spedigrees: They do look sort of like gigantic bumblebees, there's just something endearing about them (probably the only moth I can say that about). Jane: Does that chipmunk have a short tail or is it just the angle? I've noticed that I have at least two different chippies visiting my deck; one with a short tail and one with a long tail. I'd thought that maybe a predator had bitten off the tip of the short tail, but it could be genetic. The squirrels here come in two types - one type has a regular full tail, the other has a skinny tail (evolving into a rat?) Guthrie has been quiet lately. Possibly he noticed that I've moved all of the defoliated phlox to a new Phlox Protection Zone, fenced to keep him out. There's one phlox blooming there that he missed. Claire (trying out the new GW photo uploading feature. I just edited and rearranged my post and had to re-enter the photo file) Phlox Protection Zone

I love this thread too! So many beautiful homes! Amber, I just took a look at your photos... such a terrific home! I liked all your bay/alcove windows, your fireplaces and your stairs best! I'd love to see some pics of the exterior. Looks like you have a victorian? Our home is modest compared to many here, but I love the victorian door hardware, and we have a twist doorbell too. The bell is still there but it makes a clacking sound more than a ring most of the time. Needs new inside parts! I also love our heart pine floors, wood work and porch. Maybe I'll post some pics later, just for fun. Hope others will post more photos. I love looking! Cheers, -Kim

WTG, Claire! Good bird mother. That's a happy thrush. Glad your power stayed on. What a relief. I can't answer nhbabs's curiosity about why we Southerners only see Hermit Thrushes in the winter, but after checking my 'Thrushes' folder, yup, all the pictures are in winter. They must summer in NH and winter in the flatlands, I guess. Today is the first time I was able to capture a RB Woodpecker twice in flight after leaving the suet cage. Downloaded a free copy of GIMP, (a free rendition of Photoshop) and tried to superimpose the two pictures. I need practice, but here it is: Jane This post was edited by corunum on Tue, Jan 27, 15 at 16:29

Thanks everyone for your comments. I think those grey/green shutters could be an option for us. I like the look of darker gutters (not black, more iron ore or copper), but starting to think that the uneven gutter coverage on the front of the house will just look odd unless we also do dark trim on the peaks of the house. Since we want to avoid painting the trim it might just be easier to go with white and add color/character via shutters