Thanks for the up-date in your area. Sorry to hear that you were getting those winds! Poor birds!!! We also have had high winds overnight twice recently that took the power out. But with the mild temperatures and a new roof put on last spring, this was not so bad. Will keep my fingers crossed that your area settles into a more normal pattern. May the New Year bring a sweet and gentle breath.
Thanks - actually, although Montreal winters can be pretty tough the roads are always cleared of snow when you need to leave the house and the cold is nothing that a good coat and stout boots can't handle.
Lovely post Richard! Just have to share what a crazy fall and early winter it has been here in the Olympics of Washington state. After 4 months of no rain last summer, many things came to life when we got some real rains in mid-October. My sweet peas started blooming! :-) They had remained dormant all thru the spring and summer. It was a treat to see them in the fall! The vines are still out there for the deer to nibble on. Our temps have been very mild. 40-50 degrees day and night. And to my surprise several of the Nasturtium seeds planted last spring around the mailbox post have come to life!!! We will get some freezing weather eventually and I will be interested to see what else may survive and come to life next spring!?!? :-) Perhaps a nasturtium would like a cool room with a bright window in the house? :-)
Thanks Sandy ... it's really hard to know what to think about the weather on this side of the continent. We have see-sawed from unusually warm to cold temperatures we don't usually see until January/February. On Friday we had dangerously high winds and blattering rain that was he most of the snow away - today it's back to the deep cold again. All most strange. Very noticeable that the winds that are bringing "feels like" temperatures of -15C or below are scaring the birds away ... when the winds blow our usual dozen or so species feeder birds in December drop away to three. Not seen this before.
May the windy day blow three more species your way for a century on this solstice! Your essays are always thoughtful and instructive, much appreciated.
Here's to the days starting to get longer - until then, I will keep dreaming of my spring garden! Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season, Richard. Thank you for your wonderful substack - I've become quite addicted! Not only does it remind me to get out and notice things but some of your posts have sent me down the most interesting of rabbit holes!
Thanks for the up-date in your area. Sorry to hear that you were getting those winds! Poor birds!!! We also have had high winds overnight twice recently that took the power out. But with the mild temperatures and a new roof put on last spring, this was not so bad. Will keep my fingers crossed that your area settles into a more normal pattern. May the New Year bring a sweet and gentle breath.
Thanks - actually, although Montreal winters can be pretty tough the roads are always cleared of snow when you need to leave the house and the cold is nothing that a good coat and stout boots can't handle.
Lovely post Richard! Just have to share what a crazy fall and early winter it has been here in the Olympics of Washington state. After 4 months of no rain last summer, many things came to life when we got some real rains in mid-October. My sweet peas started blooming! :-) They had remained dormant all thru the spring and summer. It was a treat to see them in the fall! The vines are still out there for the deer to nibble on. Our temps have been very mild. 40-50 degrees day and night. And to my surprise several of the Nasturtium seeds planted last spring around the mailbox post have come to life!!! We will get some freezing weather eventually and I will be interested to see what else may survive and come to life next spring!?!? :-) Perhaps a nasturtium would like a cool room with a bright window in the house? :-)
Thanks Sandy ... it's really hard to know what to think about the weather on this side of the continent. We have see-sawed from unusually warm to cold temperatures we don't usually see until January/February. On Friday we had dangerously high winds and blattering rain that was he most of the snow away - today it's back to the deep cold again. All most strange. Very noticeable that the winds that are bringing "feels like" temperatures of -15C or below are scaring the birds away ... when the winds blow our usual dozen or so species feeder birds in December drop away to three. Not seen this before.
May the windy day blow three more species your way for a century on this solstice! Your essays are always thoughtful and instructive, much appreciated.
Thanks Rob ... that's good to hear. I have some interesting things lining up for the new year.
Joyous winter solstice appreciation. Thank you!
Always enjoy your posts.
Here's to the days starting to get longer - until then, I will keep dreaming of my spring garden! Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season, Richard. Thank you for your wonderful substack - I've become quite addicted! Not only does it remind me to get out and notice things but some of your posts have sent me down the most interesting of rabbit holes!
Thanks Fiona - rabbit holes are a speciality 😊
Happy Solstice and have a great Festive season!. Looking forward to all your 2026 postings. Sent from Devon, England.
Thank you
Wishing you a festive season full of Evening Grosbeaks!
Just one will be good so long as it comes before the end of the year to get my garden numbers up (97 and counting)
I look forward to another year of your unique perspective on the world.
Thanks Tom
Exactly the right wish and direction at Winter solstice! Top of the season to you!
Thanks and all the best to you as well