Our beautiful maple tree died a few years ago.  We had Lopez cut out the canopy a couple years ago, and yesterday we had him come and take it all the way down.  He estimated the tree at 60 years old.  We will certainly miss its beauty and its shade.  

 

What an amazing character:  Abraham Lopez!!!  He climbed up into the tree and took it out piece by piece.  The main portion of the tree may have been rotted, so he did the work from the smaller section.  Stand by for this:

 

 

He cut the main part of the tree from this angle.  I'm not sure I can stand on terra firma at this angle.  But he did it, and the tree is gone.  Well, its parts are still on our property, but it isn't standing next to the garden, waiting to fall down.  

 

I hope you will call Lopez Tree Service for your next tree removal;  his company is listed under Neighbors sharing, vendors.   He is a gem.

 

 

HAPPY FEBRUARY!!!

 

 

 

We went for a walk yesterday, and saw several patches of snow and ice still!!!

 

It's been three weeks since our big snow, and it is still hanging around.  Does that mean it's waiting for more?  I doubt it;  for the upcoming weekend and all next week the predictions are for highs in the 60s.  

 

We will take it, and be happy.

 

HAPPY WINTER!!!

 

 

 

 

 

It snowed here on Friday, and I took this picture the following Tuesday.  Some of our roads were still covered with snow and ice.  And there is still lots of snow on the ground.  So George was out on his tractor clearing what he could.  

 

We tried walking, but it was too treacherous, and I fell a couple times.  Not good!!!  I'm OK, but, just to be safe, we are staying inside until the roads are clear of ice.  

 

Overnight lows are predicted to be in the teens through next week, so we probably won't be going anywhere any time soon.  That's OK, I am happy staying home.   

 

 

HAPPY WINTER!!!

 

I just stopped by to say HI!!!  Not sure how long I will last in this 45 degree weather, but I am happy now.

 

I hope you had fun in the snow.  

 

HAPPY JANUARY!!!

 

What a fun time we had in the snow!  

 

I tried to sled down our road, but it is steep, and I went way too fast, plus there is no place to slow down.  You just have to bail off the sled to stop.  So we walked over the top of our hill and sledded down that way.  We call these roads "bunny slopes."  They aren't as steep and scary.  

 

I had to navigate a few curves on this road, but I did ok, (read: no wrecks.)  I did it two or three times, and when Tom saw me he waited at the road sign and took this picture as I came down the hill.  He had just said earlier what a great road this would be for sledding.  It has a long enough downhill ride, then turns up at the road sign, so you can glide to a stop.  It is great!!!

 

WISH YOU WERE HERE!!!

 

We got our snow!!!  Just a couple inches, but enough to cover the ground and the deck.

 

We didn't go for a walk to get pictures yesterday, but I did step outside to take a few.  I'll get some more today.

 

 

HAPPY DAYS!!!!

 

I asked Betsy to send me some snow pictures from Montana, and this is what she sent me.  "Meet Nellie, she's a love."

 

It looks like Nellie loves the snow too, in her fur coat.  I bet this picture was taken from inside, through the window.  I know Betsy.  And she is smart enough to know that walking in the snow can be hazardous to mature women from warmer climates.  Even still, I'm glad they are having fun.

 

 

HAPPY WINTER!!! 

 

I am trying not to get too excited about snow, but I can't help myself.  I love snow.  

 

This is what we got on Tuesday morning.  And on Wednesday morning we got 17 degrees.  The forecast is for 3-7 inches of snow on Friday.  MY fingers are crossed.  I hope we get that and more.  

 

One of my sisters (the crazy one) is in Montana for 10 days.  She loves the snow too, but I bet she is enjoying it from the living room beside the fireplace.  Maybe she's not that crazy, just more adventurous than we are.  

 

 

HAPPY WINTER!!!

 

 

 

OK, maybe I am groping for bloggery subjects, but I thought you might like to see the very cool pan we use to cook our cornbread.  It only holds one-half the recipe, but it works great!!  Each piece is the right size for a serving, and the edges are crispy all the way around.  We love this cast iron pan;  I think it came from the thrift store.  

 

You can find the recipe for Janet's Cornbread in the recipe section.  Just look under breads.  

 

 

HAPPY COOKING!!!

 

My friend Roxanne makes these beautiful arrangements using greens and Christmas ornaments.  Every year they are different, each one more fantastic than the last.  

 

I am so glad I am on her nice list.  I love these.

 

 

HAPPY END OF DECEMBER!!!