Here it is April 16 and I finally heard spring peepers. Well, to be honest, spring peeper! One lone peeper singing his little heart out on a cool spring night. Life can be lonely for a peeper.

Oh, by the way. I wasn’t playing with coins in my pocket. The jangling sound in the video is coming from Penny’s collar. She was thrilled to hear the peeper too.

The Goldfinches have finished molting. The American Goldfinch is my absolute favorite songbird. So much so that I place a goldfinch in the corner of my paintings, right near my signature. When the male is dressed for spring his beauty is unrivavled.

Two weeks ago.

Now.

Fine, yes, the Northern Cardinal is stunning too!

Bottom line, all birds are breathtaking in their own majestic ways.

Let’s pick up with the story of Franny and Clemant. Lately, three rogue drakes have been bothering Franny. Clemant does his best to defend her honor but the dudes won’t be deterred.

Watch as the action unfolds. (Poor Franny, sigh.)

Clemant came right back but Franny stayed away, until today.

Henry David Thoreau is quoted as saying “Our life is frittered away by detail… simplify, simplify.” Well Henry, my life is simple, but oh so pleased.

Blessed be :}