02.28.10 EARLY ARRIVAL

I ordered an apple tree and two blueberry bushes to fill in gaps in the garden's fruit growing beds. What a surprise for the box from Stark's to come so early. We still have snow on the ground! I am hoping for some warm weather this week to thaw things out a bit so I can plant these guys. In the meantime, I will keep them damp, dark, and cool in our cellar.

02-24-10 COCKADED VISITOR

Looking out my studio window the other day I caught sight of a beautiful pileated woodpecker landing in the tree just by the house. I have a feeling it was enjoying the smorgasbord of bittersweet berries with the other birds. The lower part of this tree is well engulfed with the vines.

02.21.10 SNOW HOLES

Melting...finally. I can't remember a winter in my 35 years in Virginia with snow on the ground for this long! But new obstacles are revealed with the snow's disappearance which are unfortunately not quite as ephemeral.

02.19.10 SNOW EGGS

It is always a thrill when the chickens start laying again! I think it must correlate to the lengthening period of daylight (and the approach of spring!). Here I have collected some of the first eggs in months from their snowy laying boxes.

02.18.10 ICE THUNDER

The return of the sun brings danger around the house. Zippy our Border Collie is reluctant to use the dog door to her pen. Over a foot of snow and ice covers the roof of the house and our several porches. Enormous crashes are heard as the snow and ice begin to release their frozen grip.

02.17.10 SNOW VALENTINE

What a surprise to look out the window on Valentine's night to see a message from my sweet wife in the snow. Repurposed Christmas lights glowing in more fresh fallen snow! My son shot a genuine arrow into the center.

02.16.10 COLD COMFORT

The snow weighs heavy upon the garden. But below the deep snow life sleeps. The blanket of white actually insulates the garden below, protecting it from icy blasts of wind and the bitter night time lows. I know the chickens in their houses appreciate the extra layer on the outside of their houses as they cuddle in the corner with their down coats fluffed out. This cardoon seed head bends below the weight of new snow, but studying its gentle curves and the contrast of soft seed filaments with icy crystals warms my being.

02.15.10 RECONNECT

I have been away from the blog for two years now. This snowy, snowy winter has given me the opportunity to spend more time at home with family. And time to walk and think. I miss this blog and the chance it gives me to organize my thoughts through writing as well as the possibility of having the occasional conversation with virtual visitors to our home. With this post I hope to return to the Book of Days.