Spring in February?

A heat wave in mid-February brings a welcome break to "winter" - we're well beyond "unseasonably warm" and actually into record-breaking temperatures of nearly 20 C on several days over a week or so. Trees and flowers are budding, birds are confused, and cats are even more confused.

We're just hoping Spring is actually here....versus winter returning now and doing frost damage to local crops like peaches, apples and grapes (wine! the humanity!) that may already be in bud.

We spent as much time outside as possible, including pretty much the entire weekend last weekend....other than a visit to The Pogue pub in Wheatley for Jane's birthday dinner on Friday night, and lunch on the Rennie's smokehouse patio on Sunday to celebrate their liquor license. Otherwise, raw meat was singed, brush was burned, wet clothing was hung outside, wood was cut and stained for artistic purposes, and a few beers may even have been consumed.

Spring also means frisky feline season. We captured and "fixed" two more strays which had spent the winter in the man-garage - a skittish black female we've named Lucy, and a white and grey fellow dubbed Chaps, due to his grey "pants". He was easily caught (by hand), but she required live trapping before handing off to Cindy for a trip to the Vet. As Jane put it, it was time for them to pay the rent!

Winter may return this weekend....but bring on the Spring!

Willow wood salvaged from the topping of the tree

Chillaxing in February - Wheatley style!

Grilling some steak and marinated pork tenderloin

Burning some brush - barrel fire!

Petal power

What's up, bud?

This is what happens when I don't sit often enough - count 'em, FIVE in my chair!

Earl Grey, straight chillin'

Chaps - newly neutered and far more relaxed