It has been most of the winter since James and I went out to take photos. The cold has kept us pretty close to home. Last week with the weather breaking for warmer temps we headed out. I thought I’d a share the favorite of the group and the one that is going to be printed in the local newspaper.
This winter, while not as cold as some, the cold has lasted. Nightly, falling well below zero neighbors across the state have had frozen water and drains. Not just those in rural areas but towns and cities have had water simply creep to a frozen standstill. Up here on the mountain water has remained the same for us. Off grid certainly has its advantages.
The cold has however, eaten up the wood stack impressively. Last week when the weather gave us a break and we got above freezing it was cause for days outside. A dozen spring projects to began in a flurry of activity not seen since the last few days before the snow arrived. 
The unsold wreaths came down to start with. The ornaments and now dry boughs were all unwound and put away for next season. Thor decided the big ones made great beds after a day chasing snow balls and helping haul wood.
Large boxes from costso we turned into new indoor nest boxes for the ladies. They loved them at once and eggs started to show up.
The big dead tree by the driveway came down, was bucked up, hauled up the driveway via sled, and split. Shane came up to cut down the old Pondarosa as my chainsaws have deiced to stop running. They are both in need of carburetor, work so they look useful, but for now they do little. James and I saw to the rest of the tree and got it all stacked in one long afternoon. The beetle killed pine split so easy we had to remind ourselves not to chop it too small.
The deck had to be shoveled of snow and ice from almost record breaking snow fall. Of course a sled hill had to be tested… 
…sticks had to be tested for strength and bonfires had to be built.
We had four glorious sunfilled days before the snow returned last night and buried us under another foot. We will be back inside the rest of the week finishing up the long overdue sheet-rock in the Little Cabin.
Yesterday, however, was stunning. I woke up to a dozen types of birds all greeting spring, chipmunks were chirping, and the squirrels shouting their chatter. Thor hasn’t been so excited to get outside since the snow first arrived. I let him out and sat down to have coffee before James woke up.
After seeing to morning chores it was warm enough out the greenhouse to sit down for projects without even needing to build a fire.
The beadwork my grandma had started before she passed away this fall I finished while the chickens debated if it was truly spring or not.Craft supplies from the last homeschool kid co-op visit were sorted and put back in their drawers, and most of the glitter swept up. (I doubt it will ever be truly all gone. By time that happens I am sure a handful of little girls will be back for another art workshop.)
Thor on guard duty. he likes the snow this year if for no other reason than he can sit up very high and watch the driveway.
Waking up to snow this morning was very pretty but I will be glad for the next day with sunshine and thawing weather. I count the days to get the first seeds into the ground int he greenhouse. The thermometer is in the ground. It will be soon.
Yesterday the snow arrived. It wasn’t too cold, just a tad chilly at 20 degrees, but as often happens when winter arrives it does so with a sudden sharpness that can cause even experienced mountain dwellers to shudder and stay inside.
Warm in the cabin with sun gloriously streaming in through the windows I thought it would be a great day for a hike, to get the new snow, the sun and the blue sky but once outside the hike was decidedly short and back inside I went.
I snapped a few pictures and ducked back inside to make tea. I was just getting settled to do edits on Through the Barrier, (something have been putting off) when the Snoring Bear aka the Virgo #2 came asking if I could help him.
Down in the shadow of the mountain the skirting has not gone back up on his 5th wheel since he moved it from one side of the yard to the other a couple of months ago. While my Little Cabin was still in the sun shine, be it heavily blocked by the trees that have not yet been thinned, he was well in the shade.
Part of being partners in such an endeavour is that one persons needs are the needs of all. So down the mountain I went. We worked on thawing the drain lines and then waited for the foam board to arrive. (virgo #3 had gone to go pick it up) Unfortunately, it had not arrived when he had to go to work so with a look that bagged for help, he said, ‘if you get inspired feel free to work on it.’
On my walk down the road to his place I found two dropped treasures that are not from anywhere within a mile. I wonder who dropped them and where they came from.
So for the last hour, I have been outside, the temperature steadily falling, working on the skirting.
My fingers and toes a bit on the frozen side I decided to needed to come in, warm up and most my pictures from earlier today. Maybe tonight, or tomorrow I will post a few of the work I get done before the sun sets.
The snow has been lingering to the mountain tops all around the Little Cabin but last night freezing rain turned to true snow. I managed to get down the driveway and back up once but soon I will be parking at the bottom and hiking up.
Not too cold yet at 30degrees but by tomorrow it is supposed to be 3.
Thor the puppy was delighted with the snow. Trying to take his picture while he raced up and down the drive was nearly impossible. I have quite a few images of white and black blurr.
Today I think will be a good day to sit close to the fire and sip hot tea, read a book with the boy and not go anywhere.
Two Ravens Garden and Permaculture Site 