Winter Walkabout.... Homestead 2008

On Sunday, 12/21, the first day of winter,
Sugar and I took a walk around the homestead...
This is what we found.

A puddle of water from the inch of rain Saturday night and Sunday morning.
And the ferns totally brown.


The garden barren and mulched over.


The sky grey and the trees devoid of leaves.

The chickens were trying to find a dry spot. Still giving up their precious treasures.

Snuggle up by the roaring fire and have a warm and safe Holiday Season!

Stumble It!

Bon Fires and Family

The holidays have come to an end. As always it is a bittersweet conclusion. My children have packed up and gone back to their lives.... being full time working parents --far away, being a full time grad student -- again far away, and off to basic training --so very far away. I tend to ponder (with my cup of coffee nearby) quite often about my children and grandchildren, about their lives and the choices they have made. I see my daughter trying to balance being a wife, mother and working professional and wish that I was closer so that I could ease that burden, but as I look from far away, I realize that I have given her the skills to successfully manage these roles. She is doing an admirable job. I see my son struggling to find his path in life, then I realize we all have to find our paths in our own time. He focuses on his studies, wants to make the world a better, greener, more sustainable place to live for all peoples. My baby, rudely thrust into manhood by his father's premature passing, trying to be like his dad, do what his dad did- make the world a safer place. Soldiers have a big burden, I am proud that my son is willing to take on this burden - for his family, his home, his country. So, I sit ( with that perpetual cup of coffee), and smile. I look forward to the gathering of my children and the Christmas Eve Bon Fires of the future.