Monday, January 04, 2016

a winter day at the farmette

This is the kind of day I'll stand behind here, in the northern parts of the country. There is snow on the ground. The air is charged with the energy of the rising sun. It's just so beautiful out there, in the early morning hours!


farmette life-4.jpg



The skies promise us a radiant blue. It's cold, but that's okay -- it's winter! And of course, the farmhouse is so luxuriously warm.


farmette life-5.jpg



Ed and I are a little late to breakfast, but even the north facing kitchen is gloriously bright on a day like this.


farmette life-7.jpg



I tidy, I write a little, but really, I'm just waiting for Snowdrop to arrive. She is to spend a full day here and she is a lucky girl, because the farmette shines on a day like this! (Warning: a full day at the farmhouse translates to many photos; Snowdrop's activities and shenanigans are ever-changing. Ocean simply takes note!)


Hello Snowdrop!



farmette life-13.jpg



Ooops! An early tumble and the markings of a black eye.


farmette life-18.jpg



Grandma and grandpa hugs and tickles help.


farmette life-27.jpg



She looks fine to me -- this from grandpa Ed.


farmette life-24.jpg



Snowdrop, can I interest you in some big girl crayons?
Maybe....


farmette life-35.jpg



But what's grandpa doing? Eating leftovers? 
Snowdrop looks up at him with pleading eyes.
Come on up!

Asparagus? Great! But what's this? Beets? Yum!


farmette life-47.jpg



Ed, she needs a bib, or at least a kitchen towel! Beets are forever stains!


farmette life-57.jpg



After, I tell her it's time to give the cheepers bread. The upside -- it's the cheepers! The "not so sure" side -- I use the sled. But, the adventurous spirit prevails. We're off!


farmette life-60.jpg



The reward -- the cheepers come out of the barn for the first time since winter set in some weeks ago.


farmette life-65.jpg


Happiness is having chickens at your side.


In the afternoon she really moves with full speed, exploring everything within her reach.


farmette life-7-2.jpg



Your sled was blue, Snowdrop.

farmette life-10-2.jpg



The girl just loves my record collection.


farmette life-14-2.jpg



When she struggles to take every album off the shelf, I decide that she might benefit from an outing.
You want to go to Paul's Oasis Cafe to pick up some pickles for grandpa Ed?

I know that's an odd question. Ed and I used to go to Paul's almost daily when I still worked. Now, ironically, we haven't the time. But Paul does use for cafe lunches the one pickle in the Midwest (aside from those made at the farmhouse!) that Ed deems acceptable and so periodically, we go there and buy as many as he's willing to sell.

While we wait for the cook to bring out the pickles, Snowdrop explores. Oh, does she explore! From the children's corner (no, not her scribbles!)...


farmette life-25-2.jpg



... to one end...


farmette life-29-2.jpg



... and the next.


farmette life-32-2.jpg



Snowdrop! Come back! The pickles are here.


farmette life-38-2.jpg



I think I like them!


farmette life-41-2.jpg



So long as we are in the area, we walk over to our local library. It's a beautiful space with many many excellent books for kids, but today's visit is just introductory. Besides, Snowdrop is much more interested in the children there than in selecting books to take home.


farmette life-47-2.jpg



At home, grandpa Ed is delighted with the pickles. And with the little one.


farmette life-48-2.jpg



When Ed retreats to his projects at the sheep shed, Snowdrop and I take steps to get dinner ready. Well, sometimes we just hang out. Put on music and set her free and you'd be amazed at the discoveries she makes, the books she works through, the new tricks she'll master with old toys.

And really, the little one also loves just to chill.


farmette life-6-3.jpg



Today is the last day that she is less than a year old. I couldn't have asked for a better set of hours with her. (Well, minus the black eye.) Tomorrow, little Snowdrop turns one.