pretty + simple

buried treasures

Do you want to know what's hidden under this pile of snow?

A nice, rounded bump that was strategically marked late last fall.

 

It's something that makes late winter feel a little less non-ending.

Why... wait... wait... what do we have here? 

Something yellow... perhaps a straw bale?

 

Why indeed it is!

But wait... what's that underneath the bale?

 

Something green?!

 

Oh yes... it worked! 

Last fall we placed a 5 gallon bucket (with the bottom cut out) in the ground and filled it with parsnips, topped by leaves and then a straw bale placed over the top to keep them from freezing.

 

Dirt filled but easily cleaned up!

 

Now what could be better than roasted root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, and parsnips) from the garden?  Toss with a little olive oil, kosher salt and fresh ground pepper... roast in the oven at 450 degrees for about 30 minutes and you are golden!

 

This could be a meal in itself.

It's that good. 

more

Yes, it's true.  More snow.  Feels like more than a foot but who's counting?! 

It appears that this birdhouse gourd's tenants flew south for the rest of the winter. 

They didn't care for the accommodations at the Snowed Inn.

Last week we enjoyed warmer temps, sunny days and lots of melting.  Today I'm thinking that whatever melted last week is back in fresh snow.  It's hard not to latch onto those spring-like days.  The ones that give us a little glimpse of days to come.  The ones that make you never want to see another snowflake until next season rolls around.  Of course... that is so not happening so instead I bring you pretty snow white pictures.  Mother Nature's way of cleaning up the landscape by throwing a coat of white over all that dirty ol' white stuff.

 

 

 

 

 

oh lovey dear...

Happy Valentine's Day to all you little love birds out there!

 

fun knee

or funny... depends how you look at it...

but first I must say...

thank you for all the kind words...

it's those little words that mean the most these days.

second of all...

I'm sorry for not visiting and updating my favorite people out there.

I will.  soon.  I promise.

third of all...

we've been cross country skiing and I was trying to get a couple of photos before the sun went down.

when I downloaded them I laughed at this when I looked closer:

I was so busy trying to get a photo that I missed Gordy playing pretty ballerina for the camera.

fun knee move ...

funny guy!

 

{ presley }

 

A memory.  That's what we have left.  It all happened so fast.  No matter what the decision was... it wouldn't be one that we would ever want. 

For 17 years she was with me.  11 years with us.

Through everything.

She had the world's most beautiful fur coat.

She could purr like a little locomotive.

I miss walking in the door and she's not there to greet us.

I miss her in the morning.  Cat napping in the sunshine.

I miss that living, breathing soul that was here all the time.

She's in the hands above.  At peace.

Catching up with her Cousin Almay.

And her long, lost pal... Miss Moppet. 

I miss her.

More than words can say.

... xoxo.

 

balance

 

nature found

Sometimes while snowshoeing through the woods you'll find amazing little treasures to fill your pocket(s).  One of nature's little offerings in the midst of a season that sometimes feels non-ending. 

And then one wonders.  What exactly does one do with a perfect little acorn top? 

You keep it safe, deep in your pocket.

You bring it home.

You kindly place it atop Mr. Weather Owl ...

whooooo indeed is most fascinated by his new-found hat!

 

And then... you smile.  :)

Because you feel so very clever.

two-oh-one

Snow here, snow there... snow everywhere!  It's been quite the season this year for record breaking snowfall that's for sure.  Good for winter activities for the most part except when the wind and cold come barreling in - it pretty much just takes your breath away the moment you step outdoors and all activities take a step aside.  Today is one of those days.  Welcome February... indeed it is off to a breathtaking start!