70* in February?

It has put me in the mood for flowers, which of course is ridiculous considering the temps will plunge down into the 30's and snow is in the forecast.

But where there is a will, there is a way...and a sale!

I have never had much success with orchids and was just talking with my sister about this the other day. She hasn't either. But as I was out shopping today, I saw this miniature orchid that was so beautiful and springy, I couldn't pass by. Oh, especially as it was on a clearance sale!

My other bargains of the day was yarn for a new hoodie for my grandson "O" or as I like to call him, The Little Man!

I think he will look pretty cool in it when the weather warms up this spring for good! 

Ok back out the door to enjoy the warm breezes for a little while longer!

Overcast

...but still beautiful. So time to take the pups to the lake and wear their butts out.

We saw early, and I mean really early, wild leeks,  geese and seagalls flying overhead, a lone duck gliding across the lake and heard the birds singing their evening songs.

It looks chilly but it wasn't as the temps were in the 50's. A glorious day to take advantage of this long warm break and spend some time there.

If you zoom in you might see one of the closest ducks to us.

Some cattails managing to hold on despite wind, snow, and storms.

Just beautiful.

This is an accurate shot of Sweet Pea as she was in constant motion not wanting to miss a smell or movement. She's a hot mess!

All good times must end so now time to go home and make dinner for hubby and the pups!

Sunny Sunday!

Soooo enjoying today! The sun is shining and warm. I can smell warm earth and grass. I can hear the Pheobe singing. This is February. Wow!

One walk already in for today.  Now on to sweeping winter debris off the front porch, potting a plant (thanks Leah) that has outgrown it's original home, hmmmm what else can I do ouside.....?

#livingdeliberately

In February...

Do you believe it?

I'll take it! Hope everyone enjoys their Saturday!

Love me some Joe!

How can I possibly say "no"?

Spring is here...

Snowflakes are still falling outside but we are "springing it" up in here!

Some flowers on the table, a skirt and Mary Janes to feel feminine and flirty.

Spring can be a state of mind :)

Twins...

Missed your birthday yesterday - so wanted to give a shout out to you in case you ever check back here.

To let you know, you are thought of often, loved strongly, prayed for always for happiness and peace.

Happiest of birthdays to you and may this year be blessed.

Twins for a month.

That chicken thang...

Yes! Thank you for asking! I am still doing that chicken "thaanng"!

Currently the flock is between 20 or thirty something and if they stood still long enough I might get half of them counted...or not. They all reside happily together at One Cackle Way.

One thing I know for sure is that I have about 4 roosters too many and the rest are hens. Oh and the other thing I know is that those boys have to "go" before spring. One way or another.

I have never been a cost effective flock keeper. I run more of a retirement home and shelter than anything. Culling is very difficult especially when I have had these boys since they broke out of the egg.  And they are gorgeous!

I love the way the sun brings out the iridescent colors of their feathers. Two are jet black with green, one is black and white barred with green and the last has orange, red, black and green.

They are all tremendously friendly, will free range, follow me around the yard and come when called.

If you know anyone who might be looking for a big handsome fellow or two, please give them my info or leave a comment below. Oh yes and that ^^^^ is referring to the chickens only!

February Snow Moon

Last night was the night of the "Snow" moon. We lucked out as the clouds parted and the snow stopped to allow the full moon to glow down on the blanket of fresh snow. It was beautiful!

Interestingly, many of the women of my family were up and admiring it in various parts of the country at exactly the same time. PA, GA, MI, AZ are states in which some of us currently call home.

Given the lore of the moons pull, babies being born, crazies coming out, etc. makes you wonder if there isn't something to it. Not to worry though. No werewolves or bigfoots were spotted!

Open your heart to a little love..

You may remember that after our basset boy Sampson passed away, Curly Joe came to visit for awhile. He was the guest who never left! We knew he had found his home with us, for good.

When our basset girl Honeydew passed on, she left a void in all our hearts. Not only did we miss her, we did not want to replace her. After a few weeks of moping, Joe finally bounced back. However, as both my husband and I both worked, we felt guilty leaving him home alone during the day.

In October of 2015, I was viewing rescue sites for a friend and came across this litter of springer spaniel mix puppies. Well the friend really wanted a poodle mix so that wasn't going to work.

But the puppies stayed on my mind. Over the next several days and weeks I would go back to see if any of the six had been spoken for and to follow their story (their rescue from an animal hoarder was pretty horrific).

Now you all know Bassets are my breed, and remain my favorites to this day. But due to health issues my husband and I were no longer able to lift or care for a heavier breed of dog.

Now I had never adopted from a shelter and figured I would not meet the requirements to do so, as I do not have a fenced yard although we do have almost two acres.

But, those puppies were calling my name. So I filled out the application. In two days my references were checked, my vet history was stellar and pending a home inspection , we would be the proud parents of the smallest and most laid back sweet pea of the litter!

It was love at first sight. It had to be because I tell you, she almost killed me in the first two weeks!!!!

Going from a 12 year old basset to a 10 week old springer is a real experience.  "Laid back" is very subjective terminology. She was laid back alright. Right up until 5 minutes after the shelter placement personnel left.

I am so glad we stuck with it. Sweet Pea is the dearest girl. Sensitive. Theraputic. Funny. An adventure. Curly Joe loves her dearly, they are best buddies.

Even the cat tolerates her and has never once, even when being deviled mercilessly,  ever bared her claws and put little Miss Sweet Pea in her place.

So while we still miss Honey Dew and Sampson, and cherish the memories made with them, it is never too late for more love...

It has been awhile...

It's been a while since I have posted anything here. For the first time in a long time, I feel the desire to begin posting again.

Maybe it is because life has slowed down, or I have learned to handle it a bit better, or both.

I do know that I am immensely appreciative of this stage of my life. Too much has happened, or changed to put it all into one post. Some good, some bad, some difficult and some entirely joyful - you know, life!

So for today lets just say, I am enjoying the simple things and appreciating beauty where I find it.