Lunar New Year Is Coming.

Lunar New Year falls on February 10 this year.  In China, people call it "Spring Festival (春节)."    People in China, Korea, and Vietnam celebrate this day.

The zodiac animal for this year will be the snake, the 6th animal in the total of 12 animal cycle.  Derek Walters, the author of the secrets of Chinese astrology, says, "...the Snake is said to be the guardian of buried treasure... Facts and figures fall naturally into the Snake's understanding, and they make excellent researchers."  Wow, do you know someone who were born in the snake year (1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)?

 Folk Art Papercutting from China: Snake

The other day when I was walking around the compost bin in the backyard, I found an early sign of spring.  The honeysuckle bush already has many new leaves!! Even in this biting cold air, the plants are steadily getting ready for spring.

A Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon Warbler) stopped by.

"I like your suets.  Three suets to check on here: one under the apple tree, one at the wisteria, and the last one under the patio.  I can't decide which flavor I like best, but thanks a million for stocking up."