Sunday, February 10, 2013

Getting Through Winter

Here in Nova Scotia we've had quite a bit of snow the last two days. In fact the Captain is getting pretty fed up and says this better be the last of it "I've had enough!" Poor thing. That's what happens when you offer to plow the neighbour's drive, then the senior couple in town ask if he wouldn't mind doing theirs too and besides that, he has the business to keep clear for parking. While he's complaining...cold feet, stiff limbs yada yada...I try to keep positive. There have been a few arty adventures but I have been craving for some away time, and some garden time. So off I went to Suz and n's, drinking in the view above from their home on the LaHave River. Bliss.

Can you see the salt marsh to the right? Well under that cover of ice, is a rich and abundantly nourishing area where the fresh water from land above, flows down to meet the river bringing with it all kinds of tasty food. I suspected we might see a lot of bird activity but Oh My Gosh. On that day, the list included, Canada Geese, Bald Eagle, American Kestral, Buffleheads, Loons and Merganzers. A week or so ago, Suz saw a vulture and yes, she showed me the photo and it was definitely a Turkey Vulture. So rare here in Nova Scotia, which makes me wonder how did this bird manage with all this snow? The marsh is a treasure, as all marshlands are, and how lucky they are to have it in front of their home. Better than watching television!

So we sat inside, looking out through the door:
...sitting in front of the fire, reading old garden magazines,
.....and I didn't arrive empty handed ;-)
Told ya I was doing some arty stuff...tried felting and came away with a few pea pods and an autumn scene. Very satisfying craft and hope to do more. No winter blah's happening..No Sireeeee!! And then, Mr. Rabbit/Hare showed up in the garden that very same day and well, isn't it his garden too? I love his winter coat but by Easter, he will be chocolate all over.
The garden sleeps waiting for spring, and I wait also. But, I will enjoy these winter days. Yes, yes (I am convincing myself) yes, I will!

36 comments:

  1. Even though it's covered in snow, your garden area is just beautiful! I have felting on my wish list of things to try. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Staci.
      The felting class was a lot of fun and would like to try doing more, and hope you will try it also.

      Delete
  2. What a beautiful view it is, how lucky to look out your window and see that. Sounds like you are keeping yourself quite busy despite the weather. I am starting to get a bit of winter blahs after two days locked indoors. Even the snowplows weren't getting out around here it was so bad.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Marguerite! Bet your view is beautiful too. Trying to keep busy and not get the winter blah's. Think spring!!

      Delete
  3. Both the snowy views of the river and your garden are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your garden looks beautiful!! Sorry that the captain is having to work so hard during the snow. It would be nice if you could both just have a nice hot chocolate and watch it from inside.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Captain over extended himself, me thinks! He only has this tiny little tractor with a small plow on it so it takes him awhile to do all four properties and with this huge snowfall..well...

      Thanks for the garden comment. It looks great in the snow but better full of flowers and vegetables ;-)

      Delete
  5. Brrrrr, it does look cold despite the sunshine. What beautiful scenery you have during winter. I like your felting project. Stay warm.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for commenting Lisa. Glad you liked the felting project.

      Delete
  6. I never realised rabbits changed their fur colour - ours don't but I know some hares do.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BIG GRIN....yes it is a hare, but I don't always differentiate. I should have I guess. Foxes have kept the population so low I haven't seen one in two years, so I was delighted by this ones visiting.

      Delete
    2. Big Chuckle..hahah...you do not look ranbbity, but the hare does look rabbity, and you gave me a big smile with your comments. I still don't know if it's a rabbit or a hare but think a hare because of its long back legs and, as you say, changing color. Thanks so much for your comments Sue. I do so enjoy your blog.

      Delete
  7. What a fantastic view from that window - glad I don't have it or I wouldn't get anything done at all. We are still snowed under here too - I keep thinking - will this winter never end - surely it will one day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. More snow on it's way! Elaine, just trying to keep head above water so to speak. Jan and Feb are real ugh months but must stay positive. Trying new things this winter, like the felting and some painting..

      Thank you, the view is special and you are right...I do spend far too much time looking out ;-)

      Delete
  8. I love these bright sunny, snowy pictures. As you know, I enjoy winter and nothing better than having a day with bright blue sky and sun to contrast with the fresh snow. Though, I must say, this year I am ready for spring too. Seems I just can't keep warm this year. (age maybe???) So that fireplace was looking pretty inviting to me! What is the average snowfall, per season, in your neck of the woods?

    Also, I just adore the bunny picture ... what a little sweetie!!

    So glad to hear you enjoyed your felting class. Your project came out so nice ... would never guess you are new to the craft.

    Keep Warm, Michele

    ReplyDelete
  9. That last photo ought to be made into a Christmas card! Those felt peas are very apPEAling too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Funny...ApPEAling!!! Thanks Mark...and good idea about the Christmas Card.

      Delete
  10. We heard on our news that the snow was bad with you and we thought of you. Your pictures capture the beauty despite the inconvenience that it causes. What a wonderful Suz has from her door!
    Sarah x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sarah..thank you for thinking of us. Yes, it was a bad storm and then today..rained, snow was evaporating to fog and now, temps dropping and getting icy.

      Suz does have a treasure at her doorstep. So lucky! And I am so glad when she invites me.

      Delete
  11. Wow, that photo really tells the forced winter hibernation of the garden. No wonder cold frames are so improtant. I can't quite get my head around it. The snow is so beautiful and being forced to stay indoors and be creative isn't so bad. Loved the peas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JB, thanks for coming by the blog and your kind comments. Great to visit yours too. You are right, being creative, staying indoors is not a great hardship.

      Delete
  12. Sitting by the fire with a friend, reading gardening magazines, watching the salt marsh comings and goings and doing little craft projects all sound perfectly blissful! Your pea pod is adorable. What a nice gift Bren!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To sum it all up...you did it perfectly. Thank you.

      Delete
  13. Hello from Montreal, Quebec. I love your snow photos.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Linda. Thank you!!! Bet you have more snow than us!!!

      Delete
  14. I am here in Nova Scotia too. We really did have a lot of snow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Surely did and more on the way (((((( Thanks for commenting.

      Delete
  15. I truly wouldn't cope with all that snow - and yet it looks so beautiful, transforming the landscape I almost wish I was there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Mark for your comment. The snow does take a lot of effort clearing off but it has it's rewards for sure.

      Delete
  16. I need a good friend like that! one who has a beautiful property with lovely views and wildlife where I can go for - well - until Spring arrives! I have a horrendous case of cabin fever and Winter blahs this year, I am in Ohio. Never had this issue before? and this Winter has not been any worse than past winters. So maybe it is because I am turning 50 this year? :) Does everything change like that when one hits 50 ?!
    I can't walk the dog - don't have one and my kitty cat won't tolerate a dog in the house!
    I go for some walks in our local Metroparks and that does help but when it is extra cold I have no desire to do that.
    Crafts ? Oh, don't I WISH I were a crafty type!! I genuinely envy and admire those types! My mother was very crafty, so is my Aunt. I don't have a crafty bone in my body and I have tried all sorts of different things.
    I read, I do puzzles, etc -- but --- you can only do so much of that and drink only so many hot chocolates and other wintry drinks.
    Truely I am going a little bezerk. Nothing seems to be helping.
    So I am on the internet, perusing, reading, enjoying other people's websites! in the hope that something may inspire me.
    Keep up the good work please! for people like myself :)
    Come on Spring.
    (and yes, I have also noticed that now I'm older, the seasons go by extremely fast, it is very bizarre! but mid February to end of March is very tough now)
    signed,
    Winter in Ohio (help meeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! lol)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This has to be, the longest comment I have ever had on blog ;-) Thank you so much for making me chuckle and sharing winter interpretations of Ohio. I don't know your weather at all, but surely spring isn't too far away.

      BTW, you say you don't have a crafty bone in your body, but you write really well, so have you thought about journalling?

      Come by again, and thanks for visiting.

      Delete
  17. Under all that snow there is so much promise. Are those UK BBC Gardeners World magazines Bren?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Yes they are most assuredly, UK BBC Gardeners World mags. (we don't get the freebies over here sadly) They have inspired me for a few years now. A bit pricey across the pond, but, full of wonderful information. I am most fond of Monty Don and then, Alan Titchmarch. Two excellent writers.

    Thanks Paul for commenting as you know I love your inspiration.

    ReplyDelete