Now winter may be cold, wet, windy and grim…..but it can be pretty too!
It also has it’s cosy moments.
These long dark evenings get you thinking don’t they? For some bizarre reason I found myself ruminating on whether or not I could still run tonight, no idea why! When I actually thought about it I realised that I haven’t run in ages….well, apart from the quick hop, skip and jump I did when crossing a road a few weeks ago, but that was just bluff as a driver was slowing down for me….
Now, does it actually matter if I can’t run?
Well, it may do if Armageddon ever strikes! Talking of which I was watching a programme on preppers recently. Struth! The whole experience had me running out to buy dried goods.
You can’t beat a Hellebore in the Winter. This is shooting star.
So…the running thing!
I have decided that tomorrow, while walking the dogs, I shall break out into a light jogging mode ….nothing too strenuous mind, and I shall keep you posted, as I know you shall be sitting on the edge of your seats waiting to hear the outcome of that little adventure!
Wondering about the running got me worrying about other things I may not be able to do anymore…
i.e
Am I still able to touch my toes?
Just tried that, and am happy to report that apart from my back creaking a little, all went well!
But….
Would I be able to climb through a window if I was locked out? Or climb a tree? You never know when you may need to climb a tree! I know I can’t turn my head when reversing the car anymore….sighs….and getting up after kneeling down sure aint the piece of cake it used to be!
Hmmm…..anyway…
another good thing about winter is that it gradually becomes quieter at the rescue, once Christmas has come and gone. Here’s Darlin the starling, he’s still doing well, as is our swallow.
Remember the 22 rabbits we rescued before Christmas? Well, they are now all neutered and up for re-homing…
along with the sweet little bunny who had the horrific leg injury….remember crazy phone lady?
Introducing Nibbles, a cute little hamster who came in recently…tiny he is!
And this is Oscar, our long-term chinchilla, I think he’s a lifer now, he has a huge cage so doesn’t really need to go anywhere.
And finally…
On a cold, dark wintry night you can’t beat snuggling between a pair of sleepy dogs, see how they keep the middle space for me?
Thanks Shimon, Darlin is a simply delightful bird! He must look iridescent to other birds…..I love how the light forms shimmering purples and greens on his feathers. Here’s to all those rabbits finding perfect homes!xxx
It is wonderful looking at these animals. Of course, Darlin is the true beauty… but they all manage to reach out from the page and touch my heart, Dina.
I have had similar thoughts about skating. I haven’t skated in ages, but unlike you I am too scared to try. Good luck with taking up running. I think you’ll be fine if you start off slowly.
I love the names you and the other staff at the rescue come up with for all the different animals and birds. “Nibbles” is a great name for a hamster and “Darlin the starling” is perfect too.
oh….skating!!! Struth, you’ve set me off again, how could I have forgotten skating????
I have given up running…..thirty seconds was all it took to tell me that running and I are not as one….
Lol…..Nibbles is a good name isn’t it….he’s found a new home now. Thanks Jennifer.xxx
P.s. damn predictive spelling. I have just noticed what I have written.
Also I forgot to mention that my toe touching has got a lot more flexible since I started yoga classes again a couple of years ago. It really does take that long to build it up gradually so you don’t do yourself a mischief 😀
I have never been any good at running, though goodness knows I have had several attempts at it over the years. I think my body just wasn’t made for it.
I read your comment loud and clear, I think we just know what we mean….
I keep meaning to gibe yoga a whirl…..hmmmmm….I don’t think running is up to much really!!!xxx
Ha, ha. I had to laugh at your running coming to an abrupt end when the dogs started fighting and tripped you up ! That’s the sort of madcap idea I would have LOL.
Your candles look very welcoming and cosy. I do like them for that reason too. In fact I picked up some Christmas fairy lights form couple of poundsmafter Christmas was over. And now I have them strung around mirrors, where they also give a cosy glowing.
That starling is a beauty. Well captured with your new camera. Sadly I haven’t seen a starling for many a year now. And they used to be so common.
All the animals in this week’s post are real cuties. I don’t know which is cutest. I think the little hamster. But they are all lovely creatures.
And I do love hellebores. Your white one is very pretty. We have some purple ones, which I think are my faves.
So thanks for sharing your wonderful life with us once again. I always look forward to Fridays when I know you will have posted something special. Have a great week.
P.s. my jacaranda is coming along nicely indoors. I has quite a few delicate leaves. I often find myself talking to it to encourage it to grow. (Maybe I am related to royalty somewhere along the line LOL!:)). )
Lol….yes, sadly a lot of my plans end up like that….still I managed a brief jog and that was quite enough for me to realise that it’s not for me!!!
I love candles and lights in the winter, they really do offer such cheer!!!
Gosh yes….you have me thinking now, we used to have lots of starlings too but don’t see as many of them any more, I wonder why?
Nibbles was adorable, he has been re-homed now which is good, I’ll miss him though.
Gosh…..your Jacaranda is growing….not one of my seeds has germinated yet….if they do I promise to sing to them. Fingers crossed eh…
Thanks for that wonderful compliment re by little old blog Keggs, that has me smiling away!xxx
I didn’t know about hellebores. We surely have them here, too. I suppose it’s just one more thing that I haven’t noticed. They certainly are lovely.
Your comment about being able to climb through windows raised the memory of the time my dad shoved me through a partly-raised window to go unlock the front door. I don’t remember where we’d been, and can’t imagine our being locked out, but we were. Since I was only about five or six, I fit through the window rather nicely.
I’m a prepper myself, but only for hurricanes. The nice thing about hurricanes is that you can get out of the way. True Armageddon? Probably not, so I’ll just stay put and see what happens.
I think hellebores are treasured in the UK as they are such a thing of beauty during the winter months, they always seem to offer such hope…
Your story about being thrust through a window had me smiling, and remembering the times I too was forced through open windows as a child, our parents were obviously less worried about health and safety!
If we got hurricanes I would be a prepper too….no doubt about that! Thanks Shoreacres.xxx
Love all the candlelight on a cold winter’s night! Sweet little animals. Those bunnies are the cutest things.
Thanks Susanne…..where would we be without candles in the winter??? The bunnies are adorable aren’t they? I would love some.xxx
I don’t run unless chased and am not a prepper. If the world ends, I’m going down with everyone else. The idea of spending the rest of my life in a bunker eating raisins and beef jerky is equal to death. But winter can be pretty. We are forecast for a bit of snow on Monday and I’m looking forward to having something to cover all the mud and ick. I love that someone brought a hamster to the rescue! How incredibly kind. 🙂
Hahahaha…..I’m with you re being trapped in a bunker!!! And my mother always advised me against running, especially after a man or a bus.
We’re due snow too and more gales….how I hate gales! Yet the snow at least is very transforming and pretty.
Yes…..some people are kindly enough to bring hamsters in….and that little chap is adorable. Thanks Casa.xxx
Oh, Dina: the hellebores! What joy! I do love the inviting coziness of your candles and pups and just the welcome your home always seems to offer.
So happy for the updates on the rescue sweeties, too. I hope gentle souls and lovers of wonder will take them in and give them happy homes.
Not a runner since Riley-Girl caused massive hamstring injuries when she chased a rabbit about 10 years ago…should have let go of the leash much sooner. But yoga and hand weights have helped me a lot the past 5 years. I can touch my toes, love to climb anything, and I do love my long, long walks. But I always have to ask myself if the way I’m about to use my energy is smart. I’m more eager than wise, and that has put a tad more adventure into my life than I need at times.
For some reason, all my blog connections went into my spam folder this week, so I’m glad I caught them and am catching up. Lovely balm after our stressed week with Mr. Clancy. (For now, he’s going for walks and eating, so we’re taking it one grateful day at a time.) You don’t know how much joy your post has offered. Thank you, again, Dina. Smooches to Sam and Annie…and Curly, but especially to their mum.
Thanks Kitty, candles are just the best on a cold dark evening aren’t they…instant ambiance!
I’m hoping for some lovely adopters to come forwards too…..the bunnies are all adorable.
OUCH re the hamstring injuries, that appears to be what Annie has…..how horrible for you…..and why do we hang onto the lead so????
I am a huge fan of climbing but haven’t done any recently….you have inspired me to have a go….lol….oh….yes…I could walk forever too, it’s the best!
Hugs and love to all of you, thanks Kitty.xxx
Can’t run any more but can still touch my toes, thank goodness, which I feel isn’t too bad for over 70!. I once caught my mother climbing a tree to prune it, she was in her 80s at the time, I don’t think I will be copying her!
Loved the photos of all the gorgeous animals, the bunnies are so cute!
Struth….being able to touch your toes is AMAZING!!! Wow…you go girl!!! Must be all that gardening!
Hahahaha….what ARE you and your mother like….well…all I can say is I hope to be able to do the same when I reach that age! RESPECT to the pair of you!!! Thanks Pauline.xxx
What beautiful cosy photos; you’re right, Winter can be very pretty. Hamish was very taken with all the rabbit photos! Good luck with the jogging. x
Thanks Veggie Mummy…yes, we have to make the best of winter don’t, after all it does come around each year…..lol…if Hamish ever needs a little friend now…..you know where I am!!!xxx
Lovely catch up, Dina. I’ve always been a bit too flexible as I have hypermobile joints so I’m still able to touch my toes. I did think a bit of proper stretching might be in order to counter the hours spent at the computer so I went to a yoga class last year. That finished when I pulled a muscle in my bum – soooo painful! I used to run when my son was younger – I had to keep up with him on his little bike! I find running around without a destination a bit pointless. I wish I didn’t, I’d probably be a bit slimmer! Love the photos of the animals – Oscar looks a right character; you must get very attached to the animals. How are your baby hedgehogs doing?
Gosh….lucky you having hypermobile joints! I could do with you around here to help me clean my windows!
Oh ….good grief….I didn’t even know we had muscles in our butts!!! Lol…I can imagine it must have been a nightmare sitting down….poor you!
Yeah…..I’m with you re running for no reason….it does seem rather pointless….
We do get attached to the animals, especially the chicks that are hand reared and the long termers…..out of the six hoglets I took in, one died, it had a hideous growth, but the others have gone from strength to strength so it will be lovely to release them late spring. Thanks Caro.xxx
I used to be a good runner in my youth – very sporty – now, well I would say not – the old bosoms get in the way! Ha ha – if you didn’t laugh you would cry eh. Lovely to see all the animals are healthy especially the bunny – good news. Love that hellebore I only have dark claret ones out at the moment but the ones that are supposed to be Christmas bloomers haven’t appeared at all – boo!
Hahahaha….yes….I get the bosoms problem….what a bloomin’ pain the darn things are!!!
My Christmas Hellebores didn’t do much either….I have purple ones just coming out now.
It was great news re that little rabbit, it would have been awful if it had lost it’s leg. Thanks Elaine.xxx
Oh I do love your posts…
Yes, there’s plenty of beauty about winter…we just have to remind ourselves of it….and running….I am one of those people who can walk 20 miles, no problem, but ask me to run 20 ft……and then there is a problem:) Good luck.
I want the lop eared bunny…used to have one in my studio called Inky…he used the cat litter, cuddled up on my bed with me and cats….and all was well until he started eating the telephone wires (pre mobiles) A student of mine took him to her farm where he was in bunny heaven, but I have always loved lop eared bunnies ever since.
What’s this ‘preppers’ show that put the fear of goodness knows what into you??? Must check it out, as I am somewhat of a survivalist myself:)
Last and certainly not least are the angel dogs – looking so happy…and why wouldn’t they be.
Thank you….xxxxx
Yes, winter does has it’s lovely moments for sure!
I am exactly the same as you, I could walk all day yet loathe running…..it’s just too much darn effort!
I love hearing about your rabbit, I can’t imagine one being comfortable with cats! How astonishing!!! Here’s to your marmite heaven eh when you can have as many critters as you like….the lop eared bunnies are adorable though!
You should check up on preppers, they are prepared for anything….ANYTHING!!! Lol
Thanks ever so much Janet.xxx
This post shows it and says it all!!
One of your bunnies did itself proud at the hairdresser’s.
Age doesn’t come alone. A real Therapeutic Masseur/se might get some of your neck agility back. It’s no sleepy picnic if done expertly, mind.
You have some nice warm and cosy places to curl up and relax.
xxxx
Lol….those bunnies are so funny looking aren’t they, the trouble is we have to be really careful when it comes to re-homing them as they get so matted so quickly, so need lots of grooming.
Thanks for the advice, I never thought about having a massage for my neck, that sounds so lovely! Thanks Menhir.xxx
Super collection of pictures….Each speaks volumes in each own right!
Running? Jogging? Trotting? Whatever…..take care especially at the start. No injuries in Winter please?
I ventured out on my cycle today…after some six weeks….or so!
Certainly gets a tad more difficult to do these ‘calisthenics’….Ha! Ha!
Stay Warm! Hugs! xx
My brief attempt at jogging only lasted seconds….I almost took a tumble over Annie who thought it was a fine game …..Glad you got out on your bike, I’m really missing mine and can’t wait for better weather to get going. Hugs to you too….thanks Bushka.xxx
Oh, I squealed with delight when I saw those rabbits. Strange thing is, I was thinking about you earlier today and wondered if you had any rabbits that needed homes……spooky!!
That crazy lady needs a kick in the leg! I’m so pleased the little bun is recovering. Suzy x
How very odd!!! Oh yes, we have a never ending number of rabbits needing good homes, and as soon as one finds a home one from the waiting list is admitted.
That lady certainly needs something….utterly heartless she was. The little guy is in fine fettle again though and is bouncing all over the place.xxx
I have to admit to only doing a slight ten second jog!!! It was far more painful than I expected and Annie thought it was a new game and pounced on Sam, I almost broke my neck falling over her!
I’m glad you can touch you toes, I often wonder if it’s easier for smaller people to do…..maybe I shall ponder on that this evening!!!
Lol….me poor roof!!! I felt a little guilty not going after it but there’s no way I could have carried it back, now there’s no sign of it…..obviously halfway to Scotland…..thanks Arose.xxx
Hahahhaaaa…laughing at Annie thinking it a new game and pouncing on Sam…. but how infuriating it made you fall over – hope you are ok and not wounded…
I’m just a stiff old brute re touching my toes… If I get back into doing the yoga sun salute thing and warm up I can put my hands flat on the ground eventually… but straight off, to touch me toes… no way! Lots of cautious warming up and so on first!!
One of my neighbours who has retired and must be about 65 took up jogging and now casually runs all over the place for the sheer fun of it. He has quite a pot belly too so I am fascinated as to how he can run miles and miles and I often just see him take off… I am rather envious….. Maybe when I am 65 I too…. shall run nimbly off….!! 😉 hmmmmm…..xxx
I have always wanted to give yoga a whirl….I really must get around to it, it does sound relaxing and everyone I know who does it ends up ever so bendy! Struth….fancy taking up running at 65….there’s hope for us all then….beer bellies an all!!!!xxx
oh good luck with the running! Wow! Good for you! Takes a bit of patience and stretching before I can touch my toes…. 🙂 Have never found that easy!
Lovely pictures of the animals…. 🙂 and it looks all lovely and cosy in hour house despite the garage roof half way to Scotland and the twirling snow! xxxx
Well, I already know I can’t run. Never did like it as a kid and my feelings haven’t improved since! But it’s good to know you can jog and touch your toes — and make a dark wintry evening warm with candles and cozy lights. I can already see the effects of that new camera. Darlin’ is sparkling. Gorgeous shot of that hellebore! I tried to grow some, even a variety that’s supposed to be an easy one for my climate. But it didn’t thrive and never even bloomed 🙁 Good to know that things are somewhat calming down at the rescue. You all do such good work.
Lol….running isn’t going down very well on this post….AT ALL! I had a ten second burst of jogging today and Annie immediately pounced on Sam thinking it was a fun game….I almost broke my neck tumbling over her, and so ended my session!!! Y’know…..I don’t think I really do need to run after all….
Thanks for your lovely comments re my pics, that is the first photo of Darlin were the bird has been clear, I love the way the light bounces off his feathers, he becomes all shimmery green and purple. Birds with dull feathers are utterly iridescent to other birds, they apparently glow like a beacon.
Oh what a shame your climate doesn’t like hellebores, they seem to thrive in the cold and always flower the better after being frozen.
It’s always quiet around this time of the year….we seem to be stock piling hedgehogs at the moment. Thanks Anne.xxx
Oh such a lovely post – well done with the running! I could do that (gently, for heavens’ sake) last year until the ole arthritis started in me foot and now I can’t, which is very aggrannoying 🙁
Oh…..drat and darn arthritis!!! I hope it eases once the weather warms up, the cold always makes it worse doesn’t it….
Lol….I wouldn’t quite call what I attempted today running though….just a ten second light jogging session which left me breathless!!!!
Oh I say! Aggrannoying…what an utterly DELICIOUS word, I shall adopt it instantly! Thanks Gilly.xxx
Your home does look cosy. Mike chose today to drain the central heating system down. Bloomin’ freezing I tell you! One day I will get there. One day.
To keep myself warm I have had a go at touching my toes. Yes!
Oh struth…..it must have been perishing! Brrrrr….hope it’s all back on now. Good to hear you can still touch your tootsies! Thanks Jess.xxx
I had to look up preppers because I had never heard of them. Goodness, the things people find to worry about. So you are practising running to get ready for the apocalypse? But where are you going to run to? I don’ t think I have ever run anywhere in my whole life. But I can touch my toes. Will that be useful come Armageddon? And climbing trees. I thought I ought to brush up my tree climbing skills when I went to Transylvania because they have the biggest population of bears in Europe. But someone told me that bears can climb trees too, and you just end up having a fight with a bear in a tree. So I didn’ t bother.
Hahahaha….you DO make me laugh!!!
Now….re the running….it’s not so much about where I’m going to run to, more about what I may need to run away FROM! Y’see, come any apocalypse there could be all manner of horrors that may require me to be swift of foot…..preppers for one!!!! Anyone in possession of so much as a loaf would be done for by that lot!
Oh lol….I love the fact you’ve never run in your life…..my mother was the same, one of her favourite sayings was, “A lady should never run, especially after a bus or a man, both are extremely undignified.”
Delighted to hear you can touch your toes…..that indicates bendyness which may become useful, one simply never knows.
Hahahaha…..your tree comment has finished me off….I’m laughing too much to type!!! I shall dream of fighting bears in trees tonight….thanks Chloris.xxx
A most enjoyable post and lovely pictures, especially the one of Oscar the chinchilla.
I don’t run any more, but I can still touch my toes. xx
Lol….glad to hear you can still touch your toes, I think I’ll do that each day to keep flexible!
Oscar is a lovely chinchilla, he loves to be petted, his fur is incredibly soft, my hand literally sinks into it….thanks Flighty.xxx
All the best with the running and take care in this snowy and icy weather. Love all the cozy home pictures which is what I can relate to at the moment! Good to see many of the rescue animals are doing well and it’s a little quieter at the moment. Love the picture of Darlin with his glossy feathers and I hope you find good homes for all your rabbits.
Thanks Linda, good point re running in the ice!!! I had a little go today but had to call it a day as Annie thought it was a funny little game and started play fighting with Sam, almost tripping me up in the process…..have to admit, even a few seconds had me breathless!
It would be lovely if all the rabbits could find perfect homes.xxx
I don’t know about running but I know I can’t touch my toes, and to think I could still do the splits in to my twenties. Lovely to have an update on the animals, especially the bunny with the leg injury, he deserves a very special home.
Gosh….you could do the splits??? Respect, I was quite sporty but could never do that! Yes, that little bunny needs a very special home, she’s only five months old….and she really is sweet. It’s so good to see her running around again, her leg has healed perfectly. Thanks Jo.xxx
I don’t worry about whether I can still run – I never could! Love to see photos of your residents,
Lol….thanks Sue….I like your style!xxx
I’ve written a little poem for you on my blog 😉
I have a Hellebore blooming in my window box, too 🙂 Yay!
Ooooooh…..off to take a peek!xxx
What is a prepper? Here we refer to people who attend fancy private schools as “preppies”. Is it something like that? Good luck with your venture back to running.
Well, a prepper is a person who prepares for a doomsday event….they stockpile food and weapons and have bunkers in hidden places….wow….they are terrifying!!! I just had a light jog while walking the dogs, I was relieved when Annie started play fighting with Sam, she thought it was a new game….it was good to stop! It was a little difficult breathing….xxx
Ah. Here we call them Survivalists.