🌨winter🌨

I think somehow, I have become a winter child. This is suprising to me. When I was a child I liked sledding, riding my horse, walks in the snow but I didnt like being cold. 

Spring, summer and fall were my favorites. 

Now, this year, I have craved the cold, frost, and snow. It is totally weird and I am not sure why. 

I love the beauty of it. The quiet. The white blanket that covers, quiets, and rests.

Maybe it is my age? Maybe it is the perfection covering the messyness and struggles of life? Maybe it is the discovery of beauty in the smallest and temporary things. 

Whatever the reason I am savoring it this year until it is gone.

Going on around here...

Curly Joe got his spring look working for him (my son thinks I could do this professionally, um thanks but no thanks!).

Progress is made on a hoodie forbourblittle man "O". Pattern is by Debbie Bliss called "ultimate Pullover".

Lots of dodging raindrops and puddles. No complaints here as daffadils are blooming everywhere and as soon as the rain quits I am going to gather a bouquet for my table and bring some sunshine in here!

DH took me for fish at Grantham's Landing in Sandy Lake. Great dinner! We had some interesting guests at dinner...

Loving the spring and retirement! Have a great weekend you all!

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!

In February...

Do you believe it?

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

Beach Hounds

The weather was sunny and beautiful on Saturday so the hounds and I thought we would take advantage of it by going to the Erie Peninsula.

If you have read many of my posts, you know that we like it best if the hounds can go off leash. Honey Dew and Sampson are very obedient and come back to me when called.

Of course one of the mandates is that dogs be leashed on the Peninsula even in the off-season...but no one said that I actually had to hold the leash, just be in control of the dogs, and as the beach was deserted I thought I would risk if for a a little while.

Sampson and HoneyDew posing for the camera before I let them run and explore.

So many sounds, sights and best of all new smells to explore! Which way to go first?

Evidently this scent was interesting...I was really hoping the hounds would not pick up a dead fish anywhere! Or worse, roll in one!

A moment before I snapped this photo, Sampson was facing me with strings of drool hanging from his mouth and sand particles clinging to it, evidently he didn't want you to see that cause he whipped right around and started shaking it off only to wrap it up around his nose! Too funny!

I love how the waves come in and make little pools. The sun and breeze was invigorating. I think we walked for about two hours along the beaches and part of the walking/bike path.

Just hanging out and enjoying the view.

There was room enough for me on the bench too, and I did share it for awhile with Sampson half on my lap.

Smile for the camera!

Honey Dew was more interested in bird watching then my attempts with the camera.

This is one of my favorite pictures! I brought the smooth rocks and fresh water clam shell home with me so that I could remember a great day shared with my two best pals. I am sure that you recognize the paw prints but can you guess what the long swish marks are?

"Basset Happy Ears and Happy Feet"

And just like that, winter.

We really have had a very mild fall. The temps have, for the most part, stayed in the upper 50's-low 60's range. We knew it had to come at some point but I was suprised nonetheless to find snow on the ground when I woke up this morning. The snow is more pleasant then the rain we have had for the last two days. I know that HoneyDew thinks so. Poor little girl can only cross her short little basset legs before she has to give up and go out to relieve herself. Of course, I am the one standing out there with her holding the umbrella!

Speaking of HoneyDew, and well Sampson too, they have had to make some real adjustments. As you know my basset babies have been with me pretty much 24/7 since they were 10 and 8 weeks old respectively. I have very recently rejoined the workforce fulltime but unfortunately the pups cannot go with me as they were used to doing with my last two positions.

This has meant, ready or not at 5:30 AM, we are out the door for an early morning walk (unless it's raining because HoneyDew does not do rain!). It's dark when we walk but at least the roadway is not very busy at that hour. And so far, it's been ok. With the new weather conditions, snow, ice, etc. we will see how it goes and I may have to adjust the schedule again.

I think while I am gone during the day, HoneyDew mostly sleeps. Sampson on the other hand is quite different. I think Sampson believes that we got Skittles the kitten for his amusement. He watches her every move and they have become fast friends as well as partners in crime! Their favorite hit is the garbage can in the bathroom and the one beside my bed that has balled up tissues in it...or did have.

Also I believe Skittles knocks anything that will roll off the coffee table, end tables, desk etc. onto the floor for Sampson too chew up. So far it hasn't been anything important or anything that could hurt him, he just chews it up and spits it out. They haven't bothered my knitting bin yet, needless to say a treat puzzle ball will be one of my purchases very soon!

I miss them during the day too truth be known, but I do try to make it up to them with snuggles in the evening and hikes on the weekend. I know that we will all adjust, but any tips you would like to send my way would be appreciated.

I do love the views out the windows, the unique shapes of the snowflakes, ice cicles, the crunch of the snow underfoot and the fresh smell of the air. If we could have all that without the plunging temperatures that would be great!

I am thinking we may have to do evening walks, after the plows have gone through, the only problem with that is the salt that will be on the road. I may have to put out a dishpan of water to rinse their paws when they come in...

Anyways, hope you and yours are staying warm and enjoying the winter weather where ever you are.

Oh and happy DOT's!

Are you serious????

The view out our windows this morning...

Sampson says: "No, you go on, I'm staying hewe."

"Serwwiously, I am not getting up, you leaves lots of warmes hewe, I don't want to waste em!"


I am soooooo not ready for this!