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.

Into The Woods

[All Photos - The Grower's Daughter]

Now that winter seems to have left us, I love taking our son for a walk in the woods behind our house. It's actually more of a ravine, than a woods, but it has trees and flowers and plenty of interesting things for a curious little boy.

It was so encouraging to see all the little flowers shouting Spring's arrival as we walked up and down the hills.

My son, of course, had to stop and smell each and every one, being sure to let me know that, they too, smell good.

Crocuses in the front garden.

The slopes of a whole hill are covered by these pretty little yellow flowers.

Taking a break on a log, watching the birds. Apparently, he is now too cool to smile for a picture. I said "Can you smile nicely for mummy, please?" to which he non-challantly replied "No." and then put his hands in his pocket. This kid kills me.

More crocuses, this time a more deep shade of purple-blue.

Daffodils.

Believe it or not, but we had an exceptionally warm weekend. We went from about 5 degrees Celsius, to 25 degrees this Saturday! It was gorgeous. After a couple warm days, our lilac bushes, which are right outside one of our bedroom windows, began opening up! I can't wait.

Dramatic sniff - "Mm!"