Return to NJ.

2-27-25 SHORT HILLS: We have been back in NJ for more than a week. 

I‘ve been going to docs, and Judy’s been doing dog visits. The yard was snow covered when we got back, and there were plow piles in the driveway. The temps have been in the fifties most days, and almost all the snow is gone.

It’s been nice enough outside so that I’ve started doing spring clean up of the winter’s dead fall. It seems like a lot, but probably no more than usual.

I have been walking without the cane for a couple of days. I’m a bit unsteady but good enough to leave the cane at home.

Sunday we were in NYC for brunch at Helene and Paul’s, Roger was there also, good to see them all. 

The bird feeders have been mobbed since we’re back, but yesterday the grackles returned, along with a lot of red wing blackbirds. They migrate together. The other birds are intimidated by these new arrivals, and haven’t been around today.    

A cardinal dares to use a feeder while the grackles are here.

The grtackles look intimidating to me.

Grackles and redwing blackbirds with a yellow wing bar.

A pair of downy woodpeckers hoping to get a shot at the feeders.

A mourning dove wants in.