For the third morning in a row I have gone out and removed ice from the bird bath. The first day it was simply flipping a layer of frozen water from the surface onto a satisfying ground-shatter. Yesterday I used a rock. Today I stared thoughtfully out the window at the ice and then took a hammer with me. It took a few blows to break through to the open water beneath. The hummingbird feeder had slush on top of its liquid and I hope the bird is into a frosted breakfast. It is winter in Victoria! But the sun is bouncing in warm-up motions on the trampoline clouds and the ice will soon melt. The winter jasmine is starring mightily. Bulb shoots are showing. The honeysuckle bush is in bloom. I have on woolen socks...with my sandals. (PS My feet keep warm thusly: give it a try; shoes or boots are usually very restrictive to movement of the feet and circulation is affected)