Ahhhh... Spring

We've had an early spring with a proper mix of rain, sunshine and warm temps. Normally, we're seeing the first buds of May a bit closer to June but this year we've been blessed with a good three weeks more of the gorgeous beauty we are privy to in the province many just pass through. Fools!

Herons all lined up in a neat little row

The river's bounty has blessed the locals with some nice sized trout. In past years, I have watched from my window many a fisherman, battling the black flies and mosquitos and wondered how they had the patience to sit with rod in hand, hour after boring hour. I never actually saw anyone catch a fish but I never sat watching for too long. It was... well, boring.

Osprey over the river looking for a meal 

However, this year seems to have brought an abundance of life in and to the river. There's so much going on which makes for great entertainment! Today I tried to capture an osprey hovering over the water before dive bombing for a fish. Too bad a tree at the edge of our property got in the way. I did get a shot but not so impressive. He's about 100 feet away and my camera ain't all that for these kinds of close-ups. 

My next attempt was to get a shot of all the herons lining up on a tiny sandy bar; this being about 200 feet away. A bit of a stretch but I'm sharing it with you anyway. I would like to go and sit at the river's edge and try for some action shots or video that are a daily occurrence right now. How I'd love to video an osprey splashing down and flying off with a big fish! 

Eagles, common mergansers, Canada geese (the babies are the cutest) and mallard ducks, to name a few, are frequent visitors. I spotted a kingfisher yesterday, perched along the power lines and was recently thrilled to watch a peregrine falcon swoop by so low I'm sure it would have clipped me in the head had I been in its path. And I caught a glimpse of a turkey vulture flying low along the river's path before disappearing behind the neighbour's house. Normally, they're quite high up and I don't get to see the details of their heads. It was rather ugly. 

Yes, it's a very busy time at the river and the reality that comes with it is there's good eatin' for birds of prey. But I try not to think about that part.

Loving the Lean Part... it's a wrap!

Well, I kinda dropped the ball on this overly long subject. Mmmmm... yea, so I'll get it wrapped up for once and for all. 

Back in the early 80s, I had a crossroads experience which involved walking away from my life. Make that life style. What followed was a huge step back financially. I have always been so very practical but this was a big change for me. I learned how to shop for deals... how not to pay full price for items but still get quality. I also learned that I love the challenge. Gotta bloom where you're planted, right? Eventually, though (and thankfully), I would end up with a trade (huge learning curve) where the pay was pretty decent. I didn't have to struggle with stretching that dollar quite so far.


At the same time as my earning potential was increasing, hubs and I were working towards a goal... homeownership without a mortgage. This was easy done because we earned more than we needed and just didn't move up the material ladder, if you know what I mean. We didn't feel we were make huge sacrifices. We simply lived where rent was cheaper, we kept and maintained our older cars and didn't go nuts buying all kinds of toys.


It paid off but now I find myself challenged once again with how far I can stretch that dollar. It feels different from way back then. In the demographics where we live, there are incredible bargains to be found. Finding them thrills me.


In the process of finding bargains, I have managed to create a tidy stash of lovely vintage goods. This has been my 'hobby' for over ten years. I can't recall when I got bit by the bug but I've always been drawn to things from gentler times. I love the patinas that items carry, the quality of when things were actually built to last and often wonder about the people who originally owned these common household belongings that end up in thrift shops and yard sales.


So, with regards to my current situation: jobless state plus my hoard inventory of fab finds (pssst... that yellow text is a link *wink) equals self-employment opportunity. This makes sense and would be a dream come true. I've never really taken it seriously before but now I must. It's almost like I'm a little bird being pushed out of the nest... again; story of my life.

Ideally, I will obtain gainful employment. Realistically, the opportunities are proving to be rare. This new venture is about my only option for now and I'm in the process of preparing for it as push becomes shove, or when the rubber meets the road. I'll post when that happens. Don't see any "if" in there.