Away but not forgotten . . . . .

Yes, yes, yes,  I know it has been eons since I have typed here and shared the daily happenings of Chestnut Hill.   Life continues to be busy and full with the 3 kids,  3 cats and Edna the yellow lab.  It has been a lovely fall, long, full of sunshine and nice days but we have clearly shifted to a winter pattern just in time for Christmas.   The ground is covered with about 5 inches of snow and more is on the way.   We are to get some bone chilling cold later this week- single digits in the overnight and early mornings and only in the teens by day.   The frogs have all dug in, in the pond and interestingly when we get en exceptionally warm day one or 2 will actually surface for the day and then as it gets cold they once again disappear.  A large snail has joined the pond and I will post that later- some people get hand cream from a sister- I got a big Snail.  :) 

Summer Fun

Breakfast in teh garden

swinging on a hot summer afternoon or clear starry night

Summer afternoon - two of the best words in the English language

 Family of Yellow shafted Northren Flickers in the tree hole

Broad bean Harvester- 6 of them rolling by

new Adirondack chairs for by the pond and painted  green!

Edna taking it all in before she takes a nap.

Everyday October . . . .

 So Every Day October is about every day things . . . kinda like a day in the life . . .  trying to not miss the everyday   that some day will be completely different.

Everyday this is where my 3 cats eat . . . . They each have there own bowl.  We feed them on the stairs because Edna - our Yellow Lab does not climb stairs and she leaves the bowls alone.  Otherwise- Edna would always eat the cat food!!!!

Vulcan Blizzard . . . . .

like 6 AM

maybe 8:30 AM

9-10 AM

Edna likes to eat Snow

10 pm and still snowing

5 pm another foot yet to come . . .

 

 

 

Long snowy cold day.  all schools closed, most businesses, some counties closed roads, Plows in our town stopped plowing 2 different times due to poor visibility.  We have gotten steady snow all night and it is looking like we may hit 20 inches by morning  - think we are at about 16 right now. Birds were very active today as they usually are in stormy weather. School is also closed in our district tomorrow.  Short week . . . :)  I am sure tomorrow everything will be beautiful in a blanket of white.

Blog Hibernation

Whoops - guess a little non-intentional Blog hibernation happened . . .

So a few catch up pictures of life on the Hill . . .

Out the kitchen window to the west are the Sunsets - and it is light later . . . so loving that!

Oren and Edna ready to come in - cold weather makes for lots of short visits in and out of the house.

Long Eared Owl - he blends in ever so well. Loving the ears!!

Sharp Shinned Hawk in my garden working on dinner

Hope - what we all hang onto in the Northeast this time of year!  & a mug of hot tea!!!

It is this time of year that leads to Hibernation. The Northeast has  had this cold, snowy winter that started early has been steady and seems right now to be never ending. Yes, we know it well, have grown up with it and accept it. We just don't need to always like it so much. Ready to see sprouts, mud - well not really but it is a means to an end. Ready for longer days and more sunlight, ready for the sunlight on my face, ready for less layers, ready for light colors, ready for spring!!!

Thoughtful Thursday

Among the things that you can give away 

and still keep are your

 word, a smile, and a grateful Heart.

Zig Ziglar

I can't think of a more grateful heart , than the one our 8 year old Yellow lab has. She is kind and mellow and always right there when you need a little love.   She greets you when you walk in the house and tailwagging is such an immediate feedback.  She is grateful for the scratches, dog walks, snacks and of course meals.  Peanut butter jars are a favorite of hers. 

Smiles - it is such an easy thing to use but we often over look it or forget it.  A simple smile can brighten  oh so many peoples days. I watch this happen at work with those that cross my path and also at the grocery store and such. Smiling at those that are leaving when I am entering. Now  don;t think - that I think about it all the time- I don't but I do try.

Edna's Christmas

Edna our 8 year old Yellow Lab knows exactly what Christmas morning means.  Ever since she was a puppy she has seemed to know that under the tree would be something for her.  This year she stole the show over the 3 teens in the house.  She got in the living room and right away she started looking, nosing and smelling everything, definitely wanting the first gift for her before anyone else.  She loves to poke her nose in the wrapping in order to get it off.  Her reward with this one was a stuffed Moose. Edna is very good to her toys, she does not rip them apart but plays nicely with them and they seem to last forever.  She stayed right in by us and the tree all morning. Merry Christmas Edna, Merry Christmas everyone!

The Moments No. 12

Joy Filled Fall Swim

The Moments: No.7

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love.  For me they are the role model for being alive.  ~Gilda Radner

                      Oh the fun moments that this blue ball has seen. Edna got it on her first Christmas ( 2005)  She promptly chewed the handle off it.  Otherwise it has served us all well  for the last 8 years.  We throw it and she runs like crazy to get it. Even now when we can see that she has discomfort after a "ball " session , she won't give it up. It is weather independent, she will play with it snow, sleet and rain .   Looking forward to many more moments with his old ball and Edna.

This and That Tuesday

Ednas New Toy

Getting a new toy is always an exciting event both for Edna and for us to watch her explore it and begin to love it.  This was no exception. Lots of tail wagging and biting it.  All those legs, attenae and face to bite. It is a toy her size!!

 

Thoughtful Friday

We will always have time for the things we put first.
Liane Steele

Where Did January Go?

Sometimes time passes like the wind, one minute you are observing the passing of the New Year and the next you are at a new month- today. January was much like that, a lot was going on and it moved quickly. So quickly that I never quite got to my Blog other than to think about it or make notes for a few posts. January brought me a new refrigerator, dishwasher and vacuum cleaner. When you move these things into an old home c. 1822 it is no small task, doors removed, trim altered but in the end we have entered the 21st century. I made a trip to Nashville on the cusp of a snowstorm but when has there not been a snowstorm this month? Here we sit awaiting a storm of "historic proportions" but really they say 15-20 inches and we have certainly seen more than that at a time. We have been busy making costumes for Geology Rocks school play, building a Raingutter Regatta boat for Cub scouts. Searching out Sunday School Curriculum. Trying to stay healthy an lose weight. We need to make Gourmet desserts for a Rotary Club Diner Thursday - they will be raffeled off with the benefits going to my daughters Girl Scout Troop. So stay tuned - lots in the news. Meanwhile lots of snow, cold, tundra like days that the dogs love no matter what. Only the blonde one is ours the other is a walking buddy. If you are here in the Northeast, stay warm and travel safely.

Merry Christmas 2010 One and all

Scenes from Christmas present . . . . . .
The Christmas lights are at a private residence, we know the daughter of the owner. We try to drive by each year. She has the resources to do this and built special storage to keep them in off season. Edna received a Pink Octopus for Christmas . . ..She is very proud of her new toy family member. Some new reads and viewing for mom. We entertained Christmas eve afternoon . . . before church such a perfect time . Love so many things about Christmas, love the quiet of Christmas day . . . so little traffic on the road etc..
Memories of Christmas past and thoughts of Christmas future. . . . enjoy your days.