Sweet Pups and Snow

We did indeed have a good snow, as well as a bit of ice.  This is the view looking out from our driveway.

The birds have kept me busy making suet and filling feeders.

The pups have had to step gingerly, though today the melting began.

Along with the red roses my Valentine gifted me, we have lantana that we overwintered indoors blooming.

 I did a small amount of mending and sewing.  I've canned vegetable broth and beans I had dried from our garden.  I do sometimes cook them up dried, but it sure is nice to have them ready to use at those times I haven't planned ahead.  There has also been progress  made on the dreaded taxes, which I hope to soon have ready to go, so I can get on to more pleasurable endeavors.

Holiday of Hearts

There's a good snow in the forecast for today.  The latest predicts 5-8 inches, but every time I check, that seems to change.  We'll enjoy it, regardless of how much we get.  With nowhere to be for the next couple of days, we can take it in stride.  There's a chance it could turn icy, with power outages, but we're as prepared as we can be for that possibility.  We've had flurries off and on for the past couple of days, with the snow beginning to stick yesterday.  I'm thinking I may do a bit of canning today or tomorrow.  I can't think of a time when the heat and humidity would be more welcome.  The amaryllis is blooming, just in time to cheer us in the midst of wintry weather and just the right color for a holiday dedicated to love.  Wishing you a sweet and happy Valentines Day.  Be good to yourself, and share a little love.

waiting in line

Local Talent

One of the many reasons I love living here is the amazingly talented folks that surround us.  I've spoken about the potters on more than one occasion, but there are other wonderful folks that deserve a mention.  We've recently been collaborating with local woodworker James Watt on our tables.  The sweet little walnut box above is his work, as well as the tabletop below.  Joseph made the table base and copper ginkgo leaves, which James incorporated into a walnut tabletop for a couples copper anniversary gift.  The feedback we received was filled with oohs and aahs and actual tears of joy for this lovely piece.  In addition to the custom link above, James has a small etsy shop that's worth checking out.

The amaryllis I planted at Christmas is almost about to open.  Bring on the blooms!

Snow Day

We don't often get snow in these parts, and it may not be around for long, so I thought I'd share a few views from the day.  We got somewhere between 1 1/2 to 2 inches of snow overnight.

The pups had a great time.

The chickens weren't so sure.

creek bed

Though it was great fun to take a walk in the snow with the pups, I'm thankful for a warm home, hot cocoa, and blooming pretties to cheer me.

J's handiwork

There are Signs

Though the forecast is for snow later today, there are signs of spring around the homestead.  Crocus and daffodils have begun poking up.  Hellabores are making flower buds.

Garlic has been putting on a lot of growth.  It was planted in what was the old chicken yard, so there ought to be some good nutrition there.  The hog wire tunnel is to prevent exuberant pups from trampling it in the midst of their playing.  The first seeds have been ordered.  I've caught up with my ironing.  Mending was caught up a couple of weeks ago, but it seems there are new things popping up to mend regularly on the homestead, so there are again 3 or 4 things waiting for me.  I did manage a little bit of sewing, making a couple of lavender sachets from a pretty toile fabric, and resizing 3 cotton nightgowns that were too large for me.  Today my main goal is to wrap 70 bars of soap for a local B&B.  What's on your plate today?

Wordless Wednesday: Pink Light

Cold Temps and Treasures

The unusually cold temperatures have given me an excuse to bake.  Yesterday, it was a double batch of granola, and sweet potatoes.  There's a loaf of Fig Bread in the oven this morning.  I've got to be away from home this afternoon, so I'm dusting off my long-neglected crock pot, to be sure we'll have a warm meal tonight.  The recipe is one for Corn and Potato Chowder.  If it's a keeper, I'll share it.

Some friends bought an old building filled with antiques, and have asked for assistance in helping them find new homes for these treasures.  I'm having fun learning and researching. That photo above is a traveler's suit brush made in France.  The gent whose name is stamped and written on the ostrich leather case had a garage, and likely a car dealership in Doylestown, according to a Motor World Wholesale publication of 1912.

I have been inspired to declutter this week, and have so far tackled all the bookshelves in the house, along with a large pile of magazines.  I am delighted to be making good progress, and am hoping for the inspiration to remain to do a great deal more.