Spring tablescape overlooking the lake

Ideas are interesting things... have you ever had an idea of something in your mind and you've planned it out to the smallest detail? But when you decide to go through with the plan, it turns into something completely different?

This is happening to me a lot these days. During the winter, when we're stuck indoors much of the time, I "think." I think a lot. I write down thoughts. I make lists. I plan. To the smallest detail...

Now that spring is here, all my plans are changing!

Change happened with this tablescape... what was originally going to be a monochrome tablescape did not turn out that way at all. And I am much happier! Spring needs green. :)

I found green jumping into my monochrome design...

Green happens to be my favorite color...

These toile dishes are called "Love Poem" -- can you see the script writing on them? Love at first sight with these dishes! The store only had six place settings. I need to find two more!

Square plates with the soft scalloped edges... Beige on cream... They even look like poetry.

More green appeared. Pairing two napkins always makes them pop!



This flatware jumped into my cart the moment I saw it!



Green apples and faux moss rocks stacked in the tiered plates... little bird couple salt and pepper shakers.

Peeking over to the side table and chairs...

Antique crystal bowls. These belonged to Hubby's grandmother. I don't know the maker or pattern.

Green goblets wanted to be in the tablescape, too.

This photo shows the other half of our sunporch.

A little closer...

Looking back at the table... you can see the boats and docks have started to go into the water.

Side table is set up with cocktail glasses and plates and cheese. In the background on the water, our dock and boat lift is in -- but we haven't put the boat in yet. Hopefully soon!

Isn't this cheese platter great? My daughter gave it to me for Mother's Day! It is an actual wine bottle so it's 100% recycled glass. Handcrafted, and takes over 8 hours to create each one. I love it!

These little appetizer plates are one of my favorites! I buy the new designs each year.

They're called Oliver Appetizer Plates from CB2.

I always pick up two of each design.

This was a perfect evening to be on the sunporch for dinner!

What's on the table:
Dinner and salad plates: 222 Fifth "Love Poem" from TJMaxx
Glass napkin holders and napkins: Crate & Barrel
Salt and Pepper shakers: Pier I   
Flatware: Purchased at World Market
Green goblets: Villeroy & Boch "Boston Green" Collection
Wine glasses: Tiffany (have had for years)
Tall martini glasses and Oliver appetizer plates: CB2

Thanks for visiting!



I will be linking to the following fantastic parties this week:

Masterpiece Monday at Boogieboard Cottage
Amaze Me Monday at Dittle Dattle 
Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
Whassup Wednesday at Elements Interiors
Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch
Feature Yourself Friday at Fingerprints on the Fridge
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Open House Party at No Minimalist Here
Feather Your Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Flaunt it It Friday at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper

Canadian Geese: The goslings are growing

We came across the same family of Canadian Geese today (that I mentioned a few days ago).

Babies are growing!

Thanks for visiting!

Canadian Geese babies are born!

Mama Goose in the front and Daddy Goose in the back -- he's keeping an eye on me!



Each spring at the lake, we are inundated with Canadian Geese. I love the geese, especially when the goslings are newly hatched and still yellow/grey and fluffy. The adults are one of the most dedicated parents I have ever seen -- I have actually seen them threaten cars that slow down to catch a look at them!

These geese that I photographed are in a small body of water located across the road from the bigger lake. Throughout the day, the geese will leave this water, and with Mom in the lead and Dad bringing up the tail, they will march those babies over to the big lake and later on, back to this small area of water. Daddy Goose is the one who honks, barks and hisses at anything that looks remotely close to a threat. Cars will stop to allow the family to cross the road and Dad doesn't get too upset over the cars -- but watch out if you get out of the car to take a photo!! When you see a goose stand up straight and spread his wings and start hissing, you better move outta the way and fast!

The geese families often hang out together and create a crèche -- with a few adults and many goslings. They're very family-oriented!

Canadian Geese are monogamous -- they mate for life. A few years ago, we witnessed the death of one of the parents, and her mate stayed by her body for a very long time. He wouldn't allow anybody near her! When one of the pair does die, the remaining goose will eventually find a new mate.

The two geese families I photographed here each had three babies. We've seen families with as few as a single babe -- and as many as 18!

As the goslings grow older, they begin looking like mini versions of Mom and Dad. The families stay together all summer long. I've read that they stay together for an entire year but by the end of the summer, they don't hang out at the lake as much, so I don't see them. By the end of the summer, it's impossible to tell the adults from their children.

These babies are less than a week old. At the end of the first week after they hatch, they start losing the yellow color. When they are a few weeks old and much bigger, we do our best to keep them out of our yard because geese are pooping machines and will leave a disaster on the lawn!

I stayed in the car to take these photos:

Family #1 with three babies



Baby geese can swim immediately and can also dive and swim underwater



Family #2 also with three babies. I can only see two in the photo.

They were along the side of the road until we stopped the car for a photo.

Heading into the water. I still only see two babies.

Now all three babies are visible

And into the water they go...

I think they're happier away from our car. :)

Thanks for visiting!!
 

I will be linking to the following fantastic parties this week:

Anything Goes Party at Type A