Being Outside

I needed to go outside today. I don't know when I'll get to again for a while.

It was raining lightly as I went out to the street to get the newspaper this morning, but I took time to enjoy the color along the driveway. 

While the Christmas decorations are all gone inside, we still have the light up outside. 

The hummingbird couple we have overwintering here will soon be enjoying the just opening blooms of this Mahonia 

They like the winter jasmine too. 

We have been enjoying the color on this cotoneaster for months now. 

After enjoying my walk down the driveway and back, it was time for breakfast, PT exercises for the last time, mopping the kitchen floor, and doing laundry. Then there was a break in the rain, so it was time for a walk in the neighborhood. 

On the way back we saw the first robin on the cotoneaster. We have been expecting them. I'm sure there will be more now and they will be eating all of those berries. 

Although the rain started back up again, it was very light and I took the opportunity to check out what was happening in the rest of the yard. 

The first hellebore is blooming. 

The snow drops are getting ready to bloom/

The hardy cyclamen leaves make a beautiful green mat.  

All the work we did in the fall pays off with a very tidy looking winter garden.

Primroses are starting to bloom.

Tom checked his bonsai under their winter shelter. 

Moss and fern fronds are the features in the secret garden.

Tom has been planting little hardy cyclamen starts here and there, and there they are, rapidly spreading.

My walk in the woods is limited these days to a stroll under our big firs and wonderful cedars. 

Oh, the Sarcococca is beginning to bloom. I must have Tom pick some to bring into the house next week. The scent is heavenly. 

A few hardy fuchsias still dance in the breeze.  

In the greenhouse, my amaryllis is getting very tall. Tom will bring it in when it breaks bud. 

Just as it was time to go in, the sky lightened and the sun even broke through briefly.

But I was happy with my time outside. It will sustain me for a while now as I move on tomorrow to my next big adventure.