By the time we get to the middle of February, winter gets old. Pretty, but old.
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| Calendar by Kate McNenly |
I've been enjoying my newest neighborhood critter, Bunny FooFoo. Well, probably he won't stay Bunny FooFoo for long -- he seems far too masculine for that!
He runs between the two fences outside, and on occasion he is chased by someone's fluffy white dog (which looks far more FooFoo than Peter Rabbit!) Poor dog doesn't stand a chance, thank goodness. Our big bun can run!
Our biggest issue of late has been ice. I somehow managed to get stuck on it when leaving my driveway. Fortunately, an earth angel came along and gave me a great tip -- pull out the floor mats and put them under the wheels and hit it. It took a couple of tries but it worked. The roads have been terrible -- a 30 car pileup on the highway near me, little fender benders elsewhere.
I don't know why all the stop lights in what we call the malfunction junction were out at rush hour last Friday, but it sure caused a mess and a huge slowdown as cars (behaving nicely, for once) took turns gong one-by-one through one of our most accident-prone intersections, and then another. Police were directing traffic at a third. (Probably there wasn't an officer with a brain in his head who would get in the street at the malfunction junction unless forced!)
Rick got back on Saturday and I picked him up at the bus stop. He sat in the back seat with a mask (I was masked too) and we rode home with the windows open. I couldn't let him walk in 10 degree weather in his spring coat and no hat. We'll be fine. He got his negative PCR test results yesterday so we will now be able to celebrate Valentine's Day. Meanwhile, I got to attend to his Christmas present picked out personally by the Camster. I think I got the better end of the deal. Beautiful blooms and no travel!
I've been having fun with a good New Yorker puzzle called "The Art Store" by Robert Kraus. It's not a terribly hard one but these puzzles can be a little tricky. I'm enjoying it.
One of the smartest things I ever did was pick up some ice cream cups at Dollar Tree last year. I sort the pieces -- some by color or edge or how it relates to a certain area of the puzzle (like the "New Yorker" title). It keeps them from prying kitty paws and easy to work on a section at a time.
While watching "All Creatures Great and Small" and a few other things (not the least of which is the Olympics -- I love seeing people do things I have no interest in doing myself), I've been doing a little felting from a kit I got on sale after Christmas. These are cute little balls. I'm making up my own design with the materials and will probably make more when these are done.
Five months after it started, Lizzie is still thinking outside the box. She's only nine, so it's not old age. We tried a medicine, thinking it might be something biological but all the tests were negative. It's not that she can't get up and down the steps -- she's happy to go down on her own for Number Two but I have to either carry her down (or practically push her!) to get her to go down for Number One.
She does it just fine once she gets there. But she's just a stubborn girl and prefers the family room to the basement. I now have puppy pads on the area she likes and that seems to work. It's not attractive but should I ever have company again, I can time her pretty well and pick them up.
I've muddled for almost two months about what word to choose as a guiding word for 2022. I know it should be something upbeat like "Connect" or "Discover" or some of my past words, "Hope" and "Hygge." But one word has been sticking in my head since before the New Year and try as I may, I can't shake it, despite its slogging, glum feeling.
Yes. Endure. At the holidays, we were reflecting on a word or two to describe the past year. (I said "Schizophrenic.") My friend Jan said, "Endure." And it's what I feel about 2022. Endure it. Slog through the isolation, the news, the doc appointments, the uncertainty. Just endure it. So, I will do my best -- not only to endure, but to endure with grace and optimism. (Which is a little bit more positive!)
Speaking of enduring, we are enduring winter. Well, I am. Rick is reveling in it, finally happy to be back skiing and having enough snow to do so. But I will admit, it's pretty.
I leave you with this... a look into my back yard during a snow. Yet another reason why I should have washed windows far better than I did in the fall. There is a reason I was a communications person and not a videographer at work and I apologize for the more than occasionally bouncy video! (You might want to take your dramamine before viewing. But the snow was so pretty, I had to share.)
Stay cozy and well. (By the way, if you haven't picked up your free government-supplied N-95 masks, don't forget! I found mine at Rite-Aid. Three per family member -- and they don't keep track of how many family members you have. They had them at the front counter.)
Sharing with: Saturday's Critters / Pink Saturday / Share Your Style
67 comments:
Thank you, I loved watching the chubby flakes falling ever so gracefully - Lovely. Your balls are cheerful! I have done several and like them all on a cord hanging by the window. Color!! That is such a good tip about ice and mats! Brilliant, Jeanie!! Thank you also for the reminder of masks at Rite Aid. I will go today!
I love this post. So much joy. Thank you.
That's how I do puzzles too. Only I use plasticware so I can close the tops when not in use. Bunny FooFoo is a real treat. Love the flowers....feels like spring, sort of....
The snow is pretty but I remember living up north and by mid-February I was ready for spring. I used to carry an old army blanket in my trunk to put under tires when stuck.
Wait! I always thought that Little Bunny Foo Foo was he/him. My bad. That was before it was such a big deal to get pronouns right. So I wouldn't have been excoriated.
best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
One winter we should switch places about late February. I could experience the beauty of a real winter and you could see the beginnings of spring!
Hi Jeanie,
Cardinals are so pretty! Red against the white snow; what a striking contrast.
My, that does look like a complex puzzle. Wise of you to sort similar pieces.
Enduring with "grace and optimism" nicely said.
Have a lovely weekend...
So much snow! Here there's been a dreadful storm with lots of damage! Look after yourself, hugs, Valerie
Love that calendar!
Hello,
The puzzle looks fun. I use an old cookie sheet for my puzzle pieces. Love your cute bunny and squirrel images. I watched two bunnies in my yard yesterday, maybe a sign of spring. Your tulips are lovely. So glad Rick's test was negative. Take care, have a happy weekend!
We had some snow last night for the first time in years. It wasn't much and it's gone now. Great strategy in separating your puzzle colours, it makes it a lot easier to complete it. I don't do puzzles, no patience. :) Love the red cardinal, it really stands out in the snow covered tree. Have a wonderful weekend, Jeanie.
Does Rick ski at Brighton? Shanley Belle and Christopher skied there last Sunday. Michigan squirrels are huge! Lol, and I like your word for the year. BTW if I can escape covid with two people sick with it in our house, you can escape it. But I’ve been taking zinc, C, D, B 1,6, 12 because my doctor suggested it back in December. BTW they are monitoring my D levels!
During winters in Illinois, we set up a card table and spent hours on it. Walking by meant picking up pieces and then spending the next hour or more.
You have snow, lots of it. Sorry.
This winter has been a tough one for me too. Between having lots of ice, some really cold weather and then omicron, it seems like spring is never going to come. I think if endure is the word sticking with you, go for it. Your tulips are cheery though, and nice friends in your yard. I hope Lizzy is OK. Have a wonderful belated VAlentine's Day celebration with Rick this weekend. Hugs-Erika
Thanks for sharing your winter life with us Jeanie. I love all the sweet critters and wow, the snow was really coming down in that video! I hadn't selected a word for this year, yours is absolutely perfect for my year so far. I think I'm going to use that too if you don't mind. Stay warm and stay safe out there!
The snow is lovely, we get a little here so I enjoy it when we have it. Seems like we have already endured! Perhaps now is the time to persist, to refuse to let the restrictions beat us down. Hang in there!! I need to get my wool roving back out and make the bowl I've been meaning to do.
Yes. We will endure through this infection with big hope.
Oh I so love those tulips! Wish they were blooming outside already. Am tired of snow too, however we had freeing rain for most of the afternoon yesterday, so snow would have been better. Hope Lizzie is alright. We just found out our one kitty is a diabetic...special food now. The things we do for our pets. Have a great weekend! Janice
So pretty! The snow, your calendar, the tulips, your felt balls... even the bunny is pretty darn cute. Here's hoping Lizzie gets back into the box... and soon! And, yes, dear friend, take care of yourself. Endure.
Big Bun is cute!
I hate(d) driving in snow. Peanuts waves hello, cute with the snow on the nose.
Yay for the fun with Rick and to the flowers, too.
Good idea with the cups. And cute balls. Hope Lizzie is OK.
Endure is a good word, it sadly still fits.
Nice video, and wow, free masks, that is good!
Delightful video, thanks. V
I love seeing your animals and birds and the snow is pretty. After living in snowy areas, I’m happy to only see it from afar.
That's a lot of snow! At least the cardinals look really bright and beautiful against the white. It seems that every city has a "malfunction junction." When I lived in Tampa I only knew of ours and I thought the name was so clever -- and then I realized everyone has one!
Ah winter. We had a fair storm yesterday, and it is snowing again now. It should look different this time next month although that is not always true.
What a time you've had.
I love the calendar.
I like the word endure. It's all we can do.
Poor old pup. And you, having to deal with it!
I really like you photos of nature.
I am with you and your choice of ENDURE!
Hopefully, the remainder of the winter won't give us much more to endure. I live in northern Illinois so I can relate to the ice. Last nigh we had a snow squall warning of all things!!!
Bundle up & have a good week.
Endure may well be the word, Jeanie. How long we can endure is another matter entirely. I just read a report that indicates that sea levels are expected to rise around coastal North America by 30 cm over the next thirty years, so that pretty much dooms cities like Miami which will be totally inundated when hurricanes drive storm surges, and routinely flooded at high tide. The drought in California is the worst in 1,200 years, almost entirely anthropogenically caused, and is predicted (if it's possible) to get worse. In the Amazon they just removed another swatch of rain forest for beef production, thereby eliminating the natural transpiration mechanism of the forest, while simultaneously introducing a new and potent source of methane. And we continue around the world to subsidize fossil fuels to finance our own extinction. We may endure. But I suspect we may not. When I look at Lily, and your grandchildren, I despair at the world we are bequeathing to them.
WE had our most substantial snowfall yesterday and it was a lot.But GORGEOUS with Pronvencal blue skies and pure white snow.
No choice but to endure..
Bon courage!
Lots of positive activity for you white you "endure" these winter days. We've had a lot of cold weather this year, more that usual. We usually have mild winters and time spent outside is normal. I usually wouldn't mind but with the last two years being inside so much is beginning to get old! Good idea to keep the windows down when you picked Rick up. Glad all's well in that department. Have a wonderful day.......
I did get two boxes of tests from the government in the mail recently.
I loved your snowy video. That little bench with the wreath in your backyard looks so pretty in the now. Oh I wish we had a bunny visiting. I fear the coyotes got them all, but hoping for spring. We love seeing them and I loved knowing you have one visiting you. Snow is pretty, but then let there be spring. About the end of February I begin yearning for spring and luckily it arrives here. Your part of the world is going to be slower, I am so sorry. A puzzle and art are the perfect things to fill the day with a bit of cheer. Sending love.
SNOW, SNOW and more SNOW.....I love it but I now am ready for spring. We have not had a lot of COLD temps but like normal for this day and age we have the warm days, then the cold, then the warm....and so on and so on. I have to put pads down for Chey. She will be 11 next month and she used to have Mom with her at the house all her life so when she wanted to go out, someone was there to let her out. There are times that I am not here, and I have learned to be on the safe side...pads. Although, she is good about going on the vinyl flooring in the kitchen and not on my wood floors.....EXCEPT the spare room. I found out she had been going in there on the throw rug, but by the time I found it, my wooden floor (originals) are ruined in there. But you know, we have to do what we have to do.
Yes, I am looking forward to Spring. I can’t get warmed up this morning! Hot tea is in order :) Such a fun and interesting post! Happy to hear Rick got his negative PCR test results back. Enjoy your week Jeanie, we have snow showers in the forecast for this coming Thursday, but hopefully it won’t be a lot.
I've been back up north only two weeks and I'm already sick of cold and snow. I've got my government tests, now to get the masks.
It's your word, but I'd choose a different one, thanks to William Faulkner. One of the most memorable lines of his Nobel prize acceptance speech is "I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail." I read that speech from time to time, and it's better every time. Not only that, every time I read it, I'm encouraged!
So good to read your wonderful post. winter will go away soon, right? glad Rick is back from trip. You are certainly busy being creative in so many things.
I have Kate's calendar also; and I LOVE IT!! keep warm and safe and continue to inspire us all with your colorful life!!
Any chance Lizzie has a UTI and have you hosed down with urine-scent- removal the areas she's graced?
Love how you separated the puzzle pieces. What a great idea. Also love the pics of the wildlife. Just beautiful.
Have a glorious weekend.
I love Bunny FooFoo and the puzzle. I miss seeing rabbits since I moved.
Is it possible Lizzy is experiencing joint pain going down steps? No wait, you said she doesn't mind going down steps for number two. That would leave it to maybe an urinary track infection that makes her need to go RIGHT NOW? The mystery of this would drive me crazy trying to figure out her problem.
Wonderful post. I do miss the pretty snow coming down. Don’t miss the cold and melting snow and ice. Hate driving on ice, can be scary
Got the card you sent and love hearing from you. You are so sweet and thoughtful 🥰❤️🥰, big Hug!
Todd left to go home today. It was so nice to visit with him. Can’t do much but we did go out twice for dinner!❤️ What a treat after months of not going anywhere.
Sorry to hear about Lizzy, hope she feels better. Is it behavior or infection ? Hope she does better, Soon!
Take care of you and stay off the winter roads if possible. Love 😍❤️ and hugs.
Poor Lizzie - poor you! It's a mystery though why she can go down for #2 and not #1. I see many hare tracks in the snow but I never see the rabbits themselves. We have so many predators around, I think they keep a low profile. That's one fat squirrel! Glad Rick is enjoying the snow. We are,too. Luckily, yours will soon melt, and you'll enjoy spring.
Love seeing all your outdoor critter friends! I'm ready for spring, too. I usually enjoy winter, but this year I'm just "cold"! take care and enjoy your winter days!
What a delightful post! You had me giggling about with white dog chasing the rabbit without a chance, because my dog is the same way-- he is very into chasing rabbits thinking he will get them but he doesn't have a chance of ever catching one. LOL. I have to admit that I have never watched "All Creatures Great and Small" but you are the third person that has mentioned these series, so I need to see what it is all about. :)
Lots of good things in this post. I have been enduring last year (and this one so far), too. Being positive and not losing your sense of humor makes it all easier, I think. Love your critter visitors! Have a wonderful weekend. :)
Your snow is indeed lovely, Jeanie. I know you must be weary of it, though. Your bunny is a darling. So glad he is fast! Your word for the year is a good one. Enduring this pandemic with grace is one I must continue to work on! Stay warm and cozy, my friend.
The bunny is a cutie.
I love to watch the rabbits, but not in my garden. Oldest granddaughter was afraid I was going to bake one in a pie! The snow is really pretty, but I know snow and ice must really get tiresome by this time of year. Enjoy your weekend, Jeanie!
The video is nice. I love the music
I was offline since midday yesterday due to an area wide outage at AT&T. Now I'm trying to catch up. Such a cute bunny. I fear all the ones in my yard were killed by the dogs when I removed the bamboo and they had no place to hide.
Poor Lizzie. Sounds like an emotional problem, but I have a litter box on two levels of my place, although Squiggles only uses his and Bleubeard uses his.
I think your word for the year is perfect. I know that is what I am doing. Thanks for the tip about the N95 masks. I will have to check where to get them in Wichita, since I don't have one of those stores you named. Seems we both are in the throes of snow this week. I didn't try to venture out.
Endure is a fitting word, and whether it's one that's more positive or negative depends on the attitude with which you endure.
I sure wish you could send me some of that snow. Though I would definitely not trade it with you for the storm we've been dealing with (which was thankfully not as bad in our area as it was in some parts of the country).
Animals can be like that at times. It's annoying, but as long as there's no medical reason for it all you can really do is what you're already doing.
This is the way I enjoy snow - by visiting it! Endure is a good word, very appropriates!
The snow in your back yard is beautiful! We only got one snowfall this Winter, but it was a big one, and I hear there might be a little more next Friday. We'll see. I have to tell you I loved your post today cause it was a little of this and that, and those are always my favorite. Your felt balls are delightful. And that's pretty clever to organize the puzzle pieces in the ice cream cups. I just love the Dollar Store and all the goodies they have. How fun to see the neighborhood bunny and the red cardinal amidst all the snow. And thanks for the video, it was nice to watch. Endure is a good word, and we all have to do that from time to time. Loved your wonderful post this morning, Jeanie.
~Sheri
Endure Jeanie and keep your spirits up looking at that delightful calendar, February is almost over! I'm glad Rick got back and tested negative and poor Lizzie {poor you}. Your felted balls are really pretty, and jigsaw puzzles are such a great way to pass time on a snowy winter day. Tulips are a great way to enjoy a touch of Spring inside!
Jenna
Spring has started here in Florida as I saw some blooming amaryllis in the neighborhood. Mine won't bloom until late March or April. I enjoyed your bunny, cardinal, well all of your nature photos today. I've been enduring for the last 6 months - I want to move up to embracing I think. Have a great week!
I like ENDURE. There is a sense of hope in it that if you hang in there things will eventually get better.
As always your nature photos delight my heart!
Such a cozy post.
I love the snowfall video.
Well, the video was beautiful, I thought and the music was very well chosen too - does it have a name? I wouldn't have thought of "endurance" but it's a word with a good kind of inner strength too. I'm glad Rick is back and safe - and I hope you enjoy your belated Valentine. Those tulips are wonderful. What a great colour!
We've gone to a second litter box. Problem solved. Love the calendar page too.
Lovely post that i enjoyed...
February is a great month to see those pretty summer flowers. Tell Little Bunny Foo Foo "hi" for me. I never seen rabbits here. Squirrels, yes, pests that they are lol Your ice and snow sounds scary. We never get weather that bad. It is pretty, though. Those tulips are lovely! My kids had a wool felt ball when they were little. What a wonderful toy that was! I need to check on the masks. Thanks for the reminder.
Endure is a good word to remember! I think you are smart to sort those puzzle pieces in cups. Clever!
Your snowy yard is lovely - and no yard work to do!
I like the felted balls - and I'm sure Lizzy would do so as well. Does she play with them or do you hide them from her? Weird that she is not going to the box, but then cats certainly have their very own mind about things and don't care what we expect of them. My neighborhood cats use my garden as a litter box which is not exactly fun either. They think it's their garden and I'm only the keeper... Great idea using the ice cream cups for sorting the puzzle pieces!
Well, I have to say that I enjoyed watching your snow video, while sitting here in Florida,lol! What a brilliant idea to separate the puzzle pieces into cups, instead of piles on the table. Aw, Bunny FooFoo sure is cute! Glad that you and Rick are reunited. It's good to hear that Omicron numbers are dropping drastically. I did pick up 3 N95 masks at CVS, but was so disappointed that the straps are so tight, I can't really wear it unless I can stretch the straps. The are too small for my husband and son. Did yours fit? I may try another store in case they have some from a different manufacturer.
The puzzle sounds lovely. I've been doing a few puzzles these days, and many of them (most) are now on on display in the office. I will make a post about that pretty soon.
Lizzie has her ideas indeed, maybe she is not happy about the basement for a reason. Who knows. Sending hugs. xx
I love this post, Jeanie. Your snow is beautiful and I so love the bunnies. Snow simply adds beauty to our world. I am so sorry about Miss Lizzie. I know that is hard for you. Don't you wish she could tell you what her issue is?
Have a great week, spring is on its way.
We are in the middle of a snow storm here. It was mild when we landed on Sunday - in the 40s so that was not such a severe adjustment for us. But it's going to be very cold after this storm, and windy too I think. I'm SO OVER IT! This winter has felt harder than last years, I think because it's been way colder.
That is really smart to sort the puzzle pieces into cups! I will have to try that when I pull our my new Paris puzzle that I bought for myself for my birthday! I'm planning to have some girlfriends over in March and we'll work on it while enjoying some wine and aps!
Goodness me!
That is a lot of snow.
We had some hail and sleet showers today in between sunny spells, fortunately I was out when the sun was shining :)
All the best Jan
Hello Jeanie,
Driving in the snow is not one of my favorite things. Your yard is a winter wonderland, pretty video. I love the beautiful Cardinal, the cute bunny and the squirrel. I hope Lizzie is doing well. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
I love your new banner...perfect for your blog. We've been watching All Creatures too and the one last Sunday night was SO good! I loved it! Enjoy your weekend!
It’s a pleasure to read your post. Fender bender, malfunction junction too funny 😁
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