The Heart of Winter

We're in, what I consider to be, the heart of winter.

Temperatures are well below freezing and a haze hangs in the air...

While my dogs will go out for potty breaks...

Sadie

They prefer the warmth of a hug...

DJ and Snoop

And sun puddles...

Sadie

Over the cold any day...

Keep warm.

Oh Yeah!!! Take This!!!

Saturday night on into Sunday morning, we received almost ten more inches of heavy, wet snow.  I went to the movies with a friend on Saturday night and it was raining.  I came out of the movies and it was snowing.
AAARRRRGGGG!!!
When I left for work this morning, freezing rain remnants glistened on the trees.
Pretty, but still AAARRRRGGGG!!!

 I'm done with Winter. 

I don't care how much you shine diamonds before me, how blue your skies may be, how clean and enveloping you are.  You have smothered me and I am sick of you!!!
We're done.
In four days I am off to greener pastures.
Take that!!!

Deep Freeze

The polar vortex that we experienced a couple of weeks ago has returned.  With it, comes bitter cold.  But even with this cold, there is beauty all around us...

You just have to look.

January Thaw

Violet, Snoop and I went for a nice long walk today as we are experiencing a bit of a January thaw.

Given the fact that it has been one of the coldest winters in over 20 years, I very much appreciated the fact that it was 50 degrees today.  My walk was that much more enjoyable.     

I made sure I took the time to stop and look at what has occurred in the woods this past month (i.e. - a rotted pine tree is now part of the forest floor).

Although I may have complained about the deep cold spell we experienced, it did make me appreciate the warmth so much more.
Differences. 
Go for a walk - it's good for you.
Both mentally and physically.

Enjoying the Sunshine

The weather has been so bizarre this winter - one moment we have white out conditions, next moment the sun is shining.  While I admit that I have gone through closets, cupboards and desks because it is winter,  I still prefer the sun.  It not only lifts my spirits, but those around me too :)

 My Christmas cactus has bloomed again :)

Stripes enjoys the sun puddles...

He would much prefer it though if you scratched him behind his ears...

Stripes says, "Please, please, please."

Violet sitting on her ledge enjoying the sun and heat from the wood stove :)

And, finally Snoop yesterday afternoon laying on the picnic table soaking up the sun...

A sure sign that Spring is right around the corner.
Now come on Spring, get here.
Fast like!!!
Have a great day :)

After The Storm

It wasn't quite a blizzard (we got about four inches :), but it is beautiful.  I took these photos on my walk to the airplane field this afternoon. 

My daughter calls this tree the Winnie the Pooh tree :)

Look closely - you may see him :)

Aren't these serous clouds beautiful?

This photo here, however, is my favorite...

Although I have never walked down this path, I will some day and I am sure it will be a great adventure :)
Go for a walk. 
It's an adventure :)

What the???

Temperatures were in the high 50s on Friday.

Yesterday, this...

It was actually the worst snow storm we  have seen in our neck of the woods this year.

Come on Spring.

Can't wait to see you.

In Our Neck of the Woods

Concensus is...

no matter how cute the little doggie walkways are...

or how much the little doggie enjoys them...

or the big doggie enjoys them...

this snow is for the birds...

We're going to the conservatory this afternoon and enjoying some flowers.