Sustainable Sanctuary Living: January 2016

When we moved here we put a lot of stuff in storage and my gardening things were some of them which included all of my bird feeders. Now I have some really nice ones so I acquired one more... but when it didn't seem like the birds realized it was there I knew I needed to have more feeders. I looked about and came up with some ideas that could get me through and this is the first one.

I used a large plastic pretzel container I had saved and then I found this plate in the camping box, it is also plastic.

I put three holes in the bottom equal distance apart using a high heat glue gun and a paring knife. I then put some Original Gorilla Glue on it and weighted it down with a heavy book.

The next morning I reinforced it with three self tapping metal screws. I wrapped the top with 20 gage wire to hang it up with.

and filled it with Black Oil Sunflower Seeds.

I hung it out in an oak tree and the birds began to come.

If you build it they will come.

Tuffed Titmouse

Cardinal

This is a dark eyed Junco (male)

This is a Tuffed titmouse again

This almost looks the same but then again it looks different.

Predators: Remember to hang your feeders high when planning your Bird Feeding Zone.

The Chickens have found the Bird Feeding Zone too...

This cardinal has taken charge over this feeder, he has been chasing the chickadees away when he feels like feeding. That is why I filled the second feeder so they won't have to go too far while he is around.

I have really enjoyed watching the birds over the last few days. As I see more birds I will add them to the page as they come along. Also, this is just a spur of the moment Bird Feeding Zone. I will plan one out this winter and create it in the coming summer. Please share with me any and all your birding secrets.

Peace, Kirsten

I got some of my bird identification from wonderful this page.

This picture was taken last year at this time when we were looking to buy this house and property.

It doesn't look so shabby this year, the lawn is now mowed through this space.

Today is January 8th, 2016. I am getting excited already for spring. One of the signs that spring is coming have happened; my solar lights that have been dark for a while began to glow last night, after a long sun filled day. It is as if hope is in the air; "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tunes without the words and never stops at all." Emily Dickinson.

I pretty much lost the last two summers in the way of gardening. I did get in the ground a bit of greens, onions, potatoes, pot herbs and garlic last summer but the fulfilling dig in the garden time was not there. I am looking forward to it very much. I am pleasantly aware of the fact that Southern Indiana has such a short winter.

I bought a garden fork the other day. I can do great things with one of these. Most of my gardening tools and my rototiller is still being stored at grandmas in the north, the plan is to begin toting these items south this spring. It is all part of planting roots in a new place, a new homestead. The possibilities are endless. It has been quite a while since I have started a new garden... I will miss my little house in the north with its untamed English Style Garden but I look forward to starting again and creating something new. This property is like a blank slate, I have found only a few planted things; hosta, ajuga and some purple cone flowers. It will all be new and fresh. Starting over is hard and a new beginning harold's the end of something else.

I have met some wonderful new people since I have moved here but I have noticed that people my age (not too old but old enough) are a bit set in their ways. They have lives, friends, family and even though they are gregarious and quite friendly they aren't completely interested in rearranging their world to create space for a new friend. I understand this but it doesn't really change the fact that I miss my bff, the one who can finish my sentences and show up at my house at 5 am in her jammies and make a pot of coffee, if I don't already have one going. I am a social creature and even though my friend is the sister of my heart she is 407 miles away and isn't available for visits. This doesn't make me any less lonely and do I understand it isn't about loyalty, it's about moving forward and being open for new friendships. Now taking applications for BFF; must love coffee and digging in the dirt. Having a creative spirit and a solid opinion are great assets! Apply over coffee! "A single act of Kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees." Amelia Earhart

I struggled with the fact that when we moved we were leaving family behind. We are missing out on the daily growth of the children and grandchildren. I think when my son and his family moved away to New York for a better opportunity for their success, it made me realize that we did not need to stay in a spot where we were unable to thrive. I am grateful for cell phones and skype! I love all of my family who are miles from me and I miss them deeply but I do understand they have the purpose of living their lives too.

Everyday is a new day full of great things to come and I look forward to sharing them with you.

How about you? Have you had new beginnings? What things did you do to prepare and accomplish them? Are you contemplating a new beginning? I would love to hear about your new beginnings and the steps involved.