ODDS AND ENDS

This business of staying inside the house, not even peeking out, is getting old. One can only read so many books or watch so much tv.  All this makes for boring blogs!

As I was thinking of what to write, I remembered that one of my dear friends here, collects pitchers, as do I.  They aren't very good pics, but I did take some to share this morning.

The two snowmen have been placed back in their space, so you cant see them very well.  I have been given some of these, have brought them back from trips I have taken, etc.  There is one pitcher that was my Mother's and she died in 1975, so of course that is a treasure to me.  Another was my Aunt's, and she has been dead for six years (she was my Mother's baby sister), and I could go on and on.  Suffice it to say, they all have special memories for me.

We see on the tv and in the newspapers, that we need to be sure and care for our pets in this cold, snowy weather.  True, but let's not forget the birds-----

5 Simple Ways to Make Bird Feeders

1. Recycled Plastic Jug Variation 1
Make a simple bird feeder by cutting around the bottom of a clean plastic detergent bottle with sharp scissors. Punch 4 holes around the rim, tie string through the holes and gather together at the top to hang. Fill with bird seed and watch the birds gather.

 2. Recycled Plastic Jug Variation 2
This technique will also work when using cardboard milk and juice containers. Wash the empty container and let dry. Punch a hole in the top of the container and put floral wire or a bread twist-tie through for a hanger. Cut two square holes on the front and the back side of the container about ½ inch from the bottom with sharp scissors. Directly under the squares make a small hole and insert sticks in the hole for a perch. Fill with birdseed, hang and enjoy. These feeders provide additional protection from the elements for the birds as well as keeping the bird seed dry.

 3. Pine Cone Bird Feeders
Traditional, tried-and-true pine cone bird feeders are an easy way to make a bird feeding station. Gather dropped pine cones and attach a piece of string or piece of floral wire at the top of the cone’s stem to make a hanger. Smear solid vegetable shortening or creamy peanut butter onto all sides of the pine cone. Roll in bird seed and hang.

 4. String Feeders
Cut a length of string approximately one foot and tie a knot at on end. Thread a large needle through the top end and tie with a small knot to secure. String slices of fresh fruit such as oranges, apples, pears and cranberries along with pieces of stale bread and/or popcorn and hang.

5. Suet Feeders
Purchase suet in the meat section of your grocery store. It is very inexpensive, and a good sized piece can usually be purchased for a few dollars or less. Place the suet in a recycled mesh bag such as the type used for packed onions. Tie the bag in a tree or on the porch in plain view. The birds will benefit from the calories in the fat during the winter. Some species of woodpeckers are known to seek out suet feeders as well.