2012 was the 7th wettest year on record for the Seattle area. We can tell you that we received about 8" of rain in November and 8" of rain in December, so we don't find it hard to believe that it was the 7th wettest year on record. However, considering the marvelous August, September, and October we had -- we are definitely not going to complain one bit. We both agree if we had another weather year like 2012 for 2013, we would be ecstatic. That being said though, we started off 2013 dry and sunny -- albeit fairly chilly. Again, we both agree, we can take colder weather if it is dry and sunny.
So, let's start off with the back yard. We have the typical gray squirrels around our house, but we also have Douglas Squirrels -- the we affectionately call "Doug". We don't know if it is the same squirrel, or a few different squirrels, but he/she/they is/are always entertaining. Doug is smaller in size and much darker than the typical gray squirrel. In addition, he is pretty sneaky. Jared has found him several times in our shed out back -- if we buy bird seed or corn cobs and we don't put them in our metal bins, he breaks into the packaging and helps himself. Here is he partaking in the corn cob and enjoying a little dry time.
Jared was able to get a fairly close picture here, and Doug doesn't seem to be too worried about us taking his photo.
Now for some more birdhouse photos -- everything just looks better in the sun. Here's the smaller bird house, you can also see the yard camera on the tree next to it.
And here is the larger bird house...
After getting some stuff done in the yard, we decided to take a walk up the hill. As you can see, we weren't the only ones out enjoying the dry, sunny weather. We don't think we have EVER seen this MANY people and dogs at the top of the hill!
A nice shot of the Cascades from the top of the hill...see all of that snow -- exactly where it belongs...IN THE MOUNTAINS!
Here's a nice shot of the Olympics. Once you are at the top of the hill, if you look East, you can see the Cascades; if you look West, you see the Olympics -- not a bad view in any direction.
And of course, Indy had to say hello to one of the dogs on the trail. Actually she thinks she has to say hi to ALL of the dogs on the trail...let's just say it was a LONG walk. :)
