Winter Winds

Winds have arrived. Outside howling literally along the trees at the side of our house. Inside it sounds like a heavy draft up the chimney as when you open or shut the flue. Sound of wind inside is muffled by the double glazing, so when one hears it inside, you know it is a heavy gale. The trees along out fence line are not leaning like last year having grown substantially. Last year the winds left our young trees leaning up to 60º -- especially our one eucalyptus, mostly a pole with a small "globe" of leaves at top. This year after much growth, substantial branching and greater girths, the trees seem to withstand the same winds with more dignity. Even the eucalyptus, which had the greatest "lean" after all the wind seems more resiliently vertical.

Some of the window boxes this week bulbs have sprouted, pointed clusters of leaves opening into small iris blooms--the first today. Even the crocus are on their way. Tulips and daffodils won't be seen for another month. Don't know about any ground hogs here or when they are due in the states either. Eire is not as cold as in the East US, I gather. Lots of rain here still.

Much news given over to the primary watch. The stock market has taken over the news and now a scandel of a French banker who made off with several billion euro.

Sammy is growing back the undercoat on his tail that he "chewed" away. But now seems taken by some itching and scatching on his neck, with what RIck calls a "hot spot" which keeps itching and then scratched, removing hair in a itch-scratch cycle. Special solution to dry it up and break the cycle and scratching response. Sammy and Mickey have been sleeping lots -- during the day and then running all over crazy at night! With all the wind (and noise), it's amazing how Sam wants to be right by you, sleeping, when not asking for food. A small mew but food-based none the less.

Well enuf for now. A quiet moment outside. Perhaps the winds have settled a bit.

Anyway. Peace.