A Bird in the Hand

I got this helpful comment today (see comments from Earth Day is my Birthday) from Ramona (thanks Ramona!) This is very helpful. In two weeks there is a sale of used Kayaks at a local outfitters (I will be recycling!) And your thoughts are very helpful. Your summer job options sound great - good luck!

One spring we had a late snowfall and when I went out to fill the feeders I had birds landing all over me! Purple finches, pine siskins, chickadees and a downy woodpecker took their turn. You are right, it is an absolute thrill - to feel the weightlessness yet vitality of a live bird on your hand is truly breathtaking! Here are photos of David and I feeding the birds that day.





Happy spring to you too! And Thanks for the birthday wishes - the weather is supposed to be gorgeous here for Earth Day!

David Francey wears environmentally friendly Baffin Boots - made in Canada!

David and I have worn Canadian made Baffin boots for as long as I can remember. They are sturdy, ever so fashionable!!! and nice and tall - just the way we like them! When David gets home I will post a photo of both of us in our boots!

We live in the country, we have dogs and we walk them rain or shine. These rubber boots last forever and are great for splashing through puddles like the ones on the third concession below...



...and through streams and spring runoff.

I have to admit, I still get a thrill when I step into moving water and wade in until it is just below the top of my boots. I did this as a kid and still do when I am looking for polliwogs, caddis fly nymphs, sticklebacks etc.

I am fascinated by the way the water pressure sucks the boots close to my legs and love the security of knowing that my feet will stay dry...that is until I take one step too far or slip on a rock or sink into the mud! You know what they say about small things? (does anyone else have the same boot fetish?)

I figure we spend 3/4 of the year in them and the other 1/3 in winter boots (also made by Baffin)

So...imagine my delight when I bought a brand new pair and this tag was attached to them!



What a great outfit! Now I feel even better about my purchase and I know what do with my old pair! If only all manufacturers had a similar policy! The world would look a little greener!

When David gets home for my birthday/Earthday I will get Colin to take a photo of us in our boots!

****If you wear Baffin boots, send us a photo! Better still, send us a photo of you in your rubber boots helping to keep our planet green!
(we are still on dial up so please keep your photos 100 dpi and no more than 6X6" - mail to photos@davidfrancey.com )

The three R's

Right after I wrote my first Earth Day blog I heard from Buck

"I think it's great with your "Earth Day" - I try to do my part, I pick up a piece of garbage a day, and re-use or re-cycle everything possible, I also have a townie bike I have built up that I ride around to get things instead of driving my car!"

Hey, way to go Buck, that is great. Just think what things would be like if everyone road a bike to work or to get groceries, better health, better air! Cycle and re-cycle!

and Doreen

"Happy Birthday!!!It's great when the government does something right for a change! My Mom, husband, and I will be recovering from the movers taking most of our furniture on the 20th, coping with camping in our house until after my last concert with my beloved choir, The John Laing Singers, when we'll be driving to Nova Scotia to take up residency in our new (200-year-old) house and new life together. With luck, I'll squeeze in a dog walk on the 22nd to celebrate Earth Day and your birthday! I hope you all have a wonderful time in Algonquin! (Try a canoe instead of a kayak -- much better for the Northern Ontario wilderness!) All the best, Doreen"

Hey Doreen, just think, you are practicing one of the three Rs (reduce, re-use, re-cycle) by re-using a 200 year old house! Happy moving, and do walk that dog!