God's Valentine Gifts

Oh, the sunsets the Lord has been painting the skies with lately! This was His Valentine to me this week! Isn't it special! Riley and I were walking one evening as the sky's colors began to shift into this grand display. Oh, the wonder in my heart, and the praise on my lips to the Lord for His sweet blessings that come to me just like this. 

My husband delighted my heart with this beautiful tulip bouquet! 

This has been a strange winter with little snow. One morning this week, we had a skiff of snow overnight - and Riley and I were overjoyed!

It wasn't much snow as you can see, and it melted quickly, but still, it was pretty to see! 

You may remember this picture I shared last week. I sent it in to our local newspaper. The picture was taken over our neighbor's property. 

I was thrilled to see the picture on the front page of our local newspaper!

The write-up of the picture. That was a lovely surprise to see they loved the photo as much as I did!

My husband and I enjoyed Saturday together,
with a meal at a restaurant for which we had a gift card. It was a delightful meal! 

OHH NOO! On Sunday morning, I went out to the chicken coop only to find my favorite rooster had been killed by a coyote. This rooster was a white leg horn, and he was able to fly in and out of the coop. It is always an issue that we face here - coyotes are opportunists. We haven't had an issue for a couple of years, because Ryan's dog Gus patrolled our property. Now that they have bought their own home, Gus isn't here as much (he comes with them when they visit). So, I have asked Ryan if we can "borrow" Gus for a few days to have Gus on yard patrol, and hopefully keep the coyote from snagging any more of my chickens. 

We had a Valentine's Day church potluck, and Dan requested that I make Southern Banana Pudding. He had a small bowl. I don't mind making yummy desserts like this when we can share them! It was a special treat, with fresh whipped cream - so good! 

The tables decorated for the potluck meal. 

Our rescue cat loves stretching out in front of the fire. There's nothing more comforting on chilly days than enjoying the wood stove fire! We are so thankful he has made a full recovery from starvation when we found him in August. I have tried a couple of times to find him a home because we never intended to have 4 cats! But... he is still with us. I don't think he's going anywhere. We love him so much! 

The girls and I meet up as often as we can for coffee and a bit of thrift shopping, as much as the babies will tolerate! 

They came to my house after the babies were tired from shopping. Danika had fun putting on our shoes and walking in them! 

Baby Clara took a long nap with Gramma! Shopping is exhausting work! 

On our morning walk one day this week, several other neighbors were out walking with their dogs, and we enjoyed a fun walk with all of them! We live in such a wonderful neighborhood, and our neighbors are dear friends. Riley knows these dogs well, and they have such a good time together! 

Trying recipe variations with chia seeds.  This time, I used some coconut milk, chia seeds, blueberries, and a bit of allulose. I found that I didn't really care for the allulose. I think I will continue using my Sweet Drops stevia as a sweetener.  But it made for a fiber-rich sweet treat! 

I plan to pull out my seed starting supplies and start my pepper seeds, some spinach, lettuce, and pea seeds. It's hard to believe spring is just around the corner for us. We are getting some snow showers this week, but the days are getting longer (we gain 82 hours of daylight in February alone!), so any snow we get will melt quickly. I feel the anticipation in the air as the world around here begins to shift in exciting ways with spring's parade of blooms arriving before long. 

Are you feeling a shift towards spring in your world? Spring is always a time for celebration, and while I feel that we haven't really had winter yet, I am anticipating the delightful days of spring, even though winter seems to be finally making an appearance here, as we have gotten snow here all day. But that's okay, we need the snow! 

Psalm 143 is a favorite Psalm of mine, and I think you'll enjoy this video. 

Psalm 143: 6-12

I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. 

Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, 

lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: 

Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; 

lead me into the land of uprightness.

Quicken me, O Lord, for thy name's sake: 

For thy righteousness' sake, bring my soul out of trouble.