handmade (day 1)

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Shanda

Since childhood, I’ve been surrounded by creativity, by “makers”. Grandparents, aunts, and mom especially. It seemed as though every visit with family involved an informal show and tell, and every Christmas or Birthday involved a handmade gift or two. As I think back on those days I realize how much those times influenced me, even when I was little and focusing more on play than on what the grown ups were doing.

Consequently, I have grown up into a profound respect and appreciation for a variety handmade items and find that the things made by individual people move me in ways no factory made item could. For example, if you take an item purchased from Target and place it by the side of the same type of item made by your friend or neighbor, the handmade wins every time. It oozes with an aura of thoughtfulness, love, personality, giving of time and energy, and warmth.

There is a spiritual element to the handmade, too. One of the names for God is Maker.

On Saturday, we had a nice day-long visit with my parents, beginning with the unwrapping of gifts.

The first thing I opened was a beautiful wooden box that Dad constructed and Mom beautified. It was so meaningful that they made it together.

They used a seashell for the top that matches the color and grain of the wood.

I wondered as I opened it why it was so heavy.

Gently lifting the lid, I discovered fiesta coasters to match my collection of dishes! There were nine of them, one for each member of the my family.

Underneath the coasters was another thoughtful touch. The bottom was lined with an old map of my hometown, including the location of Rich’s and my first house.

This simple wooden box is a priceless gift and one that I am honored to have received from my parents. I will happily use it to beautiful my home, and hold coasters.

“Everyone who has any talent at all in sketching, painting, sculpturing or carving, should have the opportunity to use that talent. The expression is important for the person, and can tremendously enrich the lives of other people. What can you do?” Edith Schaeffer

the one and only E

Posted on March 6, 2015 by Shanda

Grace is recovering from the flu and we are on the couch together watching The Well-Diggars Daughter. If you have not watched this golden French film….it’s perfect and lovely…heart warming. David and Seth are also home recovering from the flu. For the last week, I have been Nurse Mother. There is a huge pot of chicken noodle soup on the simmer in the kitchen, along with various medicines, tissues, drinks, and tender loving care, ready and waiting to meet their every need.

One son in the family has remained healthy, the one and only Ethan. He is thankful that he didn’t spend his birthday, which was yesterday, sick like the rest of his siblings.

He requested a Boston Creme Pie and an Apple Pie for his birthday dessert. With the extra work I had as Nurse, I decided to order the pies from a bakery half an hour away. Grace was home from school so she graciously watched Sarah (and, Finding Neverland) while I was gone. I picked up Ethan and Jacob from school. With coffees from Dunkin Donuts, we went on our little road trip to the Bakery and then ate Ethan’s choice for lunch; chinese buffet.

The waitress asked them if they were twins. They are only a year and two months apart, so almost irish twins. They act like twins, though, since the day Ethan was born they’ve been the best of friends. For example, I had originally asked Ethan to go with me alone for lunch, but he asked if Jacob could go because “it would be more fun that way.” He wasn’t being cruel, he was only being honest. I love these brothers. They are good for each other. Ethan’s the only one in the family who doesn’t treat Jacob with respect for being the firstborn. LOL

Ethan had 20 dollars Grandma and Grandpa, and with an extra six dug from my purse,he and Jacob went into GameStop (a used game store).

We arrived back home with a game for Ethan, a calligraphy pen for Jacob, and birthday pies.

After so much Chinese food for lunch, he decided on pizza for dinner. Rich brought it home from Ethan’s favorite place, Frank Pepe.

He loves the clam pizza but their supplier is having bad luck, so we ate shrimp instead. With lots and lots of garlic yumminess. There was a meat pizza for the others. As I gaze at the photo, I am tempted to go get a cold leftover piece from the fridge.

At first, he seemed more interested in playing his games than opening his gift. But it wasn’t true.

One of my favorite parts of being a mom of many, one of the beautiful little things I didn’t expect, is the joy in seeing the siblings get in each other’s way to watch a brother or sister open the birthday gifts. All so very excited.

I had made Ethan wait until later on in the day to open his gift, because Rich was the one who took care of everything, although Sarah and I wrapped it. Look at those faces!

A smile for his Dad, a smile that says “thank you, I love them”.

The smell of leather.

For the rest of the night there was a sound of cowboy boots on all the wooden floors.

A much cherished gift.

I, for one, became over-stuffed with pie. Look at that cream in the middle! And it’s real! Not cool-whip or frosting, but real lightly sweetened whipped cream. The cake (Boston Creme Pie, rather) was entirely delicious.

Apple pie was good, too.

Seth missed out on the birthday song and pie because he fell asleep on the couch. David missed it because he was feeling sick with the flu. There are leftovers for them.

After a while, I left Emily, Ethan, Jacob, and Grace playing a video game together with their Dad watching over them. I got into bed with a grateful heart, all tired out from a day of happiness, celebrating my beloved son Ethan’s 17 birthday.

All those years ago I tucked him into my arms, a perfect fit, with so much love.

seth, breakfast, cats

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Shanda

GUESS who got his wrestling metals back after giving them away to a kid on the bus?

Seth and Caleb knew just where the boy lived so Rich went with them for a quick visit. They don’t live on our street exactly, but just a few minutes and simple turns away from us. The dad answered the door and once the situation became clear, he let his wife deal with it while he promptly disappeared for the rest of the visit. The mom was friendly and apologetic and confessed that they have also had some problems with their kids giving things away (pokemon cards are being stolen from them, too). The boy gave back the metals and all was well.

What’s the deal with Pokemon cards? Seth says everyone’s collecting them and trading them. He himself has ended up with a small stack and because I know for a fact he doesn’t have any to trade, I say, “DON’T take anymore pokemon cards from your friends!” At Caleb’s school they are collecting football and baseball cards.

Rich and I both do Caleb’s homework with him, common core math is a killer!

Davy drew this 3D optical illusion and took the picture. cool, right?

Breakfast #1 — plain greek yogurt topped with half frozen blueberries, unsweetened organic coconut, 1 sliced strawberry, cinnamon, and ginger.

Breakfast #2 — stir fried veggies, sliced ham, 2 fried eggs, piece of toast.

Breakfast #3 “Balboa Brunch” from the cookbook The American Country Inn and Bed & Breakfast Cookbook Volume 2

BALBOA BRUNCH

3 Tablespoons Butter
3 cups sliced leeks, white part only

12 slices white bread
1 pound cooked small shrimp
1 pound Swiss cheese, grated
3 Tablespoons chopped fresh dill
5 eggs
2 1/2 cups milk
salt and pepper to taste

Butter a 9 by 13 glass (or, fiestaware) casserole dish. In a medium skillet melt the butter and sauté the leeks until they are tender. Remove the crusts from the bread and arrange half in the prepared dish. Top with half of the sautéed leeks, half of the shrimp, half of the cheese, and half of the dill. Repeat the layers. In a medium bowl beat together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour the eggs over the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
Bake in a 350 oven for 50-60 minutes, uncovered.
Serves 8

I’ve been making breakfasts because Rich has worked from home the last three days.

We had this for breakfast this morning and he said he will also have it for lunch. YUM!

Billy Cat and I watched the birds.

When I saw I was not alone, I opened the door and made him come in. I can’t abide bird-killers.

I came in and sat next to dozing Sherlock.

He has an ongoing problem with Billy and became tense as soon as he sensed Billy’s presense in the room.

SO sad.

snow

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Shanda

Our mailbox peeks out from a snowbank just like the majority of our neighbor’s mailboxes. I saw one that was wrapped around and around with duck tape, in a furious attempt to keep it from being broken off by the snowplows.

We haven’t had snowfall in a few days but what we have, old snow, is deep and interesting. Caleb’s school assembly was put off until the end of March because there is too much snow piled in the parking lot and as a result, not enough room for people to park.

Sarah keeps busy indoors. She especially enjoys making herself a house out of all the couch cushions. It’s good harmless fun and she’s always thoughtful to include her stuffed animals.

This is the look Parker always gives me when I go into the kitchen. “Are you about to give me a treat?”

Another thing Sarah likes to do is have hot chocolate under the table.

I made scalloped potatoes and ham yesterday for dinner.

With ham from a pig that Rich’s Dad raised and butchered for us. Delicious.

Dusted with paprika right before covering it with foil, popping it into the oven and heading off to the library.

She wore it in the car but not in the library, thankfully.

Our library looks different in the Winter.

Caleb requested books about Football. It’s his latest passion and interest, although he assured me that does still like snakes.

I usually peruse the “NEW” bookshelf and there were some absolutely delightful books to borrow. I read them out loud last night.

The Lion and the Bird. A Lion helps an injured bird and they spend the winter together and become friends. A sweet book with lots of pages of thoughtful illustrations. Heartwarming.

What to Do When You’re Sent to Your Room, Moms of boys will laugh through this one. I loved it.

Go to Sleep, Little Farm. Gorgeous artwork and a lovely soothing story, creatively worded and a joy to read aloud.

Sam and Dave dig a Hole. If only they knew what they kept missing! I read this to Seth and he said, “Read it again!” which is a sure sign of a good book. Drink chocolate milk and eat animal crackers while reading.

I Wish I had a Pet. Illustrated with whimsical pictures of felt mice and other animals. Very creative and my favorite book from the stack.

Davy’s vinegar egg experiments continue! This one is being turned to “rubber”. He is greatly influenced by youtube videos and he made his own tutorial.

Seth got home from school and got cozy on Sarah’s couch cushions with the remote.

Sarah’s been taking trips to the garage to ride her bike. She’s never out there for very long. She’s funny.

Grace has a leak in her ceiling so Rich went up on the roof to shovel off some of the snow and ice.

He said that when he was a teenager he and a couple friends drove around hiring themselves out, shoveling roofs after a heavy snowfall. They made a good bit of money doing it, too.

These pictures were all taken yesterday. Today Jacob is home with a bad cold. He is currently sleeping on the couch. Sarah and I are in the new room listening to iTunes “Princess Radio”. I have a sleeping cat by my side. David and Ethan will be home soon because they have a half day of school.

I have a 3:45 appointment to get my hair done.

How are you today?

Hope you have a wonderful day and spend a little time nurturing yourself. You are loved, my friends!

RECIPES:

scalloped potatoes and ham, my favorite way to make them
soft ginger cookies (easy–I didn’t even bother using the mixer)

and all along….

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Shanda

I looked for the tiny ring all over the house.
Not only I, but my whole family.
Under the radiators.
Under the beds.
In all my jewelry boxes.
In the pigs on my kitchen windowsill.
On the piano.
Under all the furniture.
Down the drain.
In the bedding.
Under the fridge.
On the counters.
Behind washer and dryer.
In the lint drawer.
In my bed.
In the bathrooms.
In the couch (twice) cracks, cushions.
Under throw rugs.
In the bookshelves, behind them, under them.
In the clothes in my dresser, pockets of jeans, coats, and aprons.

I searched diligently for an entire week, I vacuumed, dusted, swept, moaned, groaned, cried, howled, sighed, talked about it incessantly, offered rewards, and had nightmares all because of my beautiful lost Tiffany ring. By the end of the week, I began to accept the fact that it was lost forever. I even began dropping it from conversations with my loved ones.

***

We had another snow storm on Saturday, so on Sunday after the skies cleared up and the snow melted off the roads I thought I would get out of the house with the kids. I got myself dressed and thought I would put a ring on my right hand, which felt rather blank without decoration. (I’ve been punishing myself by not wearing any superfluous rings. Maybe deep down inside I felt they were safer in the jewelry box.)

I was alone in my quiet bedroom as I walked over to my dresser. I lifted the lid to the glass dish in which I keep my rings …..

I chose one and slipped it on my pointer finger. It was a purple stoned ring that I bought at Brimfield with my sister a few years ago.

It felt loose and seemed a bit too flashy for shopping at the mall with the kids so I took it off and put it back.

As I placed it in the dish, I took a moment to see if there was a different one to wear. At the very same time……I saw my missing ring.

It had been hidden inside the purple one. (see above photo) I had looked in the dish several times, even stirred the rings around with my finger, and never saw it.

I stood in shock for a moment and then picked it up. I felt nothing but disbelief and shame. I slipped it on my finger and walked out of my room. I didn’t feel like celebrating, I felt rather stupid, but I knew after all my fussing I had to do something so I loudly announced, “I found my ring!!” to the family. The children groaned when I told them where it was.

WE HAD SEARCHED AND SEARCHED THE ENTIRE HOUSE, FIT TO BE TIED, AND ALL ALONG IT WAS RIGHT WHERE IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE.

And now it’s back on my joyous finger again.

THANKFUL

{this moment} now and then

Posted on February 20, 2015 by Shanda

Caleb and I made cookies today and I thought, “I’ve seen this *face behind a beater* before!”

Sure enough…..from 7 years ago…..January 4, 2008…..

Caleb, now and then.

beautiful God, beautiful home

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Shanda

“….there are three dimensions of the Christian life that the Scriptures are concerned about–the good, the true, and the beautiful. Yet we tend to cut off the third from the other two…rarely do we find a focus on the beautiful…..”

“….the Scriptures speak about the beauty of God. His Word tells us that all things beautiful find their source and foundation in the character of God Himself. So, God is ultimately the norm of the good, the norm of the true, and the norm of the beautiful.”

“Ever since the people of God have existed in community, art has been a significant concern. When we go to the Old Testament, for example, we see there that the first people filled with the Holy Ghost were the artisans and craftsman that God selected to prepare the objects for the tabernacle.”

“…….God saw art and what it communicates as being important enough to include in His tabernacle—to include the beautiful where people would meet to worship Him. Beauty is important to God because He is beautiful, and so what is beautiful must be of importance to His people as well. Christian artists should be encouraged to create beautiful art, and Christian people should be encouraged to appreciate the beautiful alongside the true and the good, for the Lord Himself is beautiful.”

“Our Beautiful God”, article in Tabletalk magazine by R.C. Sproul

****

Although I am not an artist, I have an hungry eye for beauty. I suppose this is the reason I like carrying my camera around in capturing some of the loveliness in the world around me.

As I wrote in the last post, I have lost a ring that is precious to me. It haven’t been found yet, but in looking for it I have done a lot of cleaning in rather neglected corners of my home.

I have been forced to take the time to thoughtfully clean and dust and rearrange the things we have in our home, and as a result, it has been a surprising blessing in losing my ring that my eyes have been opened to the beauty of home-life again.

There is so much beauty in ordinary life. A well made bed, children playing games, toys lying about, animals curled up in surprising locations, food lovingly prepared, candles lit, pretty dishes, quiet music playing, blankets ready to be snuggled in, piles of books, the children’s school papers and art, clean floors, the smell of fresh laundry, and the glow of sunlight through a clean window.

Indeed, just give me one clean and washed counter and I’ll be happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“We must have beauty around us to make us good.” M.E.W. Sherwood

I made myself lunch yesterday. It was broccoli and red pepper stir fried with a minced clove of garlic and sliced mushrooms. After the vegetables were done, I removed them from the skillet and scrambled two eggs. Topped with shredded parmesan and pepper.

Yesterday’s supper. It was well received by all except Caleb and Seth.

For dessert, a frozen fruit salad. 3 cups fresh whipped cream and a 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk (folded together gently). Add 14 oz drained crushed pineapple, 2 cups sliced strawberries, and 3 sliced bananas. Freeze until firm. Very much like homemade ice cream, with no churning.

Art by David; painted on silk at school. It looks so pretty propped up in the window.

A game of Memory right before the bus came this morning. Caleb won.

Beautiful snow sprinkles and a beautiful smile.

This morning’s sun, coming up over the trees wan and cloud covered.

Jacob’s art ~ calligraphy

Tree painting by Jacob, wooden shelf made by Ethan, candlelight, old books, and football trophies.

More paintings by Jacob.

I pinned the crocheted doily on the basket with straight pins…I think it looks so pretty.

Valentine roses.

Tips from Alexandra Stoddard on creating a Beautiful Home:

* Every day can be a memorable celebration. Use your favorite dishes, napkins, and accessories to brighten up daily mealtimes.

*Always have something growing in your rooms, even if it is a modest basket arrangement of flowers from the garden.

*Clean windows are like a cloudless day.

*If you’re short on closet space, use a beautiful pine armoire, which also adds height and a focal point to the room.

* Because we spend more than a third of our lives in bed, collect a wardrobe for your bed: Invest in a variety of different sets of sheets, pillow shams, and blanket covers and an assortment of colorful patterned baby pillows and neck rolls. (I bought linen sheets this winter and Rich said they were the best thing I’ve ever purchased besides his wedding ring.)

*Seek freshness and lightness

*Make every room a living room.

(from the book, Creating a Beautiful Home)

“It never occurred to me until I had this house to take a vacation and stay home.” Bill Robinson

“The homeliest tasks get beautiful if loving hands do them.” Louisa May Alcott

How about you? Do you have any special tips or ideas in beautifying the surroundings you live in? (from your own experience, a book, or someone you admire?)

perfume for my birthday

Posted on February 12, 2015 by Shanda

Have you heard of Jo Malone perfume?

I was on a website a month ago and listened to a radio program featuring the gifted perfumer, Jo Malone. I was inspired by her story (listen here) and after I learned all about her, including that her husband almost died of a terrible illness, she battled aggresive breast cancer, and is dyslexic, I decided that I would request a bottle of her perfume for my birthday, which is today. Every time I wear it I will think of her strength.

Rich took the day off from work and took us out to a fancy breakfast at the Marriot Hotel. Both of us ordered eggs Benedict served over crab and asparagus. It was delicious, I mean seriously, I was groaning with joy over it. Sarah was so cute and asked me to tell her all the things she could have, since it wasn’t time for macaroni and cheese. She settled on sausage with maple syrup and she ate every bite.

After breakfast we headed for the mall and straight into Nordstroms. I was so excited to finally be able to experience all the fragrances of Jo Malone. (I get way too excited over things like birthdays and perfume).

Rich couldn’t help us until the end because alas he gets headaches from smelling too much perfume. Sarah and I had an absolute ball smelling every single bottle. There was a jar of whole coffee beans at the counter, too, to “cleanse our noses” between sniffs. So fun!

It all smelled so wonderful it was hard to make a choice. I had Rich smell the last two bottles that I narrowed myself down to and he said, “Get them both!” “No!” “Yes, I really think you should get both so when you get tired of one you can wear the other.” “Okay”. I was touched once again by his generosity toward me and he left with his wallet and the nice lady, to make the purchase.

It’s so easy for people to love on Sarah Joy. I’ve been working on her attitude of friendliness for so long and I am happy to say she was a sweet little girl to the saleswoman, but it’s sort of easy to be sweet when you’re surrounded by such nice things like ribbons and boxes and good smells.

The lady’s name was Lydia and she is from Belgium. She put Sarah right up on a tall stool and put her to work making Mama’s perfume pretty. They carefully put the bottles in boxes with tissue paper and Sarah helped tie the bows.

He wanted to get me two full sized bottles but they didn’t have the big one in one of the fragrances. I picked out Red Roses, and Blackberry & Bay.

As a treat for you, I have a free sample of the Red Roses perfume to send to one commenter on this post. Leave a comment on this post, NOT ON FACEBOOK, and tomorrow afternoon at 3pm I will ask my son David to give me “a number, any number”(not telling him why or showing him this post)….and the number that he randomly chooses will be the comment on this blog post which wins the perfume. You will receive one tiny free sample bottle of Red Roses perfume in the mail from yours truly.

Thank you, God, for one more year of wonderful life.

strawberry ripple teacake

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Shanda

Let love and faithfulness never leave you…write them on the tablet of your heart.
Proverbs 3:3

Today I have a delicious recipe to share with you. It is a cake that I began making many years ago, when I was a teenager. I am forever grateful to my Mom for giving me free reign in the kitchen to learn to bake before I was married. This recipe is special to me because everyone who tries it loves it. It is a very simple, quiet cake to make by hand; no mixer is necessary.

The cake itself is an uncomplicated butter cake with a surprise thickened fruit filling in the middle. The original recipe suggests raspberry filling, which is delicious, but I typically make it with strawberry, my favorite.

It is beautifully cream colored and golden, buttery, with a layer of pink, perfect for any time and perhaps Valentine’s Day, which is four days away. Men love cake. My dear husband Rich loves this cake, especially. Your man might be similar to my man and prefer this cake over any other. I am sure he would love this particular cake as an edible Valentine’s gift from his loving (and devoted) wife. Maybe for dessert after a juicy steak dinner?

If your man does not like cake, might I suggest baking it for the children?

S T R A W B E R R Y R I P P L E T E A C A K E

1 10 oz package sweetened berries in juice (from the frozen section at the grocery store)
1 Tablespoon cornstarch or flour

For the Filling: In a small saucepan, stir undrained fruit and cornstarch till combined. Cook and stir until thick. Remove from heat, set aside to cool.

For the Cake:
2 1/4 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup salted butter or margarine
1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
1/8 tsp. salt
1 beaten egg
3/4 cup sour milk (1 T.vinegar, add milk to measure) OR buttermilk

Grease and flour a 10 by 12 round tart pan. You may also use a round cake pan.

In a large bowl stir together flour and sugar, cut in butter. Set aside 1/2 cup for topping. Into remaining flour stir Baking Powder, Baking Soda, and Salt. Make a well in center for combined egg and sour milk. Stir until just moistened. Spread 3/4 batter in bottom of pan. Spread filling on top of batter, spoon on remaining batter and crumb topping.

Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

This is what the unbaked cake looks like after dropping batter on top of the filling. The cake will spread and come together when it bakes, so don’t worry about covering the filling entirely.

The crumbs also cover the filling. This is what it looks like after sprinkling them on top, right before popping it into the oven.

Oh happy day, the cake is baked.

Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing..
for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

Baking a cake for a sad/lonely or happy/celebratory person/family would also be a good idea. This is a great cake to give away.

Enjoy.

*****

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life…It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” Melody Beattie

“Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”

a song of snow and sea

Posted on February 5, 2015 by Shanda

(music)

The Lord is my strength and shield.

I trust Him with all my heart,

He helps me and my heart is filled with joy.

I burst out with songs of thanksgiving.

Psalm 28:7

The children woke this morning to the news of a two hour delay, but none of us would have been surprised or disappointed if there was a full snow day. It has been snowing nonstop since we got out of bed and nature has added even more fluffy inches to what was already accumulated earlier this week.

“Oh, it doesn’t show signs of stopping”

I opened the door to take a picture of the older children who stood outside for almost 10 minutes waiting for the bus. I smiled to hear their talking and laughing. Then, when they saw me, “What is mom doing?” they casually asked one another, huddled in a tight sibling group. “Mom, my hands are freezing!” he wanted me to know, all with fun and smiles.

They have all safely left for school and it is now 10:30. I really should get dressed soon……….

She found me.

“Mom, what are you doing in my room?!?!?”
“Taking pictures out your window!”

I think it’s safe to say that it will be a while before I make any attempts to get outside into the woods with my camera. It is enough for now, and quite fun, to lean out doors and windows, photographing the beauty. I love snowy days and the cozy feeling inside the home when it’s coming down so steadily, beautiful, white, and fresh.

Considering the endless topic of books, despite (or, because of) the weather, my current longing is for books featuring the seaside. I asked my 15 year old daughter Grace if she had any suggestions and we both jumped up off the couch and started exploring the bookshelves together, searching for our favorites, with hearts of gratitude for a home library gathered up over the last 19 years.

Books for Snowy Days, about the Sea, to Read by the Fire

Along the Shore, short stories by L.M. Montgomery
The Boat Who Wouldn’t Float, by Farley Mowat
Li Lun, Lad of Courage, by Carolyn Treffinger
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Wife, by Connie Small
Master and Commander, by Patrick O’Brian
The Light on the Island, by Helen Glidden
Burt Dow, Deep Water Man , by Robert McCloskey

“The spell of the sea and the wind surged into her heart and filled it with wild happiness and measureless content. ” ~Along the Shore

*****

****

The North wind doth blow

and we shall have snow

and what will poor Robin do then, poor thing?

I saw a Robin fly into one of the bushes by the house and ran to get my zoom lens. The pictures are pretty terrible because I shot through glass AND screen, but it was a lovely sight to see. The Robin’s feathers were fluffed and he kept trying to perch on various thin branches, losing his balance, which caused his wings to fly out in order to steady himself. The Robin reached for berries as I wondered if he was getting enough to eat. He seemed to sense my question and turned around to show me under his tail feathers (see above, last picture). “I have enough to eat but my behind is caked with snow.” After the initial shock of seeing a bird butt, I sent through the air my silent sympathies and best wishes.