Cool

 That's how I would describe our weather.  COOL.  Or rather, cold. Or frigid.  We are having a 'winter storm' here.  That means there is lots of snow and ice.

So that also means The Professor and I are COOLing our heels here at home. The farthest we have ventured from the house today is the compost bin.  We may not go that far tomorrow as the forecast is for four to six inches of snow tonight on top of the snow and ice already on the ground and in the streets.

My Friday Fave Fives are certainly going to be different this week.

1.  I am thankful for power.  So far, we have not lost our electricity.  Knowing we could lose it means that we appreciate every hour we have it.

2.  I am thankful for other options.  We have our lanterns, flashlights and candles ready.  We have snuggly blankets.  We have boots, gloves, and jackets.  We have food and water.

3.  I am thankful for things to do to keep my mind occupied.  Books.  Obviously.  Projects to focus on.  This afternoon, I finished a project I had procrastinated--hemming a tablecloth.

4.  I am thankful for yarn.  After finishing a pair of socks for granddaughter PAL,

I rummaged around in my stash and finally decided to do something with this nubby handspun yarn.  I didn't spin it.  All I know is that it is combined wool and silk noil (raw silk) and hand dyed probably with indigo but maybe woad (no way to be sure).  Anyway, I have started a very basic shawl since the yarn is certainly texture rich and striking enough to stand on its own.

5.  Before all this weather excitement happened, we did get some fun walks in.  This is along a trail near Older Daughter's home.  I love the river!  Even in COOL weather.

So this has been Willow's COOL Week.  I hope you are all staying safe, warm, and well and able to cool your heels and relax a bit.

Another Week of Winter

Hello!  It's Friday! Susanne hosts Friday Fave Fives and I love joining.  It makes me always be more thoughtful through the days, watching for those thankful moments.  Here is Willow's Week on a snowy day.   

1.  Our microwave died (nope, that's not the fave).  As soon as our older daughter heard about our household disaster, she said, "No problem!  I have one in the garage that came from my rental house."  So... thanks to her, we have had a working microwave while we look for a replacement for ours.

2.  On Sunday, we took a drive in the county south of us.  The roads were clear and it was wonderful to see a new area.  I wrote a blog post with several photos if you want to see more snow covered barns and old houses.

3.  After our drive, we met the family for a winter hike at the arboretum. There, too, the paved trails and roads were clear.  It was great to get out and have a walk.

4.  The weather outside is frightful!  Snow!  I am thankful that we have a warm house and warm clothes.  And even occasional sunshine!

5.  Another blanket story.   Little Warrior (our younger grandson) loves his 'meema blanket'.  Evidently a doggie (who no longer lives in the house) loved it, too, and chewed holes in it.  Meema to the rescue.  Honestly, sometimes I wondered if the worst of the damage could be repaired.  But I persisted.  The blanket is back home on LW's bed.

A Winter Drive

 We decided to venture out on a Sunday afternoon drive and explore the area south of our town.  The roads were clear, but the fields were snow covered.

I love the old farmhouses, churches, schools, and barns!

I would love to know the stories behind these buildings.

And now, we are snowbound for the next few days.

I'm glad we were able to get in a scenic drive between storms.

Hello, February

In the bleak midwinter...

1.  Here we are in cold, cold midwinter.  As I write this, it is snowing.  The temperature is a balmy 31F.  But in the night, it will be half of that.  This is the time I look for things to warm me, my feet, my tummy, my spirit.  Friday Fave Fives is an encouraging way to cheer us all up.

2.  The grandkids had a snow day (actually, more than one; and today is another).  Younger Daughter was working from home and took a long lunch so she could take her two sledding.  We joined them.  Yes, we sledded.

Younger Daughter's Bernese Mountain dog was in doggie heaven.

3.  After sledding, The Professor treated us to hot chocolate!  Yum!  Making memories!

4.  I made another pair of socks!  Nothing cheers like warm feet covered in handknit socks.

5.  I am a total garden geek.  This winter I have been growing ginger indoors.  I had no idea if the ginger I had bought at the grocery store and accidently let sprout would grow.  But I tried.  And guess what!  All four rhizomes I planted in pots are sprouting and growing.  Squeee!

That tiny green sprout will turn in to a tall tall plant.

Yes, that is what a ginger plant looks like.

These are five things that have warmed my heart (and feet) this week.  I am thankful, even in the bleak midwinter.

Baby, It's COLD Outside

Here it is, the First Friday of 2018.

Welcome to Friday Fave Fives!

I'm reporting in from a very COLD place where there is SNOW.

I am still visiting family, and it's COLD!   Being in this frigid weather, I am reminded to be thankful for things we often simply take for granted like:

1.  Hot drinks.  Sadly, my daughter's electric tea kettle died.  But, we were able to simply drive to the store and purchase another one.  Making a mug of tea is easy.  And helps keep me warm.

2.  Electric blankets.  Who knew?

3.  Hmmm, electricity.  To keep those appliances and blankets working.  Piped right into the house. Twenty-four hours a day.  Every day.

4.  Extra time with The (Not So) New Boy.  He has had late starts at school and now today school was cancelled due to 'weather' which I think means the COLD.  We braved the low temperatures one day and took a walk.  He decided he was my protector, using snowballs and icicles for defense.

5.  Warm clothes.  Wool socks.  Extra layers of clothes.  Boots.  I'm thankful I have these!

To all of you who live in this kind of weather all winter, you have my respect!