Motley Monday - Feb. 2, 2026

Already a month of 2026 is over. At least we've turned the corner on winter.  I hope.  February is still cold, and we've had some snow in late February in past years, including 2025.

For now it's just been cold with frosty mornings.  

There are signs of spring!

The first wild violet.

 The flowering quince is budding.

So are the fruit trees.

Bulbs are coming up,

Weeds and black cumin are taking over. 

Two weeks ago on Motley Monday I mentioned my brakes needed repair.  Fortunately that was just one rotted brake hose.  On the walk to pick up my vehicle I passed this former house.  I wonder how many houses, or units, will be built on this lot?  Some in the same neighborhood have quite a few squeezed in.  This street has quite a few old farm houses, so maybe this one needed expensive repairs.  The houses on my street are newer, 1960s.

Mickey and I took advantage of sun, albeit cold sun, on the weekend to walk to the park.  He enjoyed it quite a bit, as he met a new neighbor dog (the dog is new, the neighbor isn't) he gets along with.  Well, she was a bit much for even Mickey! Young and bouncy.  

This is one reason why cats are safer kept indoors.  There was a LOT more hair than this.  I suspect an owl got it.  We have Great Horned owls, and they can get cats.  They are the ones I suspect have left beheaded raptors under my cedars.  Big raptors themselves, but no match for a Great Horned owl. 

Some sidewalk chalk.  Not by the students, but still family friendly with good advice! 

Hope you have a nice week.