A February Winter Morning

I walked out my front door on Friday morning and immediately realized that I was wrong. I had said something very wrong.

The other day, after many grey days with no sign of relief, I said that I was ready for winter to just be done.

Then I walked out my door. 

This brilliant white, sparkling winter morning greeted me in the most cheerful of ways. The sun was shining, it's rays reflecting off every perfect snowflake, making anything it touched glitter brilliantly. The sky was blue, and the birds were all aflutter, chirping happily and as loudly as their little lungs could allow for. It seemed that every tree branch was lined with snow, making the entire landscape come alive. It was so peaceful.

I was headed to a friend's for coffee, and I took the longest way around, going as slow as possible, just taking in the beautiful morning.

So I take back what I said. Winter, she can stay for a little while longer. Spring will come once all has had it's rest and is ready to come alive again. For now, let it sleep.

A Very Merry Christmas

 

We've been enjoying such a wonderful Christmas holiday.

 

 

 

Our presents have all been opened, family has been visited, and the bustle of preparing for Christmas  has calmed to a slow, restful pace.

 

All that's left to do is to spend the remainder of our time off as a family quietly relaxing and enjoying each other's company.

 

 

This year, with my parents in the middle of moving, I hosted Christmas morning. My sisters all come with their gifts for brunch. Then we head to Ryan's parents for Christmas dinner.

 

It's makes for a day full of eating, and laughing, and exchanging gifts, and more eating.

 

 

The beginning of last week brought lots of freezing rain, and then unusually warn temperatures, which caused all of our beautiful snow to melt. However, after a surprising snowfall in the most wonderful fashion, we still enjoyed a white Christmas.

 

This morning, while eating breakfast, it continued snowing in a flurry of huge snowflakes. We decided that what we needed was a lovely walk out in our back woods and maybe even a little bit of sledding.

 

So we all donned our snowsuits and out we went, tromping through the freshly fallen snow. I couldn't think of a better way to spend a morning together.

 

 

 

A very Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

 

Maria

The Return of Winter and Muscari

 

After what has seemed like an endless period of rainy days, our winter has finally returned.

 

Saturday brought a continual falling of the softest, fluffiest snow that has covered everything in a blanket of white once more.

 

Sunday morning was bright and crisp and every surface was lined in pure white. Every tree branch, every bough of the evergreens, even every reed was dusted with snow.

 

As much as I am anticipating spring, I'm happy our winter hasn't left us just yet.

 

 

 

My Grape Hyacinths, or Muscari, are in full bloom and brightening my kitchen shelves.

 

 

Once the plants are fully in bloom, they tend to look at little tired. I just trim the blooms off and put them in water and they make perfect little nosegays for around the house.

 

 

 

I've also enjoyed the brightness that comes with the snow. It's allowed me to photograph some more items to stock in the shop.

 

The Grower's Daughter

 

Our First Snowfall

All Photos - The Grower's Daughter

It began this afternoon, gently, without any sound.

Our first snowfall.

A delicate blanket of white draped itself over our evergreens and cedars as the snow fell softy to the ground.

We didn't know how long it would stay and brighten our gloomy day, so we bundled as fast as we could, and we raced outside to greet our beautiful reminded that Winter is right around the corner.

Willen made his first snow angel. We read about how to make them in one of his library books and he's been patiently waiting to practise ever since.

Sopping wet, and a bit chilly, we finally decided to come inside (something that didn't take much more convincing than a warm cup of hot chocolate). Unfortunately, I found myself completely unprepared! I have no instant mix, cocoa or milk - let alone marshmallows or candy canes! How did that happen? I guess I need to stock up for winter.

Looks like daddy is going to be bringing us home a Venti Peppermint Hot Chocolate to share.

We'll be ready next time!