This post was abruptly terminated by my son Jesse hollering "the goats are out"! Last seen bolting across the driveway, outside the fence, and on their way to an unsuspecting neighbors' yard.  Several tense,prayer filled minutes later they were found munching on salmonberries within ten meters of "Chateau de Chevre" aka the goat shack. Goats do roam but in this case entirely due to my first misstep as a goatherdess - I left the back gate ajar.

Early mornings have a new and satisfying rhythm now that the goats have joined our journey.  With coffee in hand, the goats and I wander the lavender meadow. While I harvest and prune the lavender, they attempt to irradicate the ubiquitous weeds.  Life has taken on a profound sense of well being these days but I remind myself this is summer on a Gulf Island!

Nothing is more magical for me than the morning sun on my little patch of lavender.  Since we took a few trees down last summer the lavender has been performing better. So have the weeds!   A few friends have been by to make lavender wands, nibble on lavender shortbread and harvest fresh bouquets,  My "to do" list went on hold yesterday as I took a wee nap in my new  outdoor bed with a view.  Yes dreams do come true!  

  I handed off the camera to Ben yesterday and he captured this shot of a Pacific Tree Frog on a Paul's Glory Hosta. It's one reason I am grateful for the abundance of rain - the frogs come out to play.  This little guy was hiding in Ben's gardening gloves so we relocated him to a safer place!  He also snapped this picture of a couple of bees on the chives and Bonnie, our muscovy duckling! 

 

 

February has been a glorious month.  Many delightful guests staying in the cottage and enjoying the spring like weather.  They all remind me of the many simple joys of country life.  One such joy is observing the natural world a little closer.  And sometimes it is in your own backyard! 

About a month ago I glanced out the kitchen window and noticed there was a new member in our flock of backyard chickens.  A beautiful golden brown leopard print fowl was foraging with the girls.  Granite, our fierce and protective rooster, was not at all disturbed by the new addition.  I watched in amazement.  At first I thought a neighbour's chicken had "flown the coop"  but this bird was smaller and more regal looking than a backyard chicken.  It had a delightful little crown of feathers and a glorious jacket of golden brown and white leopard print that gave it a fancy uptown look.  When I opened the door to get a picture, it hopped away into the forest.  Well the mystery bird returned this week to feast on the succulent blossoms in the plum tree.  I thought it was a bird of prey waiting to swoop down on my flock that was feeding below the plum tree. But no, just a hungry Ruffed Grouse enjoying a spring delicacy!  Thanks to my island pals Kate and Randy for helping me to identify the glorious bird.     

I am grateful for the changing seasons - yes even November has it's joy.  November 6th -  15th was the first annual "Ten days of Bliss" at Perrywinkle Cottage.  My girlfriends and their daughters from on and off island, descended upon Perrywinkle Cottage for ten days of whatever brings them bliss.  We knitted, quilted, organized  recipes, scrapbooked, made journals, and had candlelit foot baths. (sorry Garnet!) There was no shortage of great food, fine wine and wonderful conversations. Let me know if you all want to do this again next year. 

I am grateful for November and my fine circle of friends.