Just another week down in the hollar...

Lovely weekend here at Miller Bay Road. John and I enjoyed a quiet Thanksgiving on our own. We made a turkey breast for him and a Tofurky for me, mashed potatoes (from our garden), peas (from our garden), and a concoction of winter squash (garden again), apples, and cranberries. Of course we had the requisite pumpkin pie, but only one and no other kinds of pie this year. We had a chance to watch some football (the English kind) and some football (the American kind) and generally relax. We missed our family members, but are glad they enjoyed the holiday without traveling. Maybe next year...

Our weather has improved over the past few days. There's that misty, foggy look in the woods in the morning hours and yesterday we had some lovely sunshine. It promises to be drier this next week. We had a little hail late yesterday to signal the arrival of some cooler air. These final 2 weeks of November are said to be the wettest of the whole year and they have certainly stayed true to that this past week.

We have been supplying the birds with suet and seed blocks which they love this time of year. We even saw the Pileated Woodpecker (huge) on them yesterday. Unfortunately, our resident bruin stopped by sometime last night for a late night snack of  fast food. This morning the feeders are empty and only 2 of the 5 can be found. We're not sure where he takes them. So, that's the end of feeding the birds for now. At least until it's more likely said bear has gone off for a winter sleep (although we are told they don't hibernate up here). Seems we're on his regular route now for munchies. Last week we had a pair of coyotes wander through the yard. Their coats are full and their tails bushy as they get ready for the colder weather. And a deer walked across the road as I was on my way to work one day this week.

The deck is nearly finished. Some additional parts have to be ordered to properly finish it off with rails on the steps. But it does look very nice. Lots of changes to the place over this past year. We'll wait to put the concrete in on the side of the house until the wet season has gone. But the French drain is working to keep that side drier already. 2013 will be the year of the shed. It still needs to be wired for power and gutters placed. The inside will get a loft and the walls will get finished. John will make a workbench as well.

This week will see John in California. He's been home for the past two weeks and now will go down two weeks in a row. I've got work and Christmas cards to keep me occupied. Onward...