Deer in the driveway and Sleeping Woodpecker

We've got to keep our cameras more handy... As we "deck our halls" and "make merry", animals in our neighborhood seem to be getting in the spirit also.

As I blew the snow off the driveway and did some shoveling, I wondered what made deep narrow holes near the shrub-trees along our driveway. I was surprised to find deer tracks right up to our back steps under the new fallen fluffy snow... they led to the holes. The deer must have stood up to their chests in the snow with their front legs, to stick their faces in the shrubs. It did not appear that they chewed, it looks like they just nuzzled faces into the bush.... maybe the fragrance attracted them or maybe they did nibble some small shoots from inside?

Then this morning as I was heading to the garage, I saw a downy woodpecker on the suet block hanging on our back deck. I went back to the house and told Peggy that our new feeders had been discovered. I went back out and the bird had not moved... I approached it and it didn't move, so I tapped on the kitchen window to get Peggy's attention. She watched as I walked up to the feeder... I thought perhaps the bird was scared and had caught it's foot in the wire feeder cage. I softly whistled and said "hi there", thinking I would gently free it. It turned it's head to me, chirped a loud scold and flew away. I had caught it napping... must be great suet!

We did some shopping, running around, got hairs cut and other fun stuff today. I am baking another batch of one of my favorite all-time cookies, the original 1956 Betty Crocker recipe, Molasses Crinkles. The whole house smells wonderful with cinnamon, cloves and ginger as they bake.

Making our lists and checking them twice, feeling very blessed this Christmas Season....

Peace!