Winter's Sparkles

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

The sparkles of winter have finally arrived!



I am thrilled to finally have the snow! This past weekend, snow finally began to fall, and a glorious sight it was to see!


My chickens... thrilled?  Not so much!



These two...  happy as could be!  Snow is so much more fun to play in than dirt!


Ruth is one of my few chickens who will venture out in the snow... but not for long!


My garden resting quietly under the blanket of snow.



My bird feeder is busy again... lots of birds stopping by for a nibble!



Mosaic patterns of light and snow on the branches of every tree.


Unique snow pattern on my bistro chair.


Annie's favorite season has finally arrived.


She couldn't be happier!  Well... and neither could I! Although I don't eat the snow like she does... I feel her enthusiasm, lol!


Amazing how the patterns of the snow seem so lifelike! It almost seems like a  hand reaching out of the tree towards me!


Now this is the part of snow that I don't like... the messy roads!


Frozen snow-covered rose hips left behind for the birds who no doubt will find them soon.


Glorious sunshine creating joyful beauty in every direction.


My winsome friend often ignores me and Annie as we walk by, in her busy-ness to graze, but today she took a quick moment to glance at me, and I was rewarded with this beautiful photo of her!


Just a look, and then back to business!


A lovely spot in our neighborhood, love the wooden gate and posts!


Something about the lines of fences, roads, and skies always catch my eye... as I walk, I am looking for the little things, or the big things, or anything that speaks to my heart.  This view always does.


A worn and tired outhouse sits beside a weary fence, yet today, they are beautiful clothed in the gentle embrace of the snow.


This gate sits, no longer used, needed or wanted, yet today... made beautiful in the soft rays of the sun and gentle coolness of the snow, and brings a smile to my face as I walk by.


An old farm implement... placed alongside the road, forgotten and forlorn, but today, graced in the delight of snow.


Frothy, lacy edges of the cedar tree in perfect waffle formation.


Views so familiar, yet changing,glorious, moment by moment!


A walk through our forest with the dogs... Roger listens well enough to be allowed off the leash... Annie, not so much.  And so on the leash with Annie, and roaming Roger, we wanted through the quiet snow-graced forest.


Gentle beauty abounded, as did tracks.  Annie wanted to be off to the races, but held back by the leash, she sniffed and bounced around, wanting to see and smell it all.


Oh the beauty of this tree... always a joy to see this fir clothed in snowy garments, so stately and regal.



Back from our walk, the chickens called out to me... please, please do something about the snow!


New additions to the coop!  In the dead of winter?  Yes. Yes indeed. My husband and I are such softies.  We had gone to the feed store to buy feed, and the owner told me of 6 baby chicks who she was keeping under a light.  A customer had brought them in.  Their mother apparently hatched out a whole passel of chicks out in the woods, and one day came walking into the coop to show them around. Sadly a raven passing by saw them as a food source, and got the mother and most of the chicks before this man had realized what was happening.  He didn't have the resources to keep them alive (i.e. not wanting to run a heat lamp) and brought them into the feed store.  My husband and I thought one of our hens would take them in, so we brought them home.  Well, that didn't go well.  Both my good mothering hens were not broody, and chose to peck them instead :(  So... under the heat lamp they went.  Not the best investment, but I surely couldn't do anything else at this point.  So here we are, in the dead of this arctic cold winter, raising chicks.   Crazy, yes, sometimes I think that might be us, lol!  But, come spring, I will have six hens laying fresh eggs, and that won't be so bad :) Especially when all the other hens will be broody.  So, it is what it is, and we will make the best of it!


All the hens and 2 roosters gathered in the outdoor area of the coop, most of them unwilling to venture outside.


I checked on my greenhouse, and I couldn't even believe it!  Most of my plants are still green!  What? I really was not expecting this, after temps dipping down close to 0!   But I am so grateful for that greenhouse!


Mr. Sal left the cozy coop and ventured out into the snow.


He wasn't thrilled at all by the snow, nor by me trying to get his picture!


One leg, and then the other... he stood out there for a few minutes....


Before deciding enough was enough, and it was back to the coop!  I have spread straw outside for them, if they want to get out and stretch their legs, and some of them do, but then head straight back for the coop.  The snow needs to be gone, they've told me!

We are enjoying the snow, so thankful we have gotten some, about 6" or so.  This week we have another bout of the polar arctic air upon us, and our temps dipped down last night to 3, and tomorrow night will be in the minuses... cold indeed, but yet we are so glad for the snow on the rooftops and around the house, as it adds a layer of insulation and helps keep the heat in.


My heart is full of joy today, for many reasons, but for those of you who have visited here, you know that having snow is one of them :)  The glorious creations of the Creator in this season, and every season, never cease to amaze me, and praise to Him for all His many blessings are full in my heart today.

This time of year is so busy with preparations to celebrate the birth of the Lord, but in my heart, I want to never forget His lovingkindness to us, and I want His praise to always be on my lips, in every season!

51 comments

  1. Lovely photos. Yes, there is something to praise in every season, every day, every hour.

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    1. It is a wonderful thing to do, to always find something to be thankful for, and to find beauty in the moment :) Hugs to you today!

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  2. I love your news of the chickens! Such incredible creatures! I loved watching them when I was young. My grandparents raised them.

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    1. Chickens are always entertaining! I enjoy watching them too :) Appreciate your visit :)

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  3. Oh I have loved these pictures so much. Here I sit in sunny, warm Florida, and I am grateful for that...and yet...I LOVE seeing your pictures and remember what it was like to walk in the crisp, frigid, frosty air and enjoy the beauty and majesty of such a winter snowscape. Absolutely glorious. Thank you again. I loved this.

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    1. There is really nothing more amazing than the crisp noise of the snow, and sparkle of the sun shining on the snow on these cold winter days! I love it when we can see the sun after a snow, it is so beautiful! The sunny warmth of Florida must be lovely too... I will enjoy your pictures from here too! Hugs to you today :)

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  4. What gorgeous. gorgeous pictures! I can't believe how blue the sky looks under those clouds. Our winter sky is a pale washed-out blue. You got some really GREAT shots- Winter looks pretty through your eyes. xo Diana

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    1. Thanks Diana, we have been blessed with some gorgeous days here, amidst the cold! Winter can be quite dreary, and we are always thankful for those gorgeous winter days! Hugs to you today :)

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  5. Oh, my, the photos are just beautiful! Breathtaking! Thank you so much for sharing them with us here. The next time you get to email me, will you tell me what kind of camera you use? Just in case I forget to ask. :) I would love to know about it, as our camera has been on the blink, and we are looking to buy one soon. I love taking pictures and miss it so much! Somehow the phone just doesn't do as good a job, and we can't do the bokeh effect and things like that. I so enjoyed this post and am so happy to know you are being blessed with the snow you love so much. Sending you love and hugs, sweet friend. ;)

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    1. Yes, I certainly will email you and let you know about the camera! I enjoy taking pictures so much too, such a blessing to be able to capture the beauty around us that the Lord has blessed us with. We are so thankful we have some snow to enjoy, and we have been enjoying beautiful cold days here :) Hugs to you today dear friend!

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  6. My Dearest,
    I so love your new header, and the sparkles of your Winter amaze me so much, everybody there seem to enjoy this stunning season talking to everyone's heart with its wonders !

    Hope you're having a lovely day,
    I'm sending blessings on the remainder of your week,
    with utmost gratitude

    Xx Dany

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    1. I'm so thankful you have enjoyed the winter scenes! We are truly blessed here with an abundance of beauty :) Hugs to you today dear friend!

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  7. I am most happy to admire your white fluffy stuff from afar!

    Stay warm and cozy, friend ...

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    1. Yes, it is beautiful isn't it! Appreciate your visit as always :)

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  8. Absolutely beautiful. I love reading about your life, Marilyn. It is vastly different than the one I lead and yet, so very much the same in a deeper way. I wish you nothing but peace during this holiday season and in the new year. Thanks for sharing and enjoy those chicks! ;)

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    1. I agree.. our hearts are in the same place, and that is what is important! Hugs to you today :)

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  9. Beautiful pictures. You should seriously frame some of these! Magazine worthy for sure! Loving the snow! How beautiful! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Thank you Cindy, I appreciate your kind words so much! I have made a calendar with some of my favorite pictures that I have taken. Appreciate your visit so much, have a blessed day :)

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  10. ~simply frugalynne~12/14/16, 12:30 PM

    Beautiful photos, as always! My favorite is the one with the fence post. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. I love that one too! Thanks for your visit, have a blessed day!

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  11. Your snow pictures are fabulous!
    And your dogs are such a delight.

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    1. Thank you Christine, winter's first snow fall is always delightful! And those dogs bring lots of joy to our home! Hugs to you today :)

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  12. Fun pictures! We are enjoying snow too. It has been coming down very regularly the past week or so. We are loving it. It is so pretty. Cold weather has come too. This evening it was 7 below. I am so thankful for a warm house and the cozy fireplace! My husband and I did go for a walk the other day at 8 below and it wasn't bad as we had dressed very warmly. Enjoy your baby chicks! That sounds kind of fun!

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    1. Yes, if one dresses warmly enough, it isn't bad, in fact, it is rather exhilarating to hear the crunch of the snow, and yet be warm and cozy, all bundled up. My chickens aren't too happy about the cold, but they are adapting very well to it. My baby chicks don't seem to mind at all, since they are under a light, and have lots of feathers already. I will be happy in the spring to have their eggs, when the rest of the hens are broody! Hugs to you today dear friend :)

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  13. what a marvelous series of photos .loved the all as being from hot part of land it is great pleasure to look such scenes through you lenses thank you dear

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    1. Such a joy to have you visit, and get a taste of winter from afar! Hugs to you today dear friend!

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  14. Snow makes everything look so festive and fun. I wish we had some.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. The first snowfall of the year is always so joyous and wonderful. I am glad now that we have snow with the cold, as the snow helps to insulate. Hugs to you today dear friend!

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  15. I just love the view: the animals, the snow, the Woods! Have a lovely Christmas to you and your loved ones! God bless your New Year too!

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words, and I am glad you enjoyed the pictures! Hugs to you today :)

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  16. I'm a big snow lover too and your photos capture so many wintery, Christmas ready scenes getting me in the mood for the holidays! Great job.

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    1. Hard to believe Christmas is now a week away! The seasons come and go so quickly. Have a blessed day my friend :)

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  17. Such pretty pictures. :) So peaceful and a great reminder of what our Lord has created. You made me miss my chickens, though. I hope to someday have more. :)

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    1. Chickens are a lot of work, but so entertaining, I have enjoyed having them so much, and I hope someday you get to have them again :) Hugs to you today!

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  18. Oh I love snow! May I please borrow a cup? I'd love to make snow ice cream.

    Your photos show your wonderful life.

    Christmas Blessings,
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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    1. I would be very glad to send some snow your way, we have lots to go around, lol! Hugs to you today dear friend!

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  19. Beautiful snow pictures! That outhouse...can you imagine? ;-)

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    1. No, I can't, especially in sub-zero weather like we are having! Oh my! LOL... have a blessed day :)

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  20. Every photograph is a joy.
    The snow scenes are lovely

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you Jan, the snow makes everything beautiful, and I love it! Hugs to you today :)

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  21. Beautiful as always, what a beautiful mountain.

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    1. Thank you Teresa, always appreciate your visit! Have a blessed day :)

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  22. Hello, pen pal friend! It's been a long time. I think we exchanged books a year ago now. I love looking at your lovely pictures. I am back at my blog again and noticed your update. Have a blessed winter and happy new year. :)

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    1. Hi Sarah! So glad to see you are back! I will be by for a visit :) Hugs to you today dear friend!

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  23. Sigh...I'm just getting around to seeing your beauty and what beauty it is!
    Those photos are awesome with the snow. Of course winter being my favorite season and all,a snow covered anything gives me delight.
    I always enjoy your chickens and roster photos, so sweet.
    How sad about those baby chicks and their mama, but you and your husband are the best! I pray they all survive.
    It's always a joy visiting with you, sweet lady~~

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  24. I enjoyed your lovely snow photos, and love Ruth and Sal - the adventurous ones. Glad your greenhouse did its job. Looks like there may be a few more snow clouds in the works soon.

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  25. It's lovely to see the earth covered in a blanket of snow. You have such a great variety of photos with the show covering. As much as I don't like being cold, it would be worth it to venture out for photos!

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  26. Well it certainly is beautiful as is your joy so I will try not to grump about my snow and freezing rain. Goodness it has been cold...so many of us caught up in this polar vortex grip on either side of the country and in between. Your chicken story is interesting. My hometown niece raises chickens and she is such a softie that the chickens have a chicken door into her heated basement. =D

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  27. I can fee your joy in every photo and its description. You are content, my friend, and that's a wonderful blessing. You've captured your beautiful surroundings so artfully. It's hard to choose a favorite image, but I would say that Mr. Sal posed in the snow is very striking. I'm wondering if you're now experiencing the below zero temps we are. . .it was -18 when we arose this morning. Lots of beautiful snow and the sun is shining brightly right now. I love how the snow glistens in the light. Hugs and love, Nancy

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  28. Your wintry wonderland is magic. Your photos of God's majestic landscape are sublime. Love those sweet little chicks. You really are a mother hen, aren't you. =)

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  29. It is all so pretty but the chickens don't look that impressed with it all

    Mollyxxx

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