Happy Spring!

The sun has set on another winter season.

Happy Spring!

Winter Weatherizing

Here in the Piedmont, we've already had a couple of "snow events".

They call them that here, 

because the cities around here are not equipped for snowy and icy conditions.

Literally, things just shut down and folks stay home from work or school 

if there's more than 1/2 inch of snow on the ground.

It's not such a bad thing.

It gives those of us who relish our time outdoors some fun in the snow,

and forces us gives us the opportunity to complete indoor tasks 

that otherwise might be put off.

But, in order to be able to savor those special times,

we need to be prepared.

For us, it's old hat, as we lived in Florida for over 40 years,

and each year had to prep for hurricane season.

The idea is the same,

just the conditions are a bit different.

So, here are some practices you might want to consider

before Ole Man Winter comes to stay for a while.

Outside Supplies

*Snow shovel 

*Kitty litter for de-icing sidewalks and driveways 

*Rubber mats for collecting wet footware

Indoor Provisions

*Non-perishable food like canned meats, soup, cereal, and snacks

*A manual can opener

*Reusable plastic plates and utensils

*Flashlights and batteries

*First aid kit

*Week's worth of prescription medication

*Blankets and cold-weather clothing for everyone

*Week's worth of pet food or medications

*Charged cell phone

*Battery-operated or crank radio

We stay off the roads if at all possible in snowy conditions,

but if travel is absolutely necessary, being prepared is vital.

Here is a checklist of some supplies that could come in handy: 

On the Road

Keep these things in your vehicle during winter:

*Bag of sand or kitty litter

(The sand helps to weigh down your car for better traction)

*Ice scraper

*Jumper cables

*Camping shovel

*Flares

*Blankets

*Flashlight and batteries

*At least a gallon of drinking water

*First aid kit

*Cash (in case ATMs are unavailable)

Living seasonally is one of the best things

about having moved up to North Carolina.

Our winter is mild compared to some,

but a whole lot different than living in the tropics of Florida.

It allows us to embrace all the gifts that nature has for us.

Winter, in all its glory,

is truly a wonder-filled season.

Stay safe out there, y'all!

 

Garden Friday

 As there isn't much to report with our veggie garden,

I thought I'd show off some of Mother Nature's handiwork in the neighborhood.

 We have this wooded area right behind our house

and it is filled with changing leaves and bare branches.

(This is the view from our neighbor's driveway,

the back of our house is just beyond the trees.)

 One of our closest neighbors has this spectacular Pampas grass

bordering his driveway.

It is such a dramatic plant, 

I'd love to find space for a few of these on our property.

A few folks have single trees in their front yards

that are screaming autumn!

The community is bespeckled with lovely shades

of amber and copper.

 Every day on my walk I get to witness the changes all around.

 Seeing nature making the transition from fall to winter

is a wonderous thing to behold.

I find that it keeps me centered and living in the moment.

 With an array of hues too numerous to list,

Mother Nature keeps me enchanted.

These stalwart trees are among my favorites.

Although they won't lose their leaves or change color,

they remind me that no matter what harshness may appear in the coming months,

we will stand tall and make it through.

Each day as the colors change and the leaves drop,

we get closer to another year's end.

Autumn is a time for slowing down before the mad rush of the holidays.

 "How beautifully leaves grow old.

How full of light and color are their last days."

~John Burroughs

 I hope you enjoyed the little tour of the neighborhood.

Every day, I feel so blessed to have eyes with which to see

the magic that surrounds us.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday