Finch Flies in Window and God answers my Prayers...

On Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010, I was in the kitchen when I heard a THUMP on the back window...I knew just what it was....I was afraid to look.  I went outside and there on the back porch was a tiny finch on his side.  He was alive, breathing heavily, but not moving.  I went and got some big gloves on and came back and carefully scooped him up.  It was 21 degrees outside and I didn't think a little thing on its side in the cold was a good idea.  I brought him inside and said a few little prayers....he looked like he was hurting, so I carefully stroked his little head.

After a little while, I sat down and just held him close to me....yes, I sang a little song...

After awhile, he started to perk up and his heavy breathing subsided; he seemed more relaxed

I decided to take him outside to see if he had any interest in getting away, but he wasn't quite ready, so we went back in for about 5 more minutes

then I took him out again and set him down and offered him some nyjer, their favorite food!

I kept checking on him....he was there for about 5-10 more minutes after that.....then I saw him hopping around.  He turned himself around and faced the backyard where all the other birds were....

and then he flew off!  I know his 'feet' look a little awkward here, but it was only because his surface there was a flannel sheet...when he got himself together, they looked just fine!

Yay!! It was God....not me....this birdie had more 'tweeting' yet to do!

Just a lovely Fall drive from Vermont to New Hampshire...

On October 16, 2010, the rains stopped as we headed East from Vermont....some trees had dropped all or most of their leaves, but some were still blazing with color.....Our next stop was the Yankee Candle Company, which was actually in the 'opposite' direction of where we were headed, but we had decided to check into our hotel on the 15th, get some rest after the 'white knuckle' driving of snow, sleet, rain, and ice and do both Yankee candle and our dinner train on the same day....so enjoy our drive and the next entry will be our trip to Yankee Candle....you won't want to miss it!

this pastoral setting was just breathtaking....that tree was a real stand-out

the white fence, the colors....I love it all

We do the flag banner on our home during the 4th of July time, too!

This home barely looked like Fall, but I just LOVED the front porch

This home had hardly any grass showing!

this old tree was clinging to the few remaining leaves of its season

WOW!

getting so close to Yankee Candle....love the street lights

the small towns and villages of New England give me goosebumps

Keep your eye on the road!

The spirit of the season

and just around the corner......
Stay tuned!

and the rains came down! still driving through Vermont...and now in Norwich!

So, I have to say that MOST of our 10 day trip was exceptional- weather had cleared, the sun had come out, and the colors were extraordinary---we had a lovely time and I'm so happy that we took the time to do it---

Now, however, as our vacation drew to a close....the rain was coming back in full force and I have to say that it was a bit scary at times....the rivers were overflowing their banks, many of the dirt roads were washed out; some were closed. 

We could barely see from the car windows

You can't tell here, but the water came very close to the underside of the bridge

water rushing so fast!

Then, by accident, we came upon King Arthur Flour Company....how exciting....I mean, does New England have just about everything that I love?    YES!!

Look at those beautiful shelves full of flour!

This is baker's heaven!!

The rain and win had taken down most of the leaves that were left.

And every body of water that we encountered seemed 'angry'

wet.....wet.....wet

If you've never been to King Arthur Flour, I have to tell you that it is a TREAT!! There are cooking classes, workshops, a bakery department with warm cinnamon rolls, sandwiches.  They have tours available and the store itself is very, very special....it's a baker's paradise!!

If you'd like more information on King Arthur flour: Click HERE.....

                               and there's one more train ride before we head back home.....