Merry Christmas 2015 from Chickadee Gardens at Blue Jay Lane

Much has happened at Chickadee Gardens in the past two weeks. We have officially moved residence--a Herculean task neither of us wishes to go through ever. Again. Ever.

Now that we're here and (somewhat) snuggled in our beds for a deep winter's nap, let me show you some of the happenings these past two weeks. First of all, we awoke to snow this Christmas Eve morning. What a surprise as the NOAA says that Saint Helens receives only an average of one inch of snow annually. Even Portland gets more than that. No matter, we're stuck at home painting bathrooms, installing IKEA lighting and unpacking boxes so it is a welcome new view outside.

 Even the labyrinth looks smashing in shades of white.

Backing up now, a couple of weeks ago we moved a few more of the big pots. A few still remain for "staging" of the Portland house. These were beasts to move. That's why they are still parked here on the "unloading dock."

 In the same spot now covered in snow.

 David has dreams of his own shop/garage space, so he had a Tuff Shed built. Here is the pad put down recently as a base.

Here it is! It comes in a fabulous color of primer. David was hoping it would have been just natural wood so he could stain it, but darn. Now the plan is to paint it a cheerful shade of barnhouse red. This is his space to play in.

Note: David says his! His alone! Heehee.

Earlier this week we had a fierce windstorm. It reminds me to call the arborist. This big leaf maple took a hit, a huge branch came crashing down. We are SO grateful it went the other way, for the house is basically where I'm standing taking this photo.

It also toppled a Douglas fir. 

 Again, VERY grateful it went the other way. Some of our fellow Saint Helenites didn't fare as well as we did. We saw a house with basically no roof yesterday.

 On a sunnier moment this week which was fleeting. We have officially had the wettest month on record for Portland with 16-plus inches recorded as of today. The old record was 13.35 inches. We chose to move this month. Oy. It's been a challenge.

On to more cheerful matters. Snow! The future Casa Azul seems dressed up now.

 And the labyrinth begs to be walked on such a day.

The oak tree clings on to a few last leaves.

 The house also seems dressed up.

 Christmas card, anyone?

 This little tree, although healthy and full, seems a bit like a Charlie Brown tree out there by itself.

 Even the filbert trees are gorgeous.

 It's a good we are not working this day. David does not have his snowplow rigged for clearing the swooping, uphill driveway. We'll stay snuggled in doing our chores.

Some long-gone perennial planted by the former owner. 

The maple and other goodies barely touched by snow. This will likely be melted by lunch time, so for now we are enjoying every bit of it.

 There is our report from the "farm" as we affectionately call it. It's been a whirlwind and a lot of hard work but we are settling in and, for those of you in the area, come on out and see us! With or without the snow.

Thank you for reading and for your patience as we put together the home then the garden. Have a wonderful holiday season and stay tuned for more updates. Until next time, happy gardening!