life is good if one takes the time to reflect

One of the "benefits" of my current hibernation is the "opportunity" it affords me to reflect on the goodness that has developed during my life. One particularly chilly day, I did not have to work and was content to sit in the recliner and look out on the winter world. I happen to start thinking of the goodness of the friendships of family and friends with which I have been blessed over the years.

It occurred to me at that time, our house interior reflects that sense of lasting friendship. When we moved in, our warming gifts represented the thoughtfulness of the people we have met and continue to meet. They recognize and respect of our love of nature and peaceful environments.


We appreciate the times we get to spend when they visit. We can't always visit as often as we would like. But, when we do get together, it is like waking from a winter hibernation. We pick up from wherever we left off.

So, what to do on the cold days

I think it is interesting that the shell of THIS human is so sensitive to the temperature when it gets to a -30 degrees that feel I have to stay inside and stay warm while other creatures seem to take it all in stride.


While we watch the turkey in the picture forage for food, we set up a game and forage for victory.

I guess the trick to hibernating is knowing when it is the "right" time to experience nature in all her glory.

snow procrastinators beware

Well, I could have taken the snow off the roof after the first big storm. But I didn't. I could have taken the snow off the roof after the second smaller storm, but I didn't. Did I remove the snow after the third? No, I didn't. I guess the fifth time is the charm, eh.

Yes, that is me atop our ladder. And, yes, that snow is over 10 inches thick.
And, yes, it is over 2,000 square feet. And, yes it is -10 degrees. And, yes, my shoulders are sore.

And, of course, we discovered later in the evening that I had plugged up the air intake for the furnace. Joyce noticed the temp in the house was down to 63 degrees. So, out into the moonlit, starlit, -25 degree windchill evening, we were out shoveling a path to clear the blockage.

I did finish what I set out to do in time to watch the Vikings lose to the Eagles. The Vikings loss has nothing to do with my procrastination. But I thought I would throw that in there any way.

Happy New Year - a tribute to tradition

What a great start to a brand new year.

And tradition for us includes Kylara's ham pickle roll,

Grandpa's homemade mac and cheese at the stroke of midnight,

and a rousing game of mini golf (the holes, of course, are brand new each year).

But, most importantly, it is about family, remembering the past and sharing a bright outlook for the future. We hope everyone has a great start to a great year. And, we hope the great start sustains itself for the next 364 days.