Winter Hikers

Yesterday found us on an impromptu 3 mile hike in the snow. We had been antsy all day and after asking the neighbors if we could take Wren with us decided to put on our suits and boots and make the best of a windy winter day.

It was brisk and refreshing and completely kicked our butts. The big hill that starts the long trail in winter is a doozy (except for Wren who ran circles around us the whole time).

It was peaceful and exactly what we needed. Towards the end of the hike we even went off trail trying to find a huge raven that was making all sorts racket at us.

After the hike we were both tired and happy and came home to a dinner of fresh steamed broccoli, mini salt potatoes and wild salmon that was caught off the coast of Scotland...Good Day!

Nature's Valentine...

Found yesterday during our winter hike, it's so nice when mother earth leaves you little valentines...

My Statement to Winter...

My darling winter you are getting very sleepy. You are growing tired of staying up all night and blowing your cold winds across our lands. You have put in a great season this year with so many storms of swirling snow and mornings filled with glittering ice. Your breath is almost gone and after giving the earth her great slumber you are now ready for one of your own. So close your heavy eyes and let the sun sink you into the ever waiting ground. Let your mother cover you in a warm blanket of grass while the cherry blossoms bloom and then pay tribute to you as their petals fall like snow. Sleep deep for another year when we are again ready for the healing rest and stillness that you provide. I thank you for the quiet and look forward to seeing you again but your brother Spring is in the air and it is time for you to go....

Oh Deer!!!

They were out in droves yesterday. I saw at least 40 on my drive home last night...
This was at a neighbors house down the street.

Happy Valentines Day Raine!!

This was my Valentines Day gift to bubby this year. I have been looking for one like this secondhand for the past 6 months and finally came across on craigslist late Friday afternoon. I emailed the person right away hoping that it was still available. The nice couple that owned it responded within 5 minutes(it was obviously meant to be) and I was able to make arrangements to pick it up at their home in the Catskills on Sunday morning (which means a nice ride to boot). And the very best part of this story...It was FREE!!! They are moving to Maryland next week and didn't have enough room to take it with them. Raine had drawn a picture of her dream room awhile back and one of the prominent items was a desk by her window. I think this great find might have just fit the bill...
Sometimes things just work out if you believe strongly enough that they will! Happy Valentines Day...

Funny Thoughts

There once was a woman named Melanie,
Who was about to commit a felony,
For if she was hung up apon once more,
She would hide him beneath the floor,
How hard is it to say goodbye or not call if you're going to be rude,
But apparently you have no manners and we must all be subjected to your mood,
So for every working mother that is busy,
Try not to let your ex get you in a tizzy,
And when next he feels the need to calls you back,
Let the answering machine pick up to the tune of Hit the road Jack....

Rainbow Quotes from this Weekend...

"Ewww! Dog Slobber, it smells terrible but I just love it!"

(This was said after Wren coverewd her in doggy kisses)



"SLAMMIN! SALMON! SLAMMIN! SALMON! In your Face!!"

(This was said in an aggressive singsong tone from the back seat of the car) She's nuts...



"Everybody farts in Grandma's house, even the cats!!"

(Enough said)

Belated Christmas Activities...

Due to illness this holiday we had to put off a few of our holiday activities. So our gingerbread house could more aptly be called the January House but it was fun none the same. The puppets were diy gifts from Laura.

Without

We so often breathe life into the souls of others,
Taking care of those that we feel need our assistance,
We tend to live in one extremity or another,
Selfish, blindly walking through existence,
Or Giving, putting everything we have into those around us,
We are here for reasons unbeknownst to us or so it would seem,
Fear, Love, Hate, Passion, and Sorrow, are just a few of the emotions that guide our lives,
If each were given the option at the beginning would you ask for only the good,
Would you always choose Love?
I would not…
You cannot have one without all the others to make it real,
You cannot appreciate what one truly is without knowing the others,
It is in the way that we discovery pieces of each that we find ourselves,
To many of us run from that which is difficult, avoiding the very experiences that shape us,
Do you think that happily ever after happens to those who run?
Happiness comes to those who make it by taking chances with their hearts,
No one ever wants to be hurt, but would you know true love without the mistakes,
I would not even call them mistakes, for what are they but guidelines to show the way,
Those who say they do not know themselves are not looking deep enough,
We cannot help but know what it is that we are if you truly wish to see the answer ,
We choose to ignore the very essence of our beings,
When things do not appear to fit in with what we are taught by Others…
How is it that you would deny what you know feels right because something outside says it wrong,
Do you think that we are all meant to be the same?
Each soul has a different path and is born with the strength needed to take it,
But know that it is not ever supposed to be Easy…
Nothing worth it ever is…
So ask yourself this…Why is it that we will fight for things that are insignificant,
But not fight for that, which makes us unique,
Embrace what you know is right and fight everyday to develop that person,
Know yourself and never allow another to make your decisions for you,
Breathe life into yourself and care not for the misunderstanding of others,
Only you can understand your own heart,
But in doing this remember each time that you look at another that they too have their own paths,
Do not judge what you may not understand yourself, but look beyond yourself
To see that there is rhythm and beauty to everyone though they themselves may not have seen it yet…
If we took the time to truly bring ourselves to life before we try to bring life to others
We could do so much more and happiness would be so much easier to grasp,
Love yourself, Find yourself,
Then with the confidence that only that can bring,

Find Another…

Snow Day!!!

It is so nice to have giant hills covered in snow right outside your front door. We had a great time sledding down and trudging back up again. Wren (our favorite dog) came along for the fun. I can see a lot of opportunity for winter birthday parties in the future...