I'm Not Complaining

To say that it's cold is putting it mildly.  Many of you are experiencing colder than normal temperatures.

With this week's cold snap, the wild mallards have flocked back to the pond.  Our pond gives them water to float in that doesn't freeze (due to the aerators in our pond) and plenty of food.

What is different this year is that the ducks are a little more skittish than they used to be.  If we go to the pond after the sun rises, the ducks leave.  Jack has been going down to feed the ducks before sunrise so that the ducks can float in peace during the day.

I could spend hours by the pond watching the ducks.  They are the most peaceful creatures!

Our own ducks, the runners, are staying close to home these days.  They have access to the entire farm but find a sunny spot in their own yard and hang out there, instead.

Meanwhile, the guineas avoid the cold by remaining inside the duck house.  They too have complete freedom.  

It's almost possible to tell the temperature just by the behavior of our birds!

Yesterday afternoon, with the return of the sun, it warmed up to around freezing - downright balmy compared to the early morning temperatures.  I took the dogs for their daily woods walk and basked in the glory of the sunshine.

It actually felt warm for the first time in a while!

We walked through the woods 

and fields, trying to spend as much time in the sun as possible.

Forrest found a forest treasure... this time, not a stick to play keep-away with.

No, this time he found some deer vertebrae.  No thanks, Forrest - I don't want to play that game - yuck!

It's perfect weather for a fire in Maven Haven.  I need to spend a little time in here very soon with a roaring fire, a hot cup of tea and a good book!

Yes, it is bitter cold right now... but I am not complaining.  I am a winter gal.  But even if I wasn't, I wouldn't complain.

For me, it is unthinkable to complain about anything... given what others are dealing with.  Our hearts go out to those whose lives have been devastated by the fires out west.  It has been a difficult year for so many in this country... a year of severe hurricanes, fires, floods, tornadoes, and other weather related tragedies due, in most part, to global warming.  Sadly, those who have the power to act, refuse to do so.  Our future is in jeopardy.  That is the truth of the matter, and it breaks my heart.

It is for this reason, that I choose to make the best of every day that I am lucky enough to have.  Life gives us no guarantees... and these days, life, itself, seems tenuous.