Its winter here and nature is in its hibernation state. Not much is happening out there besides lovely birds at the bird feeders and hundreds of robins foraging in the fields. (That’s for a later blog entry.) So while trapped inside on a gloomy, chilly day it is good to remember the warmer days when things were sunnier and much more colorful …

When the vista view of the fence by the garage garden down to the fence beckons you to wonder further down.

When tiny frogs hide under moss in a little water container for the lilies.

When torrential summer rainstorms make an overloaded water tank pee into the backyard. 😀

When the red coloring of a beautiful cardinal compliments your patio begonia plants while he’s inspecting it from the comfort of your outdoor furniture. He even looks beautiful through the blurry mesh of the screen.

When late winter planted seedling potatoes yield luscious, delicious taters made even more delicious with butter.

When Lesser Goldfinches and Painted Bunting share a bubbling fountain because it is hot outside.

And when the cardinal just takes it all over! #kingofthefountain

When voracious hummingbirds try out a new nifty feeder filled with fresh sugar water.

When swallowtail caterpillars get ready to pupate on the nearest grassy reed.

And when that same caterpillar finally hatches into a adult butterfly and you get lucky enough to catch the magical moment!

When even the flowers from different species hanging out together show us that maybe all of us can get along.

When the garden patio just looks so summery and welcoming, calling you to sit in the shade and relax.

And the Hyacinth Bean is in full spectacular bloom.

When the pond garden is just stunning with abundant color and bloom.

And when its so hot that thirsty deer nervously come to your birdbaths just outside your window!

When praying mantis adults get showered with the water hose and have droplets hanging from their eyes which he slowly has to remove so he can spot his next meal buzzing by.

And all you want to do is sit under a shady tree and relax by the pond.

But for now we’re stuck inside all bundled up on the sofa waiting for nature to wake up like Sadie here with a look that says: “What do you mean I have to get up right now!?”