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Sunday, 17 November 2024

A wet week

This was the scene in the salt marsh a week ago Sunday. We haven’t seen the sun since then.





With a few exceptions, we missed our usual walks and excursions this past week because of the miserable weather, cold, wet and windy.





Of course my husband and I had to keep moving. It is an important part of our days, for the social interactions and the healthy increase in heart rate. A day without a walk is possible but not a week. Besides three days on the boardwalk, we walked the track at Credit Union Place, locally referred to as CUP, an excellent recreation facility in our community. 




While we much prefer the outdoors, CUP is a great substitute on occasion. There were a few days I walked on the treadmill at home which is the least preferred walk for sure. However I find it bearable if I watch YouTube as I proceed.


Meanwhile, on those days on the boardwalk, despite the weather, the ducks were enjoying the marsh. Walkers sometimes leave food for them and some ducks are not as skittish now as they once were when walkers approach the gazebo. Others still escape to the bay. 





We also saw Bluejays, 





Song Sparrows which blend into the environment





and Black-capped Chickadees. 





Squirrels were out and about one day when the wind wasn’t as high.





The wind was so high last week though, the marsh flooded at high tide and the ducks disappeared off-shore for a day. 





Also off-shore, Black Scoters gave their plaintive call which helped distinguish them from the ducks in the distance.





Meanwhile, on the home front we are still eating tomatoes from our garden which are ripening in the house and will be for another few weeks. The garden has yet to be put to bed for the winter due to the miserable weather and it isn’t likely to happen this week either. The forecast for this week is no better than it was last week.


I hope you have better weather! Have a great week regardless!



43 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I love that photo of the blue jay's beautiful markings!

DJan said...

As the saying goes, "great weather for ducks" -- here too;

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

Despite being stuck inside due to the cold windy rainy weather, you have shared some lovely out door photos. sorry about the weather. Hope it clears up soon. Nothing like being outdoors.

Hena Tayeb said...

Sorry to hear about all the rain. You got some really great shots.

Maebeme said...

Glad you were able to get out at least one day of the week. We've been using the walking tract at our arena too, but no more than two-three days a week. We're not nearly as dedicated.
The snow has fallen here - 5.5 inches already and almost as much expected starting tomorrow evening into Wednesday. It's pretty now but that yucky gray will follow.

Debbie said...

awesome captures of the wildlife, the birds are especially beautiful!! mother nature has not given us any rain for about 50 days, we did have 1/8 of an inch somewhere in there. everything is so dry, but chuck has been riding his bike almost everyday. i enjoyed seeing the black scoters and lucky you to have grown so many tomatoes!!

Elephant's Child said...

I envy your rain - and am thrilled that you managed to capture these gorgeous photos despite the weather. And applaud you for keeping your walking up.

At Home In New Zealand said...

It sounds like Winter is trying its best to arrive at your place already. The colour on your bluejay is amazing (we don't seem to have any real blue birds here).

Rose said...

We had a couple days with sun...drab today. But I can live with it if we just have breaks. For more than 5 minutes...preferrable for hours. The weather doesn't show the sun symbol till next weekend. I guess I will have to settle for what comes.

photowannabe said...

We're suppose to have a full week of rain. Its so much needed that I'm trying not to complain. There were Freeze warnings for today too.
Love your photos of all the birds and fowl, especially the chickadee and the bluejay.
Keep up the good work walking on the track..that's awesome .
Sue

tz_garden said...

How great you can walk that inside track if need be. The ducks are too cute. As is that chickadee!

MELODY JACOB said...

It sounds like you've had quite a rainy, chilly week! Despite the weather, it’s great to see you and your husband staying active, whether it’s on the boardwalk, at CUP, or on the treadmill at home. The sight of ducks, birds, and squirrels must have added a little joy to your walks, even on those dreary days. It’s also nice to hear about your garden still providing tomatoes—what a treat! Here's hoping the sun comes out soon for you.

I just shared a new post, and I invite you to read: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2024/11/lessons-to-learn-from-lost-children.html

aurora said...

Nice action photos! It is wonderful you have indoor walking options, and more importantly use them.

Our weather is turning today. Rain/clouds/cooler and even slushy stuff is our extended predicted forecast. Totally okay, it is after all the middle of November. We also continue enjoying remaining fresh home grown produce. Once it runs out, we will enjoy what we froze. So much better than store bought :)

Anvilcloud said...

Ducks here have been most unaccommodating and keep swimming off whenever Sue tries to get a photo for her prompts.

Bill said...

The Blue Jay is a beauty. Great capture of the squirrel and the Black-capped Chickadee looks like it is nodding out. :)

MELODY JACOB said...

It sounds like the weather has really been a challenge lately, but it’s great that you and your husband are still finding ways to keep active. The local wildlife, especially the ducks and birds, must be a welcome distraction during the cold, wet days. I love the mention of your garden too — it’s impressive that you’re still enjoying tomatoes in November!

I just shared a new post, and I invite you to read: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2024/11/lessons-to-learn-from-lost-children.html

Boud said...

I'd love to have rain. We're under fire warnings and water restrictions. But I don't like the combo of rain and cold!

Sharon said...

The weather where I'm at isn't great either. I've been spending more time indoors, but I don't mind it this year. We just got a new cabinet painting for our kitchen and it makes having to stay inside better that's for sure. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. This was lovely.

Red said...

You are able to find many critters on your walks. My garden was put away about a month ago.

John's Island said...

Marie, You on a treadmill watching YouTube brings a smile to my face. 😊 The Bluejay and squirrel are my favorites in this post. Our weather has been just about like yours. Take care and stay warm. John

Shammickite said...

As my dad would say "Good weather for ducks'.

Lorrie said...

The Blue Jay is a beauty! Rain here lately, too. I try to get out for a walk in between the showers. Tomatoes are ripening indoors here, too. Just a few more and then they will be finished.

Pam said...

Wet for sure. I love that you get out and walk taking pics along the way....I need to get out and walk.......yep, been saying that for yrs

Danielle L Zecher said...

I hope you get some sunshine soon! That Bluejay is gorgeous. the squirrel is definitely my favorite!

Liz Hinds said...

Your chickadees are like our tits.
I need to walk more. We seem to have lapsed again. And our tomatoes have ended but we're still eating figs.

Helen said...

Hot, wet and humid here. I hope the skies clear sooner than expected for you. Amidst the gloom you have still found nature's uplifting beauty. The song sparrow took an age to spy.

baili said...

beautiful photos dear Marie as always
sorry weather is getting hard these days .
i am glad how despite the weather you managed to walk and take some very fine images
the chickadees looks like sparrow with different color ,so pretty !
i know a nature lover like you find it hard to walk inside yet as you said it is great substitute on occasion
hugs!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Marie,
I enjoy your ducks, the Jay and Chickadee. Hubby and I have not been out for many walks since being sick. I do miss my walks outside. Your indoor track is a nice alternative. Take care, have a great day!

Jim and Barb's Adventures said...

I just love your pictures. That picture of the chickadee reminded me of a chickadee that flew right into my blind yesterday and stared at me for a few seconds before taking off again. It was so cool!

Diane said...

A lovely set of photos as always. I agree the treadmill is not easy, but in winter it is certainly better than getting soaked or frozen. Mine is in the barn which is very cold anyway and nothing to watch but still better than getting wet.
Take care Diane

Barwitzki said...

Oh the blue jay is beautiful :-)))
I hope you get good weather to be outside.
I ran in the snow this evening... I loved feeling the snow on my face and I was dressed nice and warm.
Kind regards to you from Viola

peppylady (Dora) said...

Nice bird photos

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I walk outside most days. The weather has to be exceptionally foul to keep me indoors for the whole day. I once tried mall walking and found it abominable. So many other people, so much noise, so much chatter, and the air seemed almost foul. Not for me!

MARY G said...

We have been blessed with sun and warmth far beyond what November usually brings. Sunday was a perfect fall day, in fact, and the daughter and spouse hiked the back hundred, spotting multiple places where the pileated woodpecker had been working hard.
Yes, song sparrows disappear. But if you realy want a challenge, try to spot a hummingbird nest, even when you just know it has to be there.

Glenda Beall said...

I commented on your previous post and mentioned the Blue Jay which is in the post. But all of your pictures are super good. I imagine I am on your walk with you and I see the ducks and smell the water and feel the cold. Hope your weather gets better for your walks.

Sherry's Pickings said...

that bluejay is gorgeous! I know what you mean about rain; we've had the wettest November day in 20 years apparently and it is flash flooding on the border. You just can't keep up with the weather these days. I went for a walk today in the rain anyway! Love that squirrel too.
cheers
sherry

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

I admit to using the indoor treadmill quite a lot, Marie, but do walk outdoors as well. We finally have 2 days of much needed rainfall this week and while the weather was miserable outdoors, it was nice watching it from indoors. We also had the rain on our trip to Nj where we are now.

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Beautiful shot of the jay. Nice to have the CUP facility for bad weather days!

Pattie @ Olla-Podrida said...

I always enjoy your bird pictures. That chickadee is so cute. When we used to feed the birds back when we lived on an acre, we saw all sorts, and it was wonderful to see all of the different birds, marveling at the fact that they lived in our area, but prior to feeding them we never saw them.

Catarina said...

Marvelous captures.
It seems you had a good tomato harvest this year. Lucky you!
We have had many sunless days... People are telling me they are already feeling the "winter blues". I feel like hibernating as well. Not good for sure!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Great photos
Still praying y'all have some sunshine
Indoor exercise at malls is popular here. It is over a half hour drive to get there though.

Stewart M said...

A post with this many ducks is always good. Walks are always good - and I agree that a week is way too long without one!
cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Eggs In My Pocket said...

The ducks, the birds, the squirrel......and your landscape photos are all so lovely to look at! It is so good that you and your husband stay active and walk! I hope some sunshine makes it's way to you soon!