Paperwhites in Bloom

The Narcissus bulbs, or Paperwhites, beside my chair are in full bloom.

The taller ones were brought home from the store so we could enjoy them sooner, but the smaller pot of bulbs are being forced.

The boys have enjoyed watching these bright green shoots poke their way out of each bulb.

As you can see, the gardens are being put to rest for the winter, so the bright bulbs are a welcomed sight as the days get colder.

We've also enjoyed putting bird seed out on our back deck. It's right near the french door to our kitchen, so it makes for easy bird watching.

There are always birds there.

And lots of chubby squirrels.

[ via Pinterest]

This is a project that I've been wanting to do. I can't decide if I want to put it by the window where my chair is, or by the kitchen window. There are always birds landing on the window sill, and I love to sit and watch them up close.

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.

Cheery House Plants and Chicken Quinoa Soup

The sun, with it's bright light and warmth, seems to have made only a few appearances in the last while.

The days are either grey, bringing with them damp, dreary rains, or they're bitterly cold.

It's this time of year that can seem so long and drawn out. A lot of what makes winter so cozy has passed - the tree all aglow, the holiday festivities, and the pretty white snow... And now we're left with dull days, a yard of muddy old snow, and no sign of relief. 

Unfortunately, there are still enough weeks until any signs of spring begin to pop up outside, so we must do what we can to make the most of these last weeks of winter.

Like this beautiful white Begonia I brought home from the store, we take full advantage of any sunlight we're blessed with. While reading in the pleasant warmth the other day, I couldn't help but notice it's delicate petals were turned completely to the source of the warm light. They were basking in it!

Adding potted plants that remind me of my gardens helps cheer up a home as well, like this Hellebore I found at our grocery store in town.

Hellebores are such brave, spirited flowers in my opinion. Did you know that they can brave the heavy frosts of late winter and early spring, and they aren't bothered by the snow? 

(photo from www.macgardens.org)

How beautiful is this? This particular variety is called Ivory Prince - even it's name is valiant.

Candles and cozy throws also add warmth.

And what brings more warmth than a cup of homemade soup? With everyone fighting colds in our house, a bowl of Chicken Quinoa soup was the perfect remedy. We haven't been eating pasta, and a handful of quinoa was a great substitute.

The boys got to enjoy theirs with ones of Nona's homemade Cheddar and Chive scones.

How are you making the most of these wintry days? 

I've actually been working on the living and dining rooms - rearranging and doing a few projects to keep me busy.

I hope to be able to post more on that soon.

An Early Winter Wonderland

In the most unexpected and splendid way, winter is suddenly upon us.

It began snowing early this morning, and the sky hasn't stopped blanketing the woods and yard with it's thick, fluffy flakes since then.

We are cozy and warm inside with our cocoa and tea. Even the birds are seeking refuge in the branches of the hedgerow, though they seem happy enough fluttering around in the soft snow.

And soft it is. It's a perfect light, delicate snow, settling softly on each bough and branch.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. 

A Winter Wonderland

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening

ROBERT FROST

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow. 

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound's the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

The back woods are so peaceful when the air is crisp and every branch and bough is covered in a blanket of white snow.