goings on next door

[OT from cottage renovations]

there have been reports of squirrels breaking into the walls of The Historic Cottage next door.  it seems they like the place so much they have settled in and started a family. 

I don't think it's a coincidence that members of the same species have formed raiding parties which have been attacking the stick ponies out on the porch.  first, they pulled some of the loose hair off the victims' heads.  not content with that, they have now been digging into the poor ponies heads, scooping out the stuffing and, I'm sure, taking it next door for lining their little love nest. 

(click through this thumbnail for higher resolution image)

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image: Groveland Security Network

killer attack squirrel on its prey's head

what little patience I ever had with this has come to an end.  the ponies have been herded inside for their own protection and are now stabled in the front room; walk-up stick livery service has been suspended for the duration.  at least one is going to need some medical attention; I'm hoping to be able to save it from the glue stick factory. 

another light snowfall

[OT from cottage renovations]

just a bit more snow today, not quite even an inch.  I had hoped for a bit more, enough for a night shot I had in mind for the Circle, and though there wasn't enough for that it did pretty things up a bit. 

(click through these thumbnails for higher resolution images)

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Bittersweet Cottage garden

Pieris japonica is not uncommon as an ornamental around here: it can be found on the grounds of several cottages on the Circle and nearby walkways.  this one by the back steps was featured in this space last year on 16 August and again on 9 December. 

once again it presents a different aspect, this time around catching snowflakes rather than light: 

(  ... and one more ...  )

looking carefully at the first image, I'm thinking those pods are starting to open up just a bit.  it will be interesting to keep an eye on them for a while to see if something is going on there.