Snow!

We're definitely having winter here in Idaho. Highest snow depth since 1985, which was 13 inches. It's not nearly what many places get, but my husband measured 16 inches deep last night, after some melting during the day. We've had to shovel multiple times in a day. A good workout, but so exhausting in these cold temperatures.  It's 10 degrees right now. Brrrrr!

The snow does look beautiful and was falling in giant, pretty flakes yesterday. I worked my way out to the bird feeder, which I forgot to get a picture of, but here is a photo of the path I created.

PJ's car is definitely tucked in until the spring thaw. He didn't even attempt to dig Old Blue out for the New Year's Day car show. Numbers were down due to weather, but he still saw some beautiful classic cars.

Our outside lights are still up, until things thaw a bit, so I turned them on again last night. So pretty! I'm sure some in the neighborhood are tired of them, but I would enjoy them year round, if I could get away with it. My little tree is also still up. I got a very late start, just two days before Christmas, and it's decorated only with lights, a string of silver beads, and the angel. What can I say? I just didn't pull Christmas off very well this year. No cards went out. Only a couple small gifts for husband and sons. Very little baking. It was a quiet, simple Christmas. I must admit, I really enjoyed it!

New Year's eve was spent with friends, sharing new stories and old memories, playing Dominoes, and eating too much, of course! It was a wonderful way to greet the New Year!

No resolutions to speak off, though I will try to write more consistently than I did in 2016. I've decided making firm resolutions has had no positive results, just a nagging guilt when I realize how many I broke. This is going to be a year of taking one day at a time, doing the best I can at whatever I'm attempting at that moment, and cherishing every moment spent with family and friends. With that, I wish each of you a beautiful, blessed New Year!

© 05JAN2017 ajj

Sunshine Today...

There's been sunshine this afternoon!  The day began with a winter storm, snow and strong winds, but all has settled now.  The mounds of white are starting to melt, though I doubt it will all disappear just yet.  I got out a couple days ago, and started bringing in the Christmas lights.  They stayed up way too long because of the freezing temperatures.  The ones along the roof-line are still there because they were frozen in place.  It's predicted to warm up to the low 40's by Friday, so they'll be coming down soon!

I have been in such a happy place.  Dreaming of spring and the projects I want to do.  This is the year to repaint several rooms inside my home.  I keep wavering on color.  Do I go bold or stay with neutrals?  I just can't decide.  I am leaning toward neutral beach tones, especially for our bedroom.  I love the coast, and I'd like to have a light, "beach cottage" feel without being too obviously "beachy"!  Lol!  I'm pretty sure I'll stay with white paint for the family room/kitchen/dining area.  It's much easier to get the color in the accessories, than risk making a color mistake in such a large area.  It's fun thinking about it.

I'm still battling the eye problems, so if any of you have noticed I'm not commenting on your blogs, it's because my computer time has to be very limited for now.  I'm believing this is for a short time!  I love visiting blogs, reading about your lives, and I hope to be back at it soon!

Stay warm, spring is just around the bend!

Art by Kate Greenaway, Free Image courtesy of Dover Publications.

Day 18 - Beginnings, Snow...

Do you remember when snow only meant fun?  When you didn't have to worry about how bad the roads were, or who would have to shovel the drive?  When who had the best snowman, or the fastest innertube, was your biggest concern? 

Today we finally got our first winter snow.  I have to admit that I wasn't all that excited.  I thought about the errands I'd planned to run.  At least I didn't have to worry about shoveling the snow.  My husband was home today, and our neighbor lady couldn't get her snow blower started.  PJ got it going for her, then she offered him the use of it.  He was one happy guy! 

My broken little Maple doesn't look so sad with snow decorating it's branches...

As the snow continued to fall and those flakes got bigger and bigger, I felt that childlike excitement start up again.  It was so beautiful!  I snapped a couple of photos, and I'm glad I didn't wait.  As is normal for Idaho, the snowflakes began to get tinier and before long it had turned to rain. 

Notice the bulbs were confused and had already come up...

Look at how thick the snow lies on the branches...

I love this little tree... and I loved this perfect Snow Day!

My Valentine's Day... and Other Stuff

My sweet husband really made my Valentine's Day lovely.  I woke up to find a beautiful card and a gorgeous pink azalea plant waiting for me!  He had already given me Lindt Chocolates, and had baked me my favorite Gooseberry Pie!

 This pie was delicious! 

When he got home from work, he surprised me with three wonderful soaps I had on my wish list; Lavender and Ocean Rain made with Shea butter, and Cloister Garden, a floral fruity fragrance, made with goat's milk... they smell heavenly!  Plus, a beautiful Celtic Trinity Bracelet!  He is quite a guy, and I'm so glad he still puts up with me!  

Other stuff...

Tuesday we had the most beautiful spring weather!  It got up to 64 degrees, a record for February!  Then yesterday came...  Big hail, winds, lightening, then snow...  Needless to say, it was black ice this morning.  I drove Lucky 13 to school... as always, the High School parking lot is one of the most dangerous places to drive, and the only place I slid!  I was glad to get back to my nice, warm home!  Here is a look at what was coming down...

This is supposed to last for the next couple of days... Oh, how I'm looking forward to spring!

Reminder:  The due date for the Brenda Photo Challenge is coming up!  It's February 26th!  The category is "Red" and should be lots of fun.  It's not too late to sign up.  Just go Here!  My photos will be posted over at Nita Jo's Photos, my photo blog.

Wishing you a beautiful day... and stay hopeful, Spring is just around the corner!

December!

I don't know how December got here so fast!  Life just keeps running by.  While I've been absent several things came and went... my surgery,  my churchs' 70th Anniversary, my birthday, and Thanksgiving.  With all the craziness, what was to be a birthday Giveaway didn't get put together... oh sad procrastination... I am haunted by you!  LOL!

My promise... to get it pulled together, photographed, and posted before Christmas! 

Snow... we have it, and lots of it too!  Yesterday morning I measure 9 1/2 inches in my front yard.  That was at 6:30 am, and it continued to snow all day.  Every school for miles was closed, even colleges and universities including BSU.  Speaking of BSU... those who follow college football will know that we lost last week in Nevada.  Sadly, some "fans" decided to take it out on our kicker, Kyle Brotzman.  Yes, he missed two kicks that may have saved the game, but I'm with Coach Pete... it's a team loss.  Many mistakes were made.  And for all you "sunny day" fans... get over it or get lost!  A real fan is there in the bad times as well as the victories!  So I say, "Go Broncos!"  I'll be tuning in to the next game to cheer them on!

Today I'll be making my Christmas cards out.  A few will be handmade. I send way too many to do all handmade, for this year anyway.  If you want to be on my Christmas Card List, just send me your address.  I love sending cards!  I've saved special cards that I received over the years... some for the messages, some for the art! 

Hope your Christmas shopping and preparations are not making you cranky.  This year, I did all my shopping online.  Most of my gifts arrived, with just a few more coming in over the next week or so.  Paul got our lights up before the big storm blew in... it was so pretty to see them lit up against the snow.  So often we have a "brown" Christmas in this part of Idaho.  I have the luxury of really enjoying all this snow... I don't have to commute (or, like my Honey... deliver mail) in it!

Have a "Hohoho" Jolly Day!

Blessings!
Nita Jo