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!






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.






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






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!







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






Grandma and grandpa hugs and tickles help.






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






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






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!






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






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!






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





Happiness is having chickens at your side.


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






Your sled was blue, Snowdrop.





The girl just loves my record collection.






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!)...






... to one end...






... and the next.






Snowdrop! Come back! The pickles are here.






I think I like them!






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.






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






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.






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.