everything just clicks. Today was one of them.

GREAT training day with my co-manager Kelsea and our Toronto Pan Am team.

GREAT after work ride with my dear friend Meredith.

GREAT Indian dinner. Mmmmm.

GREAT evening with mom.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Even downed trees from Monday's storm couldn't wipe our grins!

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 161

My mom rocks! No, seriously, she's incredible.

Today she rode The Big Bike down Yonge St in Aurora to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

She'll be 89 in September. How inspiring is that!

Feeling grateful,

Louise

The Big Bike

Her confirmation to participate alongside her fellow residents

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 160

Especially when I am busy, especially when I have much to organize, strategize, ponder, and plan. Especially then, the answers come when my mind is still. The trick is in remembering to let go and allow it to be still. 

Yoga night.

I let all the pieces to the puzzle go while on the mat, knowing with conviction what is right will present itself.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 159

This is by far my favourite Father's Day post. It's from Brendon Burchard and he suggests you interview your dad while you are still able. He also suggests you somehow record the conversation.

My dad passed away last year and as I fondly think of him on this day I feel a sense of relief that I managed to ask him many of these questions in his last couple years of life. I miss his physical presence, but am so very grateful for his continued spiritual presence.

Feeling grateful, 

Louise

Interview Someone You Love About Life

Questions from Brendon Burchard 

1. What comes to mind when you think about growing up in (hometown)?

2. What did you love to do as a kid, before high school?

3. What did you love to do in high school?

4. What do you remember most about your teenage years?

5. What do you remember most about your mom (grandma)?

6. What was most important to her?

7. What do you remember most about your dad (grandfather)?

8. What was most important to him?

9. If grandma and grandpa had a message to you and their grandkids, what do you think it would be?

10. How did you meet mom and know she was the one?

11. How did you choose your career and what did you like most about it?

12. What made you successful at work?

13. What did you believe about yourself that helped you become successful and deal with the hard times?

14. What times in your life truly 'tested your mettle' and what did you learn about yourself by dealing (or not dealing) with them?

15. What three events most shaped your life?

16. What do you remember about when each of us was born?

17. Were you ever scared to be a parent?

18. What three words described your approach to parenting and why?

19. When you think about my siblings, how would you describe them?

20. What messages do you have for my siblings that you want them to remember?

21. When you think about my spouse how would you describe him/her?

22. What message do you have for my spouse that you would like them to always keep in their mind?

23. What three words would you say describe who you wanted to be in life and how you want to be remembered?

24. When they think about their careers what do you want your kids to focus on?

25. What have you learned about other people in life (trustworthy, kind, mean, etc.)?

26. What do you think the world needs more of right now?

27. What do you believe people want the most of in life?

28. What were the three best decisions you ever made?

29.  What are you most proud of in life?

30. What are the five most positive moments of your life?

31. What message would you like to share with your family?

32. What are you most thankful for?

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 158

Feeling incredibly grateful to be spending a weekend with the 'Smith Family.' Once a year we gather as many as possible (41 this year) for a cottage weekend reunion. 

Hubby, his siblings, their spouses, kids, and grandkids. I'm proud to be part of a family that enjoys each other's company THAT much that we can fill a weekend with laughter, games, stories and good times.

Speaking of stories...I worked right up to the minute we headed out the door...and...forgot to pack my clothes in the truck. Too funny!!  No sense getting upset as there are far worse things in life than forgetting your suitcase.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Snuggles with my great nieces n nephews. This is Miller. 

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 157

Puppies! Puppy love! Puppy photos!

Although I live a few thousand kilometres from my daughter, I love how photos, Facebook, and Instagram can make me feel closer to her.

She works with an amazing dog sledding company and one of their dogs had puppies last night. The care and love they have for all their dogs always impresses me, but today I am mostly feeling grateful for all the GREAT photos of momma Peanut and her 4 lil squirts.

Enjoy the photos.

If you want to see more check them out on their Facebook page. Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours. Or www.snowyowltours.com. 

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Awwww...

More awwww

Snuggled warm while momma is outside doing her business

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 156

As you know I volunteered for the last two weeks at a special needs bike skills class. (Which was incredible and life changing for me in so many ways!)

Low and behold one of the organizers was this guy. 

Not only is he a super nice guy, turns out he's a gold medalist for both Para Pan Am Games and Paralympics. Basketball and sledge hockey. 

What a joy to get to know him and watch his commitment to creating positive sporting experiences for ALL people.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Team Canada

Brad in his sledge hockey Team Canada jersey

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 155

I'm always blown away by the simplest of surprises during my work days. Today I had to make an unplanned quick visit to our Horseshoe site to go over a project plan with the site manager. While we were doing a walk-thru of the site I looked up and low and behold THIS dude was standing there guiding.

Bert's one of the first mountain bikers I met after we moved to this area and back in those days he and I managed a few rides a week together. The good ole days before my role morphed to full time, and his life took him in other directions. These days I'm lucky of we cross paths a couple times a year. He's an awesome young man and I miss our philosophical discussions about life. And the dude's a crazy good rider, which I miss too.

So, be still my heart. What an awesome surprise. We snapped this photo and I quickly texted it to my daughter out west (who used to live here and also worked with and rode with Bert). 

She was equally delighted with the surprise.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Me n Bert (Yes, he's Russell Brand's doppelgänger)

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 154

I got a new bike today. Getting one wasn't an easy decision. 

Let me explain.

I used to be a gear snob, at least when it came to bikes. I drooled over the latest products and created wish lists for all kinds of things. When funds were good I spoiled myself with sweet little this's and hot little that's.

Then, about 6 years ago, something in me shifted. I started pondering, then living a more minimalist lifestyle. Smaller home. Less stuff. Less clothes, less belongings, less social commitments, less everything. Especially less purchases. Of any kind.

Anyone who follows me knows I am passionate about mountain biking. Even that took a more minimalist flavour with me. Less switching up gear just for the sake of it. Less keeping up with the latest technology. Less actually caring about any of it too.

Much MORE of being really happy with whatever I had and where ever I was. Much MORE of creating riding experiences based on places, people and fun. Much, much more of a life based on adventures than on 'stuff.'

Then this spring my good ole steed (bike) started behaving like all aging mechanical things do. Parts stopped working well no matter how much love they were given and I found myself in the position of contemplating a purchase.

I'm no longer good at parting with money. Not that I'm a hoarder, just that spending and buying fights against a minimalist viewpoint and it put me in a quandary. In the end we decided that a new bike made more sense, especially given our retirement is fast approaching and living minimally will be amping up even more. So, thanks to a special discount I ordered this beauty and picked it up today.

Final note. I'll be donating my old steed ensuring it doesn't end up in landfill. At least not yet. (Before you ask - it's already spoken for).

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Virgin solo ride. She performed beautifully. I think I'll call her 'The Orange Crush'

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 153

It's a new moon tomorrow. I always love the 'new cycle starting' energy of a new moon. It's a beautiful time to set intentions and express gratitude. 

I read something the other day that made me smile. It was an idea on how to set intentions if it's something new to you. This person (can't remember who) said to write your deepest desires on a small piece of paper, fold the paper and put in a flower pot with some good soil and the flower or vegetable seeds of your choice. In order for your intentions to grow you must water them, and care for them with love.

What a wonderful idea. Happy new moon to everyone! 

Feeling grateful,

Louise

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 152

Another day with my gratitude cup spilling over.

We (the company I work for) opened up our Treewalk Village today with tremendous success. Listening to the children and parents squeal with delight as they recounted their favourite adventures in the Village was inspiring and humbling.

It made me ponder the blood, sweat, and tears from so many people to ensure this nature-oriented park for little ones became a reality. Design. Construction. Marketing. Operations. And of course the vision and inspiration that started it all from our leader Stephane Vachon. I am proud to be associated with a company that believes play and nature are 2 very important elements to growing up!

I'm also recounting the wonderful evening I had with my mom. Girls dinner out (thanks to my amazing hubby Paul), and a visit to my Pop at the cemetery. Mom was moved to tears and my heart soared as a result.

Yes, life is good.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Mom at dinner

Treewalk Village 

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 151

The day is only half over and already my gratitude cup is spilling over! This morning I was lucky to join in on a reunion ride with my girlfriend Jodi who was 'home' for a short visit. She moved west (same mountain town as my daughter actually) and it was nice to be included in her 'homecoming ride.'

The girls were all young. And fit. And fast. Oh my I had a hard workout just trying to keep their dust in my sight lines, but I loved Every. Single. Second. I love rides where I leave nothing in the tank! Thank you so much Carolyn (great to see you again too), Kim (nice to finally put face to name), and of course the girl of honour Jodi for dialling things down enough that I felt like part of the group. You all ROCK!

And, nice surprise - while chasing the girls we happened upon an other friend (of all of us) out in the forest. Made my day even better seeing Laurie and her hubby!

Off to take mom for dinner.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Laurie, Carolyn, Kim, Jodi, and me. 

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 150

It's a rainy home-office kinda day. The ones where I start early, stay in my jammies and just pound through the pile of computer work.

I LOVE them. It's quiet. I'm in my own little world.

Imagine my complete surprise when the door flew open at 3 o'clock (I'd JUST gotten out of my pj's and was thinking of a late lunch) and my eldest son walked in. He lives an hour and a half away from us, so a random visit is never on my radar.

Super happy he stopped in on his way north for weekend. Made my day! I love this boy to bits!

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Silly selfie

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 149

We are in the final stages of preparing to open our Treewalk Village. Today I spent some time checking out the park features and training the Park Rangers. Super FUN!

Best part, stopping in to see my mom on the way home! I love surprising her. Life is good.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Me n the new Park Rangers playing in the tree forts.

Check it out at: http://treetoptrekking.com/en/stouffville/activities/treewalk-village/

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 148

This just happened.

Me. My Ride Guide leaders Matt and Sara. A group of special needs kids. And a bunch of bikes.

I am having a hard time finding the words to express what I'm feeling in my heart right now. Working with the special needs kids, playing with and on a variety of bikes, and helping them overcome obstacles and fears was humbling, exhilarating, and probably the BEST thing I have done all year.

Feeling extremely grateful to Matt and Sara for including me.

Feeling extremely grateful for my new friend Sar-Bear (as she calls herself) and super proud of her accomplishments!

Feeling extremely grateful for my own love of bikes and being able to share it,

Louise

Sara checking out one of the hand bikes

Matt and Sara - proud to be associated with them and Ride Guides

Rideguides.ca 

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 147

I keep seeing snakes. Real snakes in the forest, photos of snakes, and stories of snakes. When nature speaks to me, and it often does, I listen.

I've long loved Ted Andrews and his book Animal Speak. If you feel a strong connection to nature and animals I highly recommend purchasing the book. 

Here's what the snake had to say to me today.

Feeling grateful, 

Louise

By, Ted Andrews; Animal Speak 1993

Keynote: Rebirth, Resurrection, Initiation, and Wisdom

Of all the reptiles-and maybe even all animals-the snake has been the subject of great controversy and paradox. Religious sources argue over whether it is the symbol of the higher or the lower. Sometimes seen as devil and sometimes as healer, it is an animal that truly has earned the mythical reputation.

In the Americas, the snake served as a prominent symbol in art and lore. To the Native Americans, the snake is a symbol of transformation and healing. Snake ceremonies involved learning to transmute the poisons within the body after being bitten multiple times. Survival of this would then enable the individual to transmute all poisons-physical or otherwise. It activated the energy of kill or cure, ultimately leading to dramatic healings.

In the Meso-American societies, the serpent or snake was depicted as feathered and flying. It was a symbol of their greatest god and hero, Quetzalcoatl. Quetzalcoatl’s story is the myth of a dying god who would someday return. In many ways he was the patron god of the Toltecs, and it was said that the heavens and stars and all the motions of the universe were under his dominion. “He was the master of the winds and of the clouds and the protecting genius of his people.

In Greece the snake was also a symbol of alchemy and healing. The god Hermes carried a staff upon which were entwined two snakes. This caduceus symbol is the primary symbol of modern medicine and doctors. It is a symbol of wisdom expressed through healing.

In India the goddess Vinata was the mother of snakes and a symbol of water and the underworld. Also in India there were demigods, Nagas and their beautiful wives, Naginis, who were usually depicted as half cobra and half deity. The god Vishnu is often depicted sleeping on the serpent of eternity called Ananta. Shiva wears snakes for bracelets and necklaces, representing sexuality.

The serpent and snake has long been a symbol of the sexual/creative life force within humans as is taught in Eastern traditions. The kundalini or serpent fire lies coiled at the base of the spine. As we grow and develop, the primal energy is released, rising up the spine. This in turn activates energy centers in the body and the mind, opening new dimensions and levels of awareness, health, and creativity.

In Chinese astrology one of every twelve years is named for the snake. Those born within that year are believed to have the qualities of compassion, clairvoyance and charm. They usually need to learn lessons associated with forgiveness, superstitiousness and possessiveness as well. A study of Chinese astrology will help you with this.

In Egypt the snake has also had mystical significance. The uraeus is a headband in the shape of the snake. The head of the snake rests and sticks out at the brow area. It was believed to represent a state of inner sight and control of the universe. It was a symbol worn by those who were initiated. Some believe it to be variations of the eye of Horus, while others see it as the sacred eye of Ra. It represented a certain degree of wisdom and understanding.

Because it sheds its skin, the snake has long been a symbol of death and rebirth. It sheds its skin as it outgrows the old. This death and rebirth cycle is part of what snake represents. It has ties and significance to the ancient alchemists and their symbolic transmutation of lead into gold. This is associated with higher wisdom that comes with the passing of time. This cycle of death and rebirth is often symbolized by the ouroborus, the ancient image of a snake swallowing its own tail. It is the symbol of eternity.

Before the snake begins to shed its skin, its eyes will begin to cloud over. It gives the snake a trance like appearance. To many mystics and shamans this indicated the ability of the snake to move between the realms of the living and the dead, of crossing over from life to death and then back to life again. As the skin begins to shed, the eyes begin to clear as if they will see the world anew. For this reason, alchemists often believed that wisdom and new knowledge would lead to death and rebirth, enabling the individual to see the world from an entirely new perspective.

The snake has often been depicted, along with its relatives, the serpent and dragon, as a guardian. It is found in myth and lore guarding treasures, the springs of life or sacred places. The snake/serpent guarded the tree on which the Golden Fleece hung in the Greek tale of Jason and the argonauts.

The snake is sinuous and fast. Although many people think of them as slimy, their skin is very dry. In fact, humans are slimier than snakes. If a human runs his or her hand on the floor, it will pick up dirt. A snake’s skin will not which is why it is able to slide and move in the manner it does.

A snake attacks quickly. It raises itself up and strikes quick, hard, and true to its mark. It is not unusual to find that those with this totem can respond the same way if need be. It is best not to anger snake people. Although slow to lose their tempers, once lost, their bite is quick, sharp, and direct. They almost always hit their mark. They may end up swallowing you whole or just poisoning you in some way.

Anytime a snake shows up as a totem, you can expect death and rebirth to occur in some area of your life. This rarely reflects an actual death but rather a transition. Look for a change in conditions and a movement to new life. Examine what is going on around you. Are you needing to make changes but aren’t for some reason? Are you trying to force change too quickly? Are you striking out at people and shouldn’t? Are you not striking and should?

Remember that a snake not only uses its venom and bite to overcome prey, but also for defense. What is needing to be healed? What new opportunities are surfacing that you need to strike out for and take advantage of?

It can also reflect that your own creative forces are awakening. The stimulation of the kundalini usually has physiological as well as spiritual consequences. Physiologically it can activate the sexual drive, bring more energy, etc. Spiritually it can stimulate greater perception of how to apply your insight and intuition. Your own vision and intuition will become more accurate.

To understand the specific role your snake totem will play within your life, first begin by examining the form it takes. This alone will tell you much. Every snake has a head, body, and tail, and there are a wide variety of snakes. Some are poisonous, almost all can bite, and some squeeze and strangle their prey by coiling around it. Examine your snake’s markings, and the patterns of its scales. A diamond-back rattler is named for its pattern of scales. Examine the significance of geometric shapes. This will help you to define the role the snake will have in your life.

The rattlesnake, for example, moves around only during the cool hours of the night. Extreme heat is deadly to it. You may find for yourself that becoming more nocturnal would be of benefit. It has a sidewinding motion to its movement. It also has a special sense organ, a small pit in the head that reacts to heat put out by other creatures. This is how it senses its prey. On a symbolic level this indicates for those with this totem an increasing sensitivity to the auras of others. You may start seeing them soon, but you will definitely start sensing them. Trust what you feel around others, no matter how strange it may seem.

Always examine some of the qualities and characteristics of the snake in general. Snakes are carnivorous. They swallow their prey whole. To be able to do this, their jaws will unhinge. The mouth is where we take in nutrition in the form of food. This unhinging ability of the snake reflects the increased ability for those with this totem to swallow and absorb greater amounts of nutrition for the head, i.e., knowledge. Learning opportunities, formal and informal, will surface frequently. Usually with a snake totem, there is little chance of overloading the brain circuits. You will be able to swallow and digest whatever you take in.

Some people have associated hypnotic qualities with the snake because of its stare. The unblinking stare occurs because the snake has no eyelids. Learning to use the eyes to mesmerize and look into the hearts and souls of others directly is part of what traditional snake medicine can teach. It may even indicate a need to look more closely into your own heart and soul.

Snakes have a keen sense of smell. They actually smell with their tongue, which is why it flicks in and out so much. Inside the mouth of the snake in the roof is an organ called the Jacobson’s organ. This organ enables the snake to assimilate the air around them. This organ helps them to taste the air and its odors, helping then to locate food sources.

The sense of smell is linked to higher forms of discrimination and spiritual idealism. Individuals with the snake totem will find themselves extremely sensitive to smells and fragrances. Aromatherapy may be a form of healing that is beneficial to explore. They should pay attention to what is going on around them. Do things really smell right around you? Make sure that you are very discriminating about what you say and to whom-and with what you involve yourself?

Snakes are symbols of change and healing. They have speed and agility, so those who have snakes come into their life will usually find the changes and shifts occur quickly and are soon recognized and defined. When snake comes into your life you can look for a rebirth into new powers of creativity and wisdom.

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 146

I sneaked into my neighbours backyard after a particularly good yoga class tonight to watch the setting sun peek through the forest.

Don't the trees look like they are dancing?!

Feeling super grateful,

Louise

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 145

The whirlwind trip to Canada finishes in style. Thanks to brother Doug and SIL Theresa for hosting a wonderful gathering at their place. This is a weekend my mom will remember with deep love and appreciation for the rest of her life. What a gift my cousin and her husband gave her - the gift of their time.

I will be ever so sad to see them leave in the morning.

Feeling grateful for a lifetime of laughs shared this weekend.

Louise

The Cheltenham Badlands (on the way to Doug and Treese's

A fantastic afternoon at Doug and Treese's

A butterfly Geertjan and I saw on our morning walk

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 144

A fantastic day with the Dutch relatives. We are feeling blessed for being able to spend time together.

It's interesting. With my parents immigrating to Canada in the 1950's my siblings and I never grew up having cousins, grandparents, aunts or uncles around. Well, periodically there were visits from this one or that, but day-to-day, or even annual interaction wasn't part of our lives.

But blood is thick. And family ties, no matter how far the geographical distance are still ties. I am grateful that even though we grew up on opposite sides of 'the pond' we were diligent in not only staying in contract, but in forging deep bonds and loving relationships.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Breaking bread together

Enjoying the sun skimming through the trees above our deck

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 143

Feeling incredibly grateful.

My cousin Jorien and her husband Geertjaan have flown in for a weekend visit from Amsterdam. We picked up mom today to join in on our weekend of catching up, sharing stories, showing photos and enjoying each other's company.

Life is amazing!

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Around our campfire

Showing photos

Mom is the only surviving aunt from the Molenaar side

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 142

Ahhhh, bliss. This was my office for the 2nd half of my day. I love having a job that gives me the freedom to buckle down and do my computer work from the comforts of my choosing.

Today I chose my back deck.

Feeling lucky to call a work day a lil piece of heaven.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

A 2nd cup of coffee. A bug flew in the first one. 

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 141

It's spring and birds are nesting everywhere. If you are lucky a nest was built in an area where you get to enjoy the mothering festivities.

We have a little sparrow sitting on eggs in a nest built by our basement door. It's hard to enter/exit without creating a flurry of activity. We decided for the nesting period we'd just use the front door only so moma can relax while hatching her eggs. It's fun to go downstairs for a daily peek to check on the status though.

Here are some stunning photos my friend Greg Collett took of nesting robins at his home. Aren't they gorgeous!

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Hungry babes!