My in-laws gave me a wren house that I placed near the site of a flooding tragedy from a few years ago, but until now I have had no tenants. I noticed a twig sticking out and confirmed that there are six (!) eggs in a little nest. Looking forward to seeing the babies fledge from the little house.

Table setting for family dinner.this weekend: Royal Stafford Blue Poppy on Havilland Bel Air

I turned Keith onto my fav eagle cam but now I am worried that Jackie doesn't seem to be moving. It's snowing and cold and still not 5:30 am in Big Bear. Hoping they did well overnight.

I am looking harder for the things I need to buy. Keeping a list of retailers I have used and trying to shop local and independent online retailers as much as possible. It will be harder for a little while maybe, but worth the effort.

There is a moment at 5:30 am when you are starting the smoker in the dark so you can cook some brisket. It's cold and no one else is awake. You're holding a big piece of meat and you realize that you, yourself, are also a big piece of meat. You wonder how hungry those #coyotes you've seen are.

Nancy in from the snow. #cats

Nancy enjoying some snow play time. #cats