Rounding that Springtime Corner!

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

 

Can you believe it is that time of year again? I know... I really can't either!  But, the middle of February has passed, and it is time to start our tomatoes and peppers here in the northwest.  We have such a short growing season that we have to give our plants a huge headstart. I did not start seeds last week, as the entire world, it seemed was in a deep freeze!  


We did get some snow here last week, but it was very minimal, and while our temperatures hovered around 7 at the lowest point, with a windchill in the minuses, it was not too bad.  We are used to those kind of temperatures here this time of year and are prepared for them. I walk no matter the weather, and just bundled up with a few more layers, and I was perfectly warm and cozy as I walked in those temperatures.  Of course, the dogs are so blessed... they are perfectly suited to this kind of weather as well! In fact, they loved every minute of it! 

We own a Mr. Buddy propane heater, and use it for added comfort and warmth on cold days, and as a source of secondary heat.  As you can see, Riley enjoys this heat as well! The Buddy heater is a very safe alternative for heating in the case of very cold weather, we have used it for many years. 

My heart went out to those living in Texas and across the south who suffered from far more extreme temperatures than we have even seen here this winter, and lost power!  It would be miserable even for us here, should that have been the case.  But having lived many years in Texas, I know how unprepared homes are for such weather, and how unbelievable that such cold weather came, and stayed for so long. Thankfully all of my family and friends survived the miserable weather.  Some had pipes burst, but those can be fixed.  Were any of you affected by the extreme weather this past week? You all were in my thoughts and prayers throughout the week.  It was such an unusual, really historical event. 

Today it was so wonderful to see the sunshine and blue skies! 

As the dogs and I walked, we lifted our faces to the sun, and enjoyed every bit of it! We get little precious sunshine here in the winter, and when we do get it, we love it!  

I spent time in my greenhouse today planting peppers and tomatoes, along with some greens, sunflowers and sweet peas. I am allowing myself to get excited about spring now, although we no doubt have more winter weather before spring truly arrives. 

February always brings warm weather during the day, and freezing at night, which means... ice.  So February is the month where we are very careful when walking, because ice is always underfoot! I enjoyed the glorious sunrise one morning as it colored the world in bright orange rays! 



I was blessed to see this local herd of elk recently.  This was before we got our last snowstorm, and you can see what a mild winter we are having... no snow on the ground in late February! Aren't they magnificent creatures though! 

It is always such a treat to see wildlife in our area. 

During the winter, I take the time, if I have the time, to make myself a cup of tea, and it is a perfect opportunity to sit, pray and talk to the Lord as you drink the tea. 
Tea and prayer are great companions :) 

Here we are, in the last week of February, and spring is around the corner! I am sure that the first blooms of spring won't be far away now, as I've already seen a few green shoots coming out of the ground!  I look forward to seeing crocus, daffodils and tulips before long! How about you? Are signs of spring arriving after the cold freeze last week?  

There is an old saying that says "springtime snow is poor man's fertilizer"... well... I hope that rings true for all of us this year, don't you?! 

May the sweet blessings of the Lord be with you 
and keep you in His peace in these trying times! 

35 comments

  1. The elk are such majestic looking creatures. I enjoyed these photos as always, Marilyn.

    I am happy you and your family came through the deep freeze without too much problem. Take care.

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    1. Thank you Marie, we always enjoy the wildlife views around here for sure :)

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  2. Our winter here in Georgia has been mild, too, Marilyn, and some daffodils are already blooming. Glad you family in Texas survived that horrid weather! No, they certainly aren't used to it at all. Still praying for a full recovery.
    Blessings!

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    1. It is exciting to see the little signs of spring around, indeed! Enjoy the daffodils sunny faces, always so wonderful to see!

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  3. Beautiful photos of the elk! I'm sure you're enjoying the gorgeous sunshine again today before the snow predicted for tonight. My heart went out to the people in Texas too. I have a friend who didn't understand what the big deal was so I was tring to explain how the houses are built differently there. She thought all houses had the same kind of insulation as ours do up here in the north. If I remember right, the pipes aren't buried as deep there either. Without power, I wouldn't want those temps either. I'm glad things have moderated now for them. It's sure been a strange weather year all over the country on top of the virus.
    Take care Marilyn and enjoy the sun. Spring is coming!
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. It's so true Betsy, people in the south do not have homes that are prepared for cold weather, and then to get such extremes as they got, plus no power, it was such a horrible disaster for so many of them. Everyone in my family is fine, and we are so thankful for that. Have sure enjoyed the last few days of sunshine we have had! Many blessings to you :)

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  4. Beautiful photos, Marilyn. It was a glorious 50 here today, the rain has since moved in. Not complaining...winter is not done with us yet here in western NY.

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    1. We've had a lot of sunshine here too Linda, it has been really nice, spring looks like it will be early this year! But we know winter doesn't give up easy, ha! Blessings to you, and thank you for your visit :)

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  5. You have the perfect set-up for growing seedlings in your greenhouse. I'm also getting excited for March and Spring and warmer weather.
    The elk are such regal looking animals. I enjoyed seeing the photo of them. And your lovely tea cup!

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    1. We always love our elk sightings, they are such an amazing creature to see. Spring has definitely been in the air here, we've sure enjoyed the sunshine! Many blessings to you :)

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  6. Hi Marilyn! Oh, the elk are WONDERFUL!
    I am not planting any vegetables this year. Just zinnias. I think I will get small peat pots and line my windowsills. Otherwise the bunnies eat the sprouts.
    Will you make new garden flags this year?
    God be with you, friend.

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    Replies
    1. We love the wildlife we get to enjoy here on a regular basis! And I am going to be getting a new garden fence this year, as the deer just won't stay out. I hope to be able to use my garden banners with the new fence, we shall see :) Many blessings to you!

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  7. I am trying to believe that spring will be here soon, but in reality, I know better. In Manitoba, we don't expect milder weather to stay till around the end of March or even later.

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    1. We all know that winter doesn't leave exactly when its supposed to, lol! Hoping that spring comes sooner for you than you anticipate. We are enjoying some really nice sunshine these past few days. Many blessings to you :)

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  8. You have such beautiful views at your place. I love the blue sky and the elk!
    I'm ready for Spring.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Mari, we treasure the wild beauty we enjoy here, so very much! We are ready for spring too!

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  9. Spring has sprung here in the desert Southwest. I have never seen an elk in real life, but we do have oryx here!

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  10. What a joy to visit and see the herd of elk, they are so majestic looking. The sun shining through the trees was a real delight. So many stunning photos to look at and admire. Tea and prayer for me is also a winning combination.

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  11. I am so excited to see the end of February coming and Spring so close now you can smell it in the air!

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  12. Oh, we are getting glimpses of Spring here too. It will be so welcome. Your photos are lovely. I especially like the purple hued one of the trees and the suns rays. Sooooo beautiful!!! Thank you for your prayers, M. xoxo

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  13. Hi, We had such a cold spell starting 2/8 lasting until 2/20! -30 was the coldest for us. Brrr!
    I have family that live in Texas. Oh goodness, what a mess.
    Sending prayers for all.
    Carla

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  14. How exciting to see the elk. We had a little more snow overnight so we are white again. It should melt again making a muddy mess. Our grands enjoyed slopping about in the snow melt mud yesterday. Happy for a daughter in law who isn't afraid of dirt! It really was heart breaking to see and hear about all the trouble our Texans had to endure and are enduring still. We are seeing some buds here and there which promises blooms for Spring! Hope the end of February goes well on your mountain.

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  15. WoW1 That herd of Elk are amazing.
    Lovely photographs within your post.

    Here in the UK our daffodils are beginning to bloom and the crocus are looking lovely too.
    I must take some photographs and share the beauty.

    Enjoy these last few February days and my good wishes for the new month of March.

    All the best Jan

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  16. The pictures are beautiful. We are having warmer temperatures here in the North East. A lot of the snow is starting to melt.
    Marilyn

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  17. It has been a mild winter here, but I am not expecting flowers soon...perhaps by May. Not that I wouldn't welcome them sooner. ;>

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  18. OK... you have gotten me excited about getting seeds and figuring out what to plant this year.
    So exciting!

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  19. Wow that photo that is all lavender and orange is just stunning! I am so envious for all of your gorgeous sunsets and sunrises! How exciting to be starting to plant and think about new growth... it is way too early here, but a little greenhouse would make it better to start a few things I think. I am more excited this year, for some reason, to plant flowers and even some veggies. Maybe we will even get a fruit tree planted which we've wanted to do since we lived here. Now 5 years have gone by and we still haven't planted one! I am so anxious to see some color around here.. nothing coming up yet, but soon there may be some yellow bits of daffodils here and there. That will be joyeous! hugs.. Marilyn

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  20. we're all craving the kind of springtime hope you're displaying today, Marilyn. we have a very long winter, a short late spring, and then summertime here. it won't come too soon!

    happy cultivating ...

    ;-}

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  21. Anytime of the year looks beautiful in your neck of the woods, Marilyn and you have such a way with the camera. You seem to capture the magic of your world along with the views. Always a pleasure to visit. Be well!

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  22. What a happy and inspiring post! I love the images of the elk. Have a wonderful week.

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  23. So wonderful to visit with you here tonight, dear friend. I have been thinking about you and praying for you. I am so thankful to know all is well in your world. May the Lord bless you with a wonderful night. Sending much love to you.

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  24. i can imagine how precious and valuable sunshine can be during such extremely cold days dear Marilyn

    i always look forward for your captures that invite me to enchanting part of mesmerizing world that you live in with your precious soul and beautiful mind :)
    wild life you see around is wonderful indeed and sunrise is such a splendor !
    your crockery is always breathtaking wow !
    hope spring knock at your door soon and makes plantations possible .
    our spring is smiling in our garden though it will take time to spring spread her magic in upper northern areas
    blessings to you and loved ones!

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  25. What gorgeous elk! Wow, they are beautiful animals!! And I love your teapot and teacup! So elegant! All of your pictures are so pretty. You live in such a beautiful place. I know it is very cold, but like you said, you are used to it, so it doesn't surprise you. But I know you can't wait to see those first shoots of spring popping up through the snow and brown ground. Happy days are still ahead! Enjoy!!

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  26. What gorgeous pictures. I always enjoy your posts so much. Glad you can enjoy some springtime weather now after the snow. :)

    Love
    Ashley

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