Waiting In The Still and Dreary

It's (again) been a mild winter here on the farm.
Our snows have been few and far between with just enough accumulation
to be pretty... but then melt within a day or two.
Not enough accumulation, I am sad to say, to use those cross country skis we
bought ourselves two winters ago.


I am starting to believe that buying those skis assures that we will never have a snowy winter again!


Well, temperatures have been mild...
so mild that the only reminder that it's still winter is the little bit of ice...


 remaining in the chains that link the gutters to the rain barrel of the old log cabin.


The huge patch of forsythia next to the cabin is covered in buds.


Perhaps we'll have an early spring this year.


That would be lovely!

We've had enough rain that the spring beneath the old log cabin...


is finally running again.
This spring feeds our pond and helps assure its health.


Yesterday, as we (the dogs and Bobby and me) went out to do afternoon chores,
we took the front road route to the barn...


passing the barn and front pasture.


See how dreary my world looks right now?
It's wrapped in a soft, damp, foggy, misty blanket... waiting.


Waiting...
in that state of grey suspended animation...
waiting, for what?


For whatever comes next.


Most everyone around here is just waiting for their next meal!


As for me...
winter always feels like one long work in progress.
I am knitting, and sewing, in between re-organizing this corner or that.


It seems like summertime is filled with accomplishments...
the blossom of a flower, the ripening of a fruit.

But winter... winter teaches us patience.
We learn to live in a holding pattern... 
dreaming and scheming for what comes next.

So many possibilities.....

**************
I wanted to update you on Star, our Dwarf Nigerian goat.
Dr. Becky looked at her and determined that she has a mammary tumor.
Since she still seems to be getting along fine, we will leave her as is.
However, eventually she will have to be euthanized.  We will keep a close eye on here...
and hope that she stays comfortable for a long while.
Time will tell....
😢

Comments

daisy g said…
So sorry to hear about Star. Hopefully, she will be comfortable for a good, long time.
It's been very similar here with foggy mornings and just enough of a chill to warrant wearing layers.
Love the pix of the cabin with its flawless architecture. Amazing!
The JR said…
Poor Star. Hopefully it won't bother her and she'll be okay.

Country Gal said…
Sorry to hear about Star poor thing hope she will be pain free and live out her happy life to the fullest . It is dreary here to but so mild no ice anywhere no snow either I saw a robin already pecking at the lawn the other day , I hope we do have an early spring and more sunshine to dry all this muck up . Lovely photos . Thanks for sharing , Have a good day !
Lynne said…
Our West Michigan days are looking like yours . . .
One exception . . . we are "iced in!"
The kiddies must be happy with having extended school closings.

Sorry to learn about Star . . .
Kathy said…
I really miss the winters of the past. Anymore it seems like we are reduced to two seasons. Not happy!
Junebug said…
I hope Star stays pain free and lives happily for a long, long time. I think we are getting your winter. Record setting snow fall that has been around since before Christmas. This week is suppose to return to our normal, we will see! Of course snow doesn't slow me down, LOL!
jaz@octoberfarm said…
i love the beauty in the bleakness this time of year. it's like an andrew wyeth painting. por star. i hope she is okay for a long while!
This N That said…
I hope that Star has many more days of life on the farm..Don't give up on the snow..we still have Feb to deal with..Doesn't look like we will have any in Jan. Our plants and shrubs are already confused. Meanwhile everyone seems content and well fed at BHA.Love the foggy pictures. May see the sun tomorrow..??
An American in Tokyo said…
Poor Star! I hope she stays comfortable for a very long time.

We are expecting a sprinkling of snow tomorrow. Brrrrr!
diane way up north said…
Oh, so sorry to hear about Star. I thought perhaps they could just remove it, but I guess that's not in the cards, hmm? Yes, I too hope that she can enjoy life for a long while yet. Love your pictures as usual and I am jealous of your grass and no snow. We have had weeks of below zero temps and then snow upon snow....now a January thaw for about a week...then the temp will go back down. For those who worry about falling on snow and ice, your temps would be ideal! I understand your wanting to use those skiis.....maybe you'll still get a chance? I had no idea that Pennsylvania was so balmy! Take care.
sandra said…
I will pray she has lots of quality time left, poor baby. :{