St. Patrick's Day Birthday Girl and Spring Snow

Thank you so very much for all your kind words that deeply touched my heart in the loss of my precious Annie-Girl. The last week has been a hard one, especially for Riley and I.  We walked with Annie every day over the last 7 years, and it is hard to get up each morning without her sweet face greeting us and enjoying our morning routine of walking 3-5 miles together. Riley has been mourning the loss of Annie-Girl as much as I have.  We have taken solace in walking back to visit her grave, and walking through the woods.  

Riley enjoys our walks into the woods so very much, especially when the snow is falling. She and I miss Annie so much. This helps us feel so much closer to her. 

We had a recent snowfall of over 8" of snow, it was beautiful to see! 

On our way back home after a delightful walk
in the falling snow through our woods. 

Looking at the untold diamonds sparkling away in the snow - how glorious this sight is to see when the morning sunshine touches the snow! 

It's feeding time for the chickens, and Riley watches over all that takes place
as evening shadows fall. I love the cozy feel of this photo, as my garden lies buried under feet of snow. 

With the price of eggs these days, my husband and I decided to hatch our own chicks in an incubator this year. This is my first time hatching chicks in an incubator.  I've hatched many chicks in the coop with broody hens but we thought we'd try hatching them in an incubator. Has anyone else done this? I've got 40+ eggs about to hatch in the next several days - should be exciting! 

My little girls - Ash and Riley always close by me in the mornings as I sip my morning coffee, have my devotionals, and get ready for the day. Don't you just love the happy paws! 

The fog was dancing on the mountains over this beautiful old red barn that we get to see as we head into town.  

Love this view of the mountains from our backyard. 

Riley had continued being very sad, and not wanting to be home alone since her beloved companion, Annie-girl left us two weeks ago. It is hard to believe it's been two weeks today! Ryan and Alanna had been out of town working and just got back home.  Riley was overjoyed to have her puppy companions back to play with. She has perked up quite a bit since they've been home. She wasn't eating, and wouldn't even hardly go potty by herself! It has been a real struggle for her without Annie. Look at the joy on her face! We were all so thrilled to see her happily playing again! 

Ryan and Alanna, our precious son and his wife,
we are all happy to have them back home :) 

Today is Danielle's 27th birthday - this is a photo from last year's celebration. She is our St. Patrick's Day baby!  Danielle loves chocolate - well - who doesn't? {smiles} I had them over for a meal and made brownies last year.  This year she is 27, and she and Zak have decided to host a birthday party at their home - so we will be celebrating them this Sunday. 

Last year, Danielle and I had a girl's day out together on her birthday.  This year - she is working full-time and a girl's day out didn't work out this year.  But we will celebrate with her and Zak this Sunday at their home ;)
Hard to believe my daughter is 27 - where do the days fly off to? 
She was born on St. Patrick's Day, and I know quite a few people born on this day.  

A friend sent me a link about St. Patrick, and how he started a Christian revival in Ireland. It is sad to see how the day has come to be about the color green, drinking, and revelry.  I'm sure he would cringe if he knew that is how his legacy is celebrated.  If you want to read this link, it is quite interesting! 

St. Patrick's Day

This beautiful scene greeted Riley and me one afternoon this week 
as we had our afternoon ramble through our woods. 
Later, this little poem came to me, and I would like to share it with you. 

WALK IN THE LIGHT

Treetops shimmer as the golden

Afternoon light does embolden

Darkness awaits to bring chilled breath

Time to shiver the night in death

Live in the light wherever it lies

Hurry - warmth fleeting is the prize

Gather the light, hold it tight

Until it's only memory's delight.

Treasure rich moments, sweet

Heart that yearns for joy to meet

Walk in the display oh so grand

Beauty rests deep, grace unplanned

Sustaining through the darkest night

Light that harbors the soul's insight.

 

1 John 1:7

Walk in the light as He is in the light,

having fellowship one with another

and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.

Isn't it wonderful to know that we can walk in the LIGHT in the midst of the darkness of this world! It brings great comfort to my heart to walk in the beauty of the world around me, it reassures me that the Lord is with us, always.  Look for the light in your world, especially the LIGHT of the world, whose light lives within you, your Comfort, and your Guide! 

I created this video with the Northern Lights display that I was so blessed to see on February 27th.  I hope you will enjoy it!