We've Got Sunshine On A Snowy Day

The Bird's Picnic

     Yesterday was another magical day--it snowed all day!  Several inches piled up in the backyard on top of the week's worth of ice and snow already on the ground.  I spent a lot of time gazing out the window mesmerized by the white blowing flakes.  It made even the worst chore (taxes!!!) go a little smoother.  I went outside long enough to fill the feeders and make a short walk.  A beautiful time--snowflakes on my face--snowboots softly sinking in the irregular snowdrifts around the yard. 

     Daisy and Molly, the Jack Russells, were excited to get out.  The snow was quite deep for little dogs and Molly was soon ready to come in.  Daisy, resembling a miniature Alaskan sled dog, was all over the yard, running, digging, sniffing.  I saw her disappear under the shed after some little critter who only wanted a dry place out of the snow, I'm sure.  After much barking,scratching, and digging, she emerged from underneath the shed with nothing to show for the effort except a coat covered in mud!   She was quickly wrapped in a towel and carried straight to the bathtub for a much needed bath!

     Being 'snowed in' is still fun for us--being from the south where snowdays were few.  My neighbor from even further south (Louisiana) gets excited too.  That's despite the fact that she must get out everyday to feed and check her goats in even the worst of weather!  However, Jack gets cabin fever quickly and there's just so much 'snow jobs' on the tractor this time of year.  (I stopped him just in time--He was about to clear the backyard of snow!)  Well, so much for snow pictures from the kitchen window!  Never mind, snow is in the forecast for tonight!
     Reports of large elk herds in the valley and swans on the pond mean we will make a trip around the area today, as well as a jaunt into Jasper.  We are seeing eagles soaring high overhead also. Highways are clear, and usually are soon after a snowfall, thanks to the hardworking Arkansas Highway Dept.  We have seen the snowplow  working late at night getting the roads clear for those early morning commuters. 
     Our cabins have been full every weekend during this winter weather.  It's a great escape--a cozy, warm cabin in the snow.  Whether you want to venture out and experience a winter wonderland 'up close and personal', or just watch from the window--it is a lasting memory for you and your loved one(s).
    

He has made everything beautiful in its time. 

He has also set eternity in the hearts of men;

yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Everyday Joys

Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!
Ps. 34:8

Just like the "dancing" elk in the picture, we need to find joy in everyday things. A few year ago, a ladies' magazine, I forget which one, had one line fillers sprinkled throughout the pages called "Lifesavers"-- reminders of the little daily blessings such as--a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows, a child singing, etc. I like to make my own list of "Lifesavers". Maybe I will call them "Life Blessings". Here are a few of mine:

Amaryllis blooming at Christmastime, reading to a child, watching our grownup son read to his young son, dark chocolate in any form (and now it is considered good for us, Yippee!!), birds singing, walking up to the door of Boxley Church on Sunday morning and hearing a hymn playing on the loud speaker, the full moon over the mountain, faraway airplanes making their way across the night sky, jet trails in the blue sky, a colt and his mother in the pasture on the hillside, flannel sheets in winter, a cup of hot coffee served to me in bed while snuggled between flannel sheets, sunrises in the summer, sunsets all year long, Daisy's cold nose, a new emailed picture of Jack Henry accompanied with a story, emails from friends--longtime ones and new ones, roses on Aunt Marie's rose bush, going to the nursery in spring for flowers, packages delivered by the UPS guy (or anyone for that matter), morning quiet time in the loft, Christmas lights anywhere anytime, watching snowflakes fall outside my window, 6 inches of good snow on a sunny day, sledding down the drive all the way to the mailbox (exhilarating!), working in the dirt with the promise of gorgeous flowers-to-come, the first ripe tomato from the garden, chipmunks at the feeders, cattle on a thousand hills (or just the ones across the hollow that I see from my window), guests in the cabins, good neighbors, "I Love You" from someone special...

Guess I'll stop for now, though it is a great way to pass the time--counting blessings.