Storm update...

I'm in awe of this storm..

I had to shovel again to get back to the coop. Last night we shoveled about a foot. I just shoveled through waist high snow. So, about 2 1/2 more feet of snow.

I'm happy to say the girls are as snug as a bug in a rug.

Last night, I filled one of the tubs with water as well as the four water fonts for the girls. I figured this way we have four days of water for them.

We brought plenty of wood over for the woodstove and it has done a wonderful job keeping us toasty. I also went on a baking/cooking spree last night because I thought for sure our power would be out by morning.

I made a pot of potato broccoli soup and have some homemade bread to sop it up with, chocolate chip cookies, and cranberry orange bread.

Right now, the hubsters is doing a grand fry-up - eggs and bacon. The smell is wafting down the stairs back to my office. Just the ticket after some hard labor!

I hope to post some more pics later - breakfast is calling at the moment....

Stay warm and safe to all who are dealing with Mother Nature's sense of humor!

Two feet and counting....

Two feet so far with drifts much deeper. I can't believe we still have power.

The storm is not supposed to stop brewing until around 8pm tonight.

Here are a couple of pics from this morning....

No one will be coming up these steps anytime soon!

Part of the lower deck looking back toward the steps in the above photo.

A path shoveled from the lower deck to the middle and upper decks to get to the condenser that is just on the other side of the privacy fencing.
Nuala's not too sure about this much snow!

Outside of my office sliding door looking onto the lower deck.

We may be digging out of this for days to come. I'm off to give the girls water and some snacks.

We dug a path about 11pm last night to check on them and they were all snuggled in for the night - all safe on their roosts.

Have a safe weekend everyone and mind your backs.

Peaceful Fridays.....

This is Dick, a curmudgeon of a fellow. He's typically a grumpy sort.

I tried to cheer Dick by painting lovely ivy vines around his head so he could feel he was communing with the natural world.

Alas, Dick was still grumpy. But, wait - am I seeing a laugh here instead of a harrumph?

Could it really be Dick is smiling?

What do you think?

Hey, if Dick can smile, shouldn't we all?

Have a peaceful weekend, y'all........

Updated views and getting ready for another big one...

The views are beginning to expand and we're starting to travel a bit around the globe. Here are two more views for you to start your day.

Helsie's Happenings

Becky's Barnyard

Pop on over and say hello. I'm sure they'd love to hear from you.

A big thank you to everyone who has shared their views with the world. I can't wait to see where else we will travel without any expenses!

Today is a day to go run errands before the snow comes in tomorrow. We're looking at another 20" plus snowfall. This will be the second large storm we've had this year.

We've had quite a bit of precipitation here this winter so far. Just in the last week we've had a 7" snowfall and then 5" again yesterday. Now add the one on the way and it equates to aching body parts! We've been overdue for a bang up winter for several years now. The past 3 or 4 winters have been mild with very little snow accumulations. I know Mother Nature has a sense of humor. Most times I get the joke and can have a good laugh. You know laughing is good for body and soul, so I see an all around benefit here. But, c'mon now - I got the joke. Can we please move on? I know, I know. Be careful what you wish for.....

On a footnote - the chickens are not happy with all this white stuff either. I think they are begining to go a little stir crazy. Can chickens go stir crazy? I guess it beats going to the stir fry!

Me bad. I'll stop now.

Do you believe in magic.....

She hangs in the gazebo to remind me what a magical place the gazebo area is.

It has an energy that I am drawn to.

It is a place that gives me peace and joy, without asking, it gives it to me.

The fish pond is directly in front of the gazebo itself. We listen to the water whilst we dine.

Or sometimes it is a gentle noise to meditate with.

The snow that fell overnight gave this place such a magical feel this morning. You know, the quiet hush that only snow can give.

The snow lay on everything in such a beautiful but gentle way this time. It felt like a gift that had to be enjoyed in a respectful manner. Just quiet observation.

This morning was a day of magic. A gift from Mother Nature.

The gift of peace.

They call me mellow yellow.....

Yellow inspirations to let us know " you know who" is on her way...

And a bouquet of florals from around the gardens to brighten my room.

Just a little cheer for those of us who want to be putzin' round the gardens.

Enjoy!

Octoberfarm's view from the kitchen.....

Today's view from the kitchen is brought to you by Jaz over at Octoberfarm.

And what a view it is! Take a hop on over to her blog and check it out, but, fair warning, her recipes will make you hungry!

Also, while you're out cruising blog land, don't forget to stop by two other view participants, Callie at Chickens on the Porch and Jeanne at Tales from a Cottage Garden and check out their views.

Tonight I will start planting my lettuce seeds since we've gotten the lighting situation under control for the lettuce table. This is the set-up I'm going with.

I've never used the jiffy pots with the expando peat/soil mix. I'm torn, so, I'll plant some in the jiffy mix and some in the Johnny's seed starting mix. I've got several different varieties of lettuce to plant - from Johnny's I have Flashy Trout Back, a variegated red romaine, and their five star greenhouse mix which has seven or eight varieties included in the pack. From Seeds of Change I have their Butterking and Sweet Valentine. I've grown both of these varieties with great success.

Time to put on some music that tickles of Spring and all the promise of her coming and get my hands dirty!!