In the meantime, I have to admit -- I'm enjoying the few inches of powder that we have on the ground now. It's cold still, but I hear we'll be drifting past freezing again this weekend. That's a warning: play now, because it may all disappear by Sunday.
Not you, girls! Don't get too brave. Turn right back -- we'll talk about food once you're in the barn.

They said it would be a cloudy day. Well now. Prove them wrong!

Slowly, the sky moves from gray to misty blue... (This view is of the farmette land, as seen from the road.)

But if I am enjoy the snow, it has to be a solo act, or, later in the day -- with Snowdrop. Ed, after avoiding everyone's sniffles, has finally succumbed to some mild version of something or other. He wants to come down for breakfast, but I suggest this as an alternative: upstairs, under the quilt,

As I work in the kitchen, I look out to see visitors. I watch to see if they're finding for sustenance. Seed pods. (Note one in her mouth?) The ones from our lotus trees. Go for it -- there are still several million lying around the yard. (And please leave vulnerable trees and plants alone. Thank you!)

When I pick up Snowdrop from school, I just assume she'll want to head straight for the farmette yard. She doesn't.
I just want to go inside, to read some books and eat fruit and play...
I surely am not going to push her into being out in this cold weather. I lug in her snow apparel, take off mine and start putting it all away.
Grandma, I really do want to go outside!
Whaaaat? Now??
Yes!
I laugh. She laughs. And honestly, she doesn't stop laughing, giggling, teasing for a long, long time.

... after I've put away all our winter stuff?
Yes!!!

Can I take my baby?

Faster, grandma! I loooove fast!


After a half dozen small hill runs -- down and up, down and up... -- I'm ready for a change.
Let's shovel ahah's sheep shed walk!

I'm going to cover you with snow, grandma!

Snowdrop, I have snow everywhere!

Let's go inside.
But I don't want to...
Let's see if ahah will share his cookie with us.

And back to laughter...

Yes, snow with sunshine will bring out the best in us! (A nap and a good snack help.)