Looking Beyond

Some days I find that I must be intentional about seeing 

beyond the muck and mire,

to the beauty that is always there.

It happens from time to time, as the beautiful, white snow melts and turns grey,

and the mud runs deep.

When all that was crisp and clean and colorful gets just a little messy looking.

It's then that I look beyond the dirt,

to the beauty beneath it...

Once in a while, nature will give me a gift - 

an unexpected treasure, that acts as a reminder of what was and will be again.

On these cold, damp, grey days, 

we turn our sights inward and bask in the warmth of our home...

or someone else's...

Grazing time is very limited at this time of year.

The horses and donkeys were out in the front pasture for a few hours yesterday,

as much of the snow had melted.

I hate to over-graze the pasture at this time of year when the grass is no longer growing.

Hooves can easily tear up the grass with all of the moisture in the ground.

I try to maintain a good amount of grass there to prevent erosion.

We use the pastures mostly to prevent boredom at this time of year.

Hay is the staple of everyone's diet.

When the sheep are unable to go out to pasture,

they usually wind up inside the pig house feasting on the pigs' hay.

They have their own hay feeder, but they tell me that that pigs' hay is much tastier.

Of course.

I am sure the pigs enjoy the company, 

being the sociable creatures that they are.

It's days like this that make me crave the comfort of home.

I spent a little time, yesterday, changing the linens in our upstairs guest room.

In the spring and summer I keep a flowered quilt on the bed.

For the autumn and winter, I exchange the flowers for buffalo plaid...

giving it a North-woodsy coziness.

Speaking of cozy...

I couldn't help but chuckle at Ivy asleep with her head on Hubb's box.

This is the bathroom window, where she spends her time each morning

 while I am showering.

She has a peculiar habit of entering the shower with me as soon as I turn off the water.

Then she stares up at me and meows for the next 5 minutes.

I have no clue what she is trying to tell me.

She's done this every morning since she came to live with us.