St. Patrick's Day Birthday Girl and Spring Snow

Friday, March 17, 2023

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!  





42 comments

  1. Beautiful pictures! and great blog. I always enjoy reading it.

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    1. Thank you dear friend! I appreciate your friendship sp very much!

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  2. Your spectacular video took my breath away, Marilyn! I absolutely love this song by Chris Tomlin, too - our God is great beyond our wildest imaginations.
    I've always known that animals grieve when they lose a friend. May the Lord comfort all of you as you continue to mourn the loss of sweet Annie.
    Blessings, and Happy Birthday to Danielle!

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    1. I've definitely seen Riley really grieve Annie's loss along with me. Thank you for your kind words, and birthday wishes for Danielle! Much love to you!

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  3. Happy Birthday to your Danielle! Isn't that something she was born on St. Patrick's Day! I never tire of seeing snow pictures, especially with your dogs having so much fun in it. And that picture of the red barn against the white snow, it's like a post card. Very nice, Marilyn. That's a cute picture of you and Danielle. I know what you mean, where does the time go. My Nel is 42 this year. Those cats of yours are such loyal companions. ; )

    Happy St. Patrick's Day, sweet friend.

    ~Sheri

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    1. It has always been fun to have Danielle as a St. Patrick's Day baby! We are finally getting some spring weather here, and we are loving it! Hope spring visits you soon on your beautiful mountain!

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  4. Thank you for the uplifting scripture and poem. Sometimes it seems I do not read the Bible enough to keep my head and heart in the right place. It will be a lovely day to celebrate your daughter's birthday.
    I am sure some of your grief over Annie was lifted a bit to see Riley playing with the others outside for awhile. Have a marvelous weekend. Lynn and Precious

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    1. Thank you Lynn and Precious, it was nice to celebrate Danielle's birthday, and Riley has enjoyed playing with the puppies. Blessings to you both!

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  5. Dearest Marilyn,
    Yes, our pets DO grieve and for quite a while.
    It only proves again how much feeling they have!
    Happy true Saint Patrick's Day to you.
    So true that through the massive 'brain washing' of the media and with commercials and such, they've managed to replace the true meaning of so many valuable things! ALL commercialized and a far cry from the true meaning.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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    1. They really do grieve Mariette! We have had to stop saying Annie's name, because it really causes Riley to worry. She is doing better with our son's dogs around to play with. It is true, so many things we have been led to believe are truth, but later we find out that it is not so. Blessings to you for your faithful visits!

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  6. Beautiful snow pictures, Marilyn! I pray you feel the love and comfort from God... and for Riley.
    Happy Birthday to Danielle!
    God bless you all!

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    1. from Valentine :)

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    2. Valentine, thank you so much sweet friend! Your kind comments and prayers mean so much to us! Blessings to you!!

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  7. Thank You for the beautiful photos. Happiness and blessings to Danielle. God Bless
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANIELLE
    Joan,Marion and Marilyn

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    1. Thank you so much Joan, Marion and Marilyn! Your kind comments and visits mean so very much to me!

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  8. Happy Birthday to your sweet daughter! My youngest granddaughter turns 20 today...another St Patrick baby.
    I'm glad Riley has 2 pups to keep her spirits up. I takes time for her to get over the loss. As it does for humans. Granny M

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    1. Granny M - so thankful to see you able to visit and comment, thank you for your wonderful comment! Animals do grieve, we have had to be careful to not say Annie's name, as it seems to really make Riley feel worried. Happy belated birthday to your youngest granddaughter! It seems St. Patrick's Day is a pretty popular day for birthdays!

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  9. Happy Birthday to Danielle! Beautiful photos again today.
    The poem and verses are very uplifting. So thankful to walk in the light!

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    1. Thank you sweet Mari for your faithful comments, they mean so very much! I am thankful for the beautiful light that the Lord has given us through the sun, to teach us how beautiful it is to walk in the light of the Lord Jesus! Blessings to you dear friend!

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  10. Hello Marilyn, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the gorgeous photos of home. You know how much I love that area. I miss the mountains so much, I pour over your photos multiple times when you post. The photo of Riley running and playing with the pups made me smile. Our animal babies DO grieve and it's so hard to know just what they understand. Probably more than we think they do. The video is breathtaking and some of my favorite music. As I read blogs tonight I have a gospel music video playing on YouTube. Alan Jackson is singing "In The Garden". Can't you just imagine the garden that awaits us in Heaven? Flowers all year long. "And He walks with me and He talks with me and tells me I am His own". Such wonderful words.
    I'm praying for you Marilyn. Oh, and the happiest of birthdays to your beautiful daughter.
    Blessings and love,
    Betsy

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    1. I know you miss home so very much! I am happy to share pictures and updates here! I did see some tulips starting to break through the soil recently, so we know that spring is indeed coming! Our animals certainly do grieve. I love Alan Jackson's singing, what a garden does await us in heaven! We get just a taste of that beauty here! Thank you for your precious words, and prayers Betsy, love and hugs to you!

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  11. Walking in the light is the best. Happy birthday to your girl. Your photos and views from your home are breathtaking. Glad Riley has her friends back to help her recover. This is a birthday celebration weekend for us. 'Spring' is in the air and our snow is melting. Enjoy your day...

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    1. We have so much beautiful light up here Ellen, it's a blessing! Thank you for your wonderful comment and visit, indeed Spring is in the air, it is a great feeling!

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  12. I can only imagine how sad it is to see your sweet pup missing Annie. Animals are more sentient than we give them credit for.

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    1. It's true Marie - our Riley has really been grieving. We have had to quit saying Annie's name around her, as it makes her very sad and worried. I am thankful for their tender, loving hearts! Blessings to you :)

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  13. Lovely to see your beautiful photographs.
    Happy Birthday wishes for Danielle.
    ... yes, the years fly by so quickly!

    All the best Jan
    https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thank you for your wonderful visit and comment Jan, your comments are always a blessing!

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  14. Happy Birthday to your girl!!! My Madison will be 27 this year! Love your photos, my friend.

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    1. Isn't it crazy how fast the years pass by, I can hardly believe it! Always love your visits sweet friend!

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  15. It takes a long time to get over our furbabies passing, and I am sure he misses his companion too, nice your son and daughter in law came home with their dogs to give him some companion he is missing.
    Gorgeous pics of the snow, and I wish you luck with your egg hatchings!
    Pretty video you shared as well as the poem!

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    1. Riley has definitely been so much happier since our son's dogs came home. Thank you for your kind visit and comment, it means so much!

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  16. YES!!! I have hatched chickens from an incubator but not because I'm a farmer! I used to do this every spring for the special needs prek children I taught as Master Teacher. Now I am an assistant special ed teacher and the head teacher and I did this the year before Covid hit but for the last 3 years we have had very difficult little ones (3-5 yr olds) whose autism and behaviors make it so we really can't have the incubator in our classroom. But it was so much fun. One year when I was head teacher, i had all 12 eggs hatch!! That was fun! Typically i got about 7-8 from the dozen. Good luck!!

    I love this post especially that evening photo.

    Sorry to hear about your Annie dog.
    Happy birthday to your girl. HOw nice that she is married already!! I am praying that my oldest who is 29 will meet a Christian, godly, sold out to Jesus young man. So far....nope.

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    1. Faith, thank you so much for your kind comment, and knowledge of hatching chicks in an incubator. We had about 50/50 success. I hatched out 19 chicks who are healthy and well, out of 40 eggs. You definitely had a bit more success than I with having 7-8 from a dozen! But, we are very happy with the ones hatched out, and will give it another try soon. Thank you for the kind wishes for our grieving hearts, and birthday wishes for Danielle. I will pray for your oldest will meet a godly Christian man! Our nephew just got married at 27 to a girl also 27, both believers. God is able! Blessings to you dear friend!

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  17. Such beautiful photos, Marilyn. God's beauty that surrounds you must be a comfort to your heart as you and your sweet pup grieve your loss. Happy Birthday to your precious daughter and so special to be born on a Saints Day. It seems most holidays have strayed from their true meanings these days, but we can make sure we commemorate them in the proper way with our own traditions. Wishing you luck with your little chicks and hoping their sweetness takes away some of your sorrow. Sending hugs xo Karen

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    1. Thank you Karen, your comments are always such a blessing! We did hatch out 19 chicks, and they are all healthy and doing well, we are so thankful! I hope you are enjoying these first days of Spring!

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  18. Happy Birthday to Danielle! It sure is something how quickly the years fly by and we are left wondering where they went. I hope you had a wonderful celebration with her and your family today! It is so sad to see little Riley without your Annie-Girl. I pray God comforts all of you continually, including Riley, and am so thankful Ryan and Allana are back home with the pups. Your photos are just spectacular, and it is always such a blessing to come here and visit with you, sweet friend. Sending much love and many hugs your way tonight!

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    1. Oh Cheryl, it is so true, the years are flying by so very quickly! It has been hard without Annie. We've had to quit saying Annie's name because it makes Riley so sad. Your comments are always such a blessing! Hugs and love to you!

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  19. Hello,
    Happy Birthday to Danielle, and I agree, how do those years fly by so fast?
    My parents have raised chicks for many years, they have done well. Good luck to you and keep us updated on how you do.
    Happy Spring!!!
    Carla

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    1. Oh the years do fly by so very fast! Our chicks hatched and we got 19 that hatched out of 40. I guess this is a pretty good hatch rate, although I wanted a little higher, but they are all healthy and doing well! Love and hugs to you dear friend!

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  20. You live in such a beautiful part of the country. While I am adjusting to Florida life, the West is still in my heart.

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    1. I understand sweet Barbara - once the West is in your heart, it never leaves. It is such a magnificent and beautiful place! I know you enjoy rich beauty there in FL too. There is beauty to be found everywhere. Blessings to you dear friend!

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Your comments are blessings to me, and I appreciate each and every one, they are precious to me! I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my blog... this is what makes blogging worthwhile! Have a blessed day!

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