One thing the Seattle area is famous for is rain, and boy oh boy, are we ever living up to our reputation this winter! It just keeps coming down, an inch or so every day, translating into lots of snow up in the mountains. Friends and family in Arizona would gladly take some off my hands if only I could figure out how to send it their way. If only I could! I am SO tired of this gray, wet, cold weather! A week ago we had a "sunbreak" (translation: hurry outside for a peek at that golden orb in the sky because it will be a while before it reappears) so I hurried out and did some much-needed weeding in the front yard. I uncovered all the crocus, daffodils and a few tulips that are already shooting up. I also pruned back the new hydrangea I planted last summer, afraid I had lost it to our frost and snow last December. It proved to be hardy and has several new green buds. I find this very encouraging! Spring is actually on its way.

Gaylen, my DH, has "adopted" a covy of quail. He spreads sunflower seeds out in the garden each evening, and with the break of day each morning, the 6 quail (2 females/4 males) come through and clean it out. If they're early enough, they can beat the squirrels. If they wait for the sun to come up, there is a whole party going on out in the garden with the touhees, squirrels, and quail. It's quite fun to watch. In an effort to scare off the competition, the male quail will fluff up his feathers and strut around. The squirrels ignore them, and go about busily stuffing their cheeks. We always have sunflowers growing in strange places each spring; a testament to the squirrels digging holes all around the yard and stashing their food.