Kira Walk & Tank Joins In

Many tracks in the snow.  There were deer and wolf tracks in the front field and across the driveway.  We've been hearing the wolves...pretty darn close...again...during the night.  Kira isn't really interested in them...she's actually getting a ball out of the snow.

Along comes Tank, and I had a ball on a rope hidden in my coat for them to play with.

Kira is dragging Tank through the snow.  She is 15 to 20 lb. lighter than Tank, but has a tremendously powerful jaw and won't give up anything...ever...

And then we resort to the "crazy time"....if you look closely, you will see all four of Kiras' feet are in the air.  She is having a great time, is just landing to pivot on top of Tank, and flip over his back.  She is one "crazy girl" and everything in life is just fun for her.

Wise Owl, Other Wknd. Pics.

 This large Barred Owl was resting on top of a large spruce, trying to snooze.  I didn't think I'd get a picture of him, this tree is a very long way from the window I was standing in.

 And on top of the smaller tree beside him was a VERY annoying bluejay.  It was very comical to watch.  The bluejay would stand there screaming at the owl, and then periodically take off and fly around the owl, who just ignored him.  He would then land on the treetop again.  Talk about nerve.

 Yes, well, I guess we have strange wildlife here...!  A bunch of red squirrels feeding under one of the bird feeders.  Suddenly, a pine grosbeak appears to be 'dive bombing' the squirrels!  Just "happened" to catch him in the picture...he was just heading down for sunflower seeds, but kind of a funny shot.

Just a pretty shot into the west sky as I walked up the driveway.  Not sure what these clouds were suggesting....it was a change to come.

Some play time for Kira

 Everyone loves Trust.  Kira is giving her lots of kisses while Trust just stands there and accepts it...up to a point!

 Kira leads the way, Trust is content to just come along behind...that way she doesn't really have to tolerate too much of Kira!

 Next "group"....Tank time with Kira.  Now this will wear her out a little!

 What the heck is she doing here?  One of her weird contortions in fast speed, it looks like.  These two play well together, of course Tank wears out faster than she ever does.

 And once again, Kira leads the way...only Blast could catch her, but they do not 'play' together...maybe some day...

OK the fun is over, mom just called us to go in.  Kira gives Tank a kiss before coming.  She loves to have him to occasionally play with.

Pine Grosbeaks

 Male pine grosbeak being carefully watched by a chickadee!

Another male P.G....they are so beautiful to have come to the feeders in the winter.

Beautiful Early Morning!

 I was about 2 mins. late to get an even more gorgeous colour in the sky just before sunrise this morning.  It was really amazing.  Of course, this is a warning for bad weather following.  Was supposed to be a lot of freezing rain, but it luckily missed us today.

 Behind the house, after the big snowfall, the forest is very pretty.  I like the unusual tree limbs with the snow on them.

Going down the driveway, some loaded with snow trees.  Hard to believe that tomorrow is going to be heavy rain.  The snow will be gone from the trees and everything on the ground will be slush...yuck!

Kira's Deep Snow Searches

 The ball I had today was quite heavy and sure gets lost down in the deep new snow.  Doesn't matter, I don't think Kira would ever quit unless she was pulled off.

 And her tail never stops wagging, just like Blast when he's searching.

 She finally went back around and through trees to find the ball (you can barely see her here) where it landed hidden in the trees.

 Happy girl...."what now, mom?"  I had taken the ball so we could go for a bit of a walk.

After our short walk, we played a few fetches over the top of the plowed snow.  She was just flying over this, coming and going, having a great time.
I can't imagine the mess we'll have here tomorrow and the next day.  After 20cm snow yesterday, we are now under a heavy rainfall warning for overnight and tomorrow, with temps. rising to plus 7 C. by morning.  This is the craziest winter I can remember. 

The Princess Has Control!

Trust is above the carrying-ons of "the boys" climbing the plowed snow and watches for any bad behaviour.  We had 20 cm of snow yesterday, so there was lots to play in, and on, today.

Blast usually claims the highest mound for himself.

 Blast beat Tank to the ball and Tank comes out from behind the top of the snow.  They made a path down behind the mound.

 Out in the front field, just Tank and Blast were running through this.  Trust finds it a little too deep and hard going now.

 You need a fair bit of speed to keep moving through the snow when it's heavy and deep.

 Tank took a bit of a header here coming towards the packed snow alongside the driveway.

Blast is semi-lying in the snow.  He just loves this weather.  He was playing his "you can't see me" game, until I told him I could!!!