SNOWY SEATTLE GNOMES

GNOMES AND GNOME HOME IN THE SNOW

Yes, it does snow in Seattle! There are a few gnomes out in the snow here on the Olympic Peninsula. The boys wanted to get a little play time so they asked me to take some pictures. Like us, they usually spend snowy days in their indoor shops making tools and furniture. When they do go out, on go their special boots that make  small-looking  animal tracks. We wrote a blog story last year, “Footprints in the Snow.”
http://whimsicalwoods-gnomes.blogspot.com/2010/11/footprints-in-snow.html. 

GNOMES AND THEIR FRIEND GO FOR A WALK IN THE SNOW

Seems snow and gnomes go together. They are dressed for it! 

Having had snow for several days now, the birds are very hungry. So with a little help from me, we’re keeping them fed. Our special suet is very popular now. Unfortunately, the Starlings like it way too much. Popcorn keeps them busy.

The snow will end, but be followed by rain with a concern for flooding next week. I think most gnomes float pretty well. Enjoy the snow pictures. We’re going to send a few into the Seattle news stations. They like local snowy home pictures. You never “gnome” what they will put on TV.


All is very white and quiet here in Whimsical Woods. Look at those tracks in the snow!

IS THIS GNOME LOST IS THE SNOW?

 

Suet Feeders - Very Popular!

Suet Feeder - for the birds!

To all the Whimsical Woods loyal gnome blog readers, a very Happy New Year, 2012. It surely will be a year of changes and politics. That is something we do not read about in the life of gnomes. They have a vocal leader in the clan - a king, who has a queen. Likely a wise elder couple who have earned great respect over the years. How different!

Although our winter of 2011- 2012 seems to be very mild so far, the winter feeding of the little birds must continue. A favorite here in the northern cooler climate is suet made from real animal fat, or in my case, lard. Here at Whimsical Woods, I prefer to make my own from scratch. I can make it to my liking much better than the cheap corn based cakes available in stores. You can find the lard at various bulk food/restaurant stores (Cash & Carry, Smart & Final, etc.) It is about $1.00 a pound in bulk. I buy a 30 lb. bucket for about $35, which will last a full season. The birds love the protein and energy from the suet feeders.

When the snow piles up on the ground, the winter birds will need your suet feeder and ice free water. Our gnome friends to their best to help, but appreciate human efforts.

The photo is a suet feeder I make and sell at the Sequim Open Aire Market, craft shows and mail order. Commercial green suet cages work, but don’t look as natural and require the use of store bought packaged suet.

Suet Recipe - simple ingredients

1 lb. soft lard
1/4 cup sugar, brown or white
1/8 cup ordinary beach sand
1/4 cup old bread crumbs
8 cups of good quality bird seed mix*
1/2 cup flour (white or whole wheat)*

Mix all and let sit in a cool place for a day, then feed the birds! Suet filled pine cones also work great!

*Note: Add more or less to thicken the mix. Optional: add natural chunky peanut butter.