WELL HEY, I HAVE TO KEEP THOSE BUNNIES FED TOO, RIGHT??

 WE HAVE ORCHIS GROWING IN THE SUNROOM

Day one of 2026:: At least it ain't snowing, so I figure that's a good start to another New Year.  For me, it is always a great feeling to have Christmas and New Year's behind me.  The beginning of each new year is like turning a page in my book.  A page that I have been stuck on for a whole year.  Physically, there is no change when, in a wink, one slips effortlessly from one year to the next.  But mentally, it's a leap, a renewal, a boost, maybe even a positive kick in the pants for some.  For me, amongst other things, it's a serious countdown to Spring.  I look forward to the milestones along the way such as the late January thaw, February's Ground Hog Day on the 2nd, Valentine's Day on the 14th, and the fact that it is the shortest month of the year.  March brings St. Patrick's Day on the 17th, the First Day of Spring on the 21st, and hopefully some Crocus flowers around the end of the month.  All seemingly minor things, but for me, they are psychologically oriented days to look forward to in the great countdown to Spring.  They are markers for the march towards warmer weather.  But, for right now, I had better get my feet back on the ground, slip on my boots, hat, and winter coat, get myself out the door, and shovel yesterday's three-inch snowfall....  Ended up doing the whole driveway and all my paths.

BLUE JAY

MALE CARDINAL AND A JUNCO

DOWNIE WOODPECKER

 JUNCOS

Okay, so what about any hard and fast New Year's resolutions??  Well, I don't really gots any.  I learned a long time ago that for me, setting unrealistic goals only led to realistic discouragement and various levels of depression when those lofty goals were hardly ever attained.   However, it does go without saying that I will try to be more patient, more understanding, less grumpy, and more considerate.  Nothing unrealistic there eh.  Ya right, and good luck with that one Al.

MALE AND FEMALE CARDINAL

 GOLDFINCH AND A JUNCO

FEMALE DOWNIE WOODPECKER

The Subaru never moved today, and aside from some snow shoveling and a wee clean-up in the storage area of the carport, the day didn't really amount to much.  Most facilities will re-open tomorrow, so that will at least make for some options.  Say, I wonder if Rosie's Ice Cream Shoppe or the Woodland Drive-in will be open??  Oh, tis such a wishful thinker and dreamer I are at times.

Winter birds have been busy at our three front-yard bird feeders.  Woodpeckers, Juncos, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Blue Jays, Nuthatches, Black-capped Chickadees, Mourning Doves, Finches, some Sparrow-like birds, and an occasional Tufted Titmouse.  At least that is what I think it is, but it is the Juncos who dominate the scene.  And of course, we have our Winter ground crew busy at work every day, cleaning up the fallen birdseed.  Half a dozen fat Black Squirrels, one Red Squirrel, one Gray Squirrel, a couple of Bunnies, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.  Okay, maybe not the last one.  I love sitting in our sunroom watching all the goings on with all these critters whether they be feathers or fur.  Woodsy was going to make carrot muffins today until she went to the fridge and found only half a carrot left out of a full bag.  Well hey, I have to keep those Bunnies fed too, right??

 MALE DOWNIE WOODPECKER

Al's Music Box:: Do You Believe In Magic by the Lovin Spoonful.

GROANER'S CORNER:(( A newly ordained priest, nervous about hearing confessions, finally asks an older priest to observe how he does and give him some tips. After listening in on the second confession, the older priest suggested that the younger man fold his arms, maybe rub his chin with one hand while saying phrases like "I see" or "I understand" or "Yes, my child. Go on".  The young priest puts the suggestions into practice and later tells the older priest how much it has helped him get more information from his flock.  "You've done well," said the older man. "Isn't that much better than slapping your knee and yelling 'No way! So what happened next?'"

---------------------------------------

A grandmother took her little grandson to the beach. They were having a good time until a huge wave came in and swept the boy out to sea. She fell down on her knees and pleaded to the heavens, "Please return my grandson, that's all I ask! PLEASE!!!" A moment later, lo and behold, a wave swelled from the ocean and deposited the wet, yet unhurt child, at her feet. She checked him over to make sure that he was okay. He was fine. But still she looked up to the heavens angrily and said, "When we came, he had a hat!!!!"

--------------------------------------

Mindy: "I finally fixed that annoying noise in my car."Missy: "Really? How did you do it?'  Mindy: "I opened the door and pushed him out."

Boss: "Working hard here, Jimmy?"
Jimmy: "Ever since I heard you coming down the stairs, boss!"

------------------------------------------
During a recent password audit, our I.T. discovered the little Moron was using the following password: MickeyMinniePlutoHueyLouieDeweyDonaldGoofySacramento.  When they asked why such a long password, he said he was told that it had to be at least 8 characters long and include at least one capital.

--------------------------------------------

Al's Doggy World

Meanings::

Al's Art Gallery