Sunrises, Canaans and Coyotes

This morning we awoke to a beautiful April sunrise. Later the coyotes came. I had an early morning cup of java outside on the deck while the crew chased the predators off their kingdom.

Just had to add this pic from the past of Maccabee silhouetted against a morning sunrise

Coyote Patrol

 The coyotes were hunting mice and had their heads buried in the snow. "Cybelle" was the first of the crew to drive the coyotes off her territory. I tried to get a clearer pic but she moved way too fast for my shutter speed and all my pics were blotches and blurs. So, below is an artistic shot of Cybelle in her fast and furious predator mode:-) She has been just as effective as Macc, who used to drive off the coyotes in a heartbeat.

I managed to get a clearer shot of one coyote just before "the Crew" took off  to escort the intruders off their boundary.

Below Miss "Cybelle" keeps her eyes peeled on her kingdom for more predators to drive off, while I have a second cup of java :-) This is her classic sentry position - such a good crew member!

Spring Fever with "The Crew"

Signs of "Spring" are coming our way out on the range. When I was chatting with my mom back in Ontario, she said her tulips were already in full bloom! 


Out in Raven, AB, here are the "Top 14" signs that "The Crew" takes notice of when spring is trying hard to shine our way. 

Sign Number 1: The scent of fresh "Spring" air - happy, shiny smiles are very important.

Sign Number 2: Detecting the presence of "green visitors" in your doggy pool.

Sign Number 3: When you can make friends with "Kermit" Spring is on its way!

Sign Number 4: Noticing that the dirt in the planter is no longer frozen.

Sign number 5: Being able to drink water from your pool in the morning that is thawed and no longer a huge ice cube.

Sign Number 6: Noticing the presence of your driveway.

Sign Number 7: Being alert to those pesky field mice slumbering in the leftover snow drifts

Sign Number 8: Getting the sense that more barbeques will be in the mix.

Sign Number 9: Checking the planter to ensure that the dirt is still thawed.

Sign Number 10: Your deck is no longer an iceberg and you can lounge by the pool!

Sign Number 11: You can practise the "art of dogma" outside

Sign Number 12: You can practise the perfect "Stop-Stand" on deck while watching over the land

Sign Number 13:  You can keep smiling while breathing in the fresh air even when you have a young brat on your back!

Sign Number 14: You get to end the day with an enchanting display of clouds.