Winter Nature walk & Homesteading Rat race

Despite temps being 24 F degrees, The sun was shining so beautifully. Frog, Ming the Peke & I decided to go walk the back property. Take in mind the snow had vanished from the a few days of high temps then began falling once again a few days ago. Ming the Peke has such short legs which made the snow almost to her chest. She could care less about the height and hopped through it all, Looking very much like a white rabbit as she lead us to our usual path.

Since most briar's and greenery have died down for the winter, we were able to hike up the hill side, overlooking the State Archery range. Frog was having problems going up but going down, she decided sliding was way more fast & fun.

We discovered rabbit tracks but not a single deer track. Very unusual since I usually see as many as 5 does walking through our background. We also spotted a small birds nest, nestled between tiny branches of a sapling, just 6 ft from the ground. Snow covered the top as though it were an ice cone, according to Frog that is.

We also noticed the rose hips were being enjoyed by the many diverse birds living amongst our woods. The little shells of red were partially opened, revealing the tiny seeds packed with vitamin C. A great supplement to the wild life winter diet.

Ming the Peke has improved so well on her listening skills. She may lead the way but never goes far. Always stopping to wait for us if we strag behind. Coming when called and always checking in with me for reassurance with some head petting love.

Frog's little hands were becoming too cold {since she removed her gloves and decided she was to have the camera for picture taking}. We headed back to the house for a hot cup of cocoa and a roaring fire which we promptly made popcorn with the old fireplace popper before cuddling up on the couch for some good ol' Max & Ruby cartoons created by Rosemary Wells. {I really do not know why I like that cartoon so much. Maybe due to the non violence aspect of the show, unlike other cartoons}.

The week is just beginning, to which I find myself becoming more and more excited for the weekend. We place our order for the baby chicks, to be delivered the end of this month, on Friday. Plus our seed orders which will include a Shitake mushroom kit. The Captain would like to grow mushrooms and has picked his choice of sweet corn from the garden. Although they are not an heirloom, he did so sweetly ask if I would mind otherwise for the year. And ya know what? I did sigh followed by a big smile saying "Honey, if the seed you want is hybrid, then so be it. I'm just happy you're a part of the growing this year." And that my friends was a sacrifice made of love. He may not fully understand my anti hybrid ways but he is trying to be a part of something so important in my life. I will overlook the hybrid choice.  Out of Love he has shown a great interest & involvement for my ways. Maybe it is due to my re evaluating of the Homesteading. Trying to focus more on the enjoyment and not so much the way's of so many going for production amount & the level of their sufficiency. Which can make one overlook the simple life of enjoyment. At times, it almost feels as though by visiting homestead forums, people are competing. Belittling others who are not as driven to extreme or of those who are to the max. I got caught in the Homestead rat race and am stepping away. Back to the joy filled times we had when I began my blog in 2006. Simple moments. Noticing the little things in life. The color of flowers. The smell of a fresh picked Black cherry tomato. The laughter of my children playing with chickens.

 If hybrid sweet corn is what he chooses for 2011, then it is a small sacrifice I willingly make. My heart is filled with such joy from his trying. What more could I ask for?

Sweetest Dreams,

~Tammie