We are still very sore and tired from all the snow excavation. Don, especially, since he has a recurring problem with his shoulder and, of course, he had to push the snowblower (which is very heavy) through lots of snow. I’m urging him to take it easy the next few days.

We had stocked up in preparation for the storm, but by Wednesday evening, we were out of many essentials. So, we went grocery shopping, which involved going to two different grocery stores, plus the hardware store. As all this was happening, the temperatures were dropping and we had ‘cold weather warnings’ because of the wind chill. Today is very, very cold. We haven’t even opened the blinds yet. We just have to get through the weekend and the temperatures should warm a bit. I use the word ‘warm’ loosely, as 32 degrees during the day is still freezing, but not as freezing as 10 below (which is going to happen tonight.)

What an extreme winter we’re having, and it’s only January.

I was ready to store the feather tree because we needed the space on the coffee table. I temporarily stashed it on the sideboard. Turns out, at least for the time being, we like it there. Because that window gets a lot of sun, the ornaments sparkle.

Hey, why not?

Today, we’re vowing to do something creative. Don is writing a song. I’m going to paint a little miniature I have.

After too much exposure to the news yesterday (I am heartbroken about Liam, the little boy who is in the detention center in San Antonio – so much so that I had problems sleeping last night) we are trying to avoid it today. I’m praying. I’m visualizing an end to all of this. I’m calling my Senators and Representative. And today, I’m joining in the nationwide strike. I realize that it’s not a sacrifice for me, as I’m currently not working or attending school. But I can refuse to buy anything today and will.

Stay safe,

Happy Friday.

As we were digging out…

An endless process on Monday, with Don wielding the snowblower and me, the shovel. We are still recovering this morning. When Don reached the end of the driveway with the snowblower, he couldn’t get through the pile of snow left by the plows, so he had to leave it. We had to go back down there later in the day and remove the snow layer by layer. I dug out the car as best I could and finished it off yesterday. Because of the hilly nature of our property, I’m not sure how much we got, but it was closer to 15 inches than 20.

Frigid temperatures continue, so there will be no melting for quite a while. There was no mail delivery until yesterday as the roads were still dangerous on Monday.

How it looked yesterday:

It looks like we may see some sunshine today.

But honestly, we’re exhausted. By everything. Yesterday, I felt very old and very sad.

While the snow was falling on Sunday, I replaced the smaller version of my ‘cabinet of curiosities’ with a larger one – a larger plate and glass dome.

Little bits and bobs of found objects from the property.

Feathers, pods, acorns, a snakeskin, robin’s eggs, a beautiful dead moth that I found in the house, bits of pottery found here and there – blue, ironstone, striped – shells, a doll hand that we found in the woods. some bits of glass.

I hope to add more finds this year…if the snow ever melts.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

The storm has passed.  It snowed all day long and into the night – lots of snow. My car is eompletely covered, as you can see. Don was just outside shoveling a path to the shed. He had to shovel in layers. So much snow fell! He estimates we have about 2 feet of snow. If you look to the left of my car, you’ll see the tops of two pylons. That’s now much snow fell!

I tried to go out and shovel a path yesterday, but the temperature was 8° with a wind chill of 7 below zero, so I quickly realized how dangerous it was out there and came back in. Our road is plowed, but it’s still not completely clear of snow. Digging out will take us a couple of days, at least.

The positives? It was so cold that the snow is a dry, soft snow. Thank heavens it’s not heavy and wet. And there was a state of emergency in our county and town – no one was to be on the roads except for essential workers. Everyone stayed home. And we never lost power. The trees weren’t impacted because the snow was dry and light.

It will be quite cold all week long, so there’s not going to be any melting for a while.

That’s the snow update. In the meantime, there has been another murder of an innocent American by ICE/Border Patrol. It’s horrific and heartbreaking. They must be stopped.  ICE must be abolished. And everyone involved must be prosecuted.

God bless the people of Minnesota.

That’s all for today. I’m trying to wake up enough to head outside and do what needs to be done.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.