Amaryllis Tuesday: February 9

This flower is a bright spot in the midst of my cold and snowy February and I am grateful for its daily reminder to keep the faith.

It’s been planted for 6 weeks and a flower is nearing.  I’m cheering for you, splendid flower.

Enough, Already

On the heels of digging out from nearly 3 feet of snow, another storm blew in yesterday.  The good news: it wasn’t 3 feet.  The bad news: it was 8 inches.  A pretty 8 inches of snow, but 8 inches nonetheless, with cold temperatures on its heels.  Our average yearly snowfall in New Jersey is 29 inches.  In two storms, my corner of the state has gotten 38 inches.  

The birds were glad that the feeder was full.

This time around, the snow blower could handle the challenge a little better.  I am always ready for Spring blooms and the practically giddy ease of Summer.  This year, Winter is determined to be sure that I appreciate my blessings when the warm days arrive.  In the meantime, yesterday's post-storm blue sky will have to suffice.

Old Man Tree: February 1

We are starting February with a major snowstorm.  It started last night and is expected to continue through today and into Tuesday morning.  When I got up this morning, there was an easy 8 inches on the ground.  

The light and snow makes it hard to make out the face on Old Man Tree, but he is there watching quietly over all the birds and squirrels in the yard.

As of this writing, now Monday afternoon, the forecast calls for 20 inches to fall before this storm is over.  At the current rate, I’ll be glad if it’s only 20 inches.  Up to this storm, we’ve had a mild Winter but it would seem we are making up for it in the last full month of Winter.