Spring thoughts...

With the first day of Spring behind us now our thoughts are moving outside. We had a couple of beautiful days last week and that brings you out naturally. My thoughts seem to centered in and around the barn. This corner is receiving a new post this year and I have some ideas in the back that involve moving compost bins and light grading, planting grass, you know fun stuff. Robin's mind goes right to the gardens and many features. Our fish survived the winter in our pond, when we were looking at them yesterday the conversation went to the waterfall and then to a water feature off the deck. We looked online last night and found a very cool idea using our giant rhubarb leaves, more to follow on that. It's snowing outside as I write this, but who cares, we all know Spring has the upper hand now. So we will stay inside with our projects this week and let our thoughts stray outside.

It won't be long now

I think we are all in the same boat these days, we have had a wonderful winter season here in the north country, but as we enter March we just can't help thinking of spring. As you walk through the stores these days all the seeds and starter kits are out and the bags and bags of fertilizer and soil give us the smell of spring. It's still too early for it all of course, we know that March can have it's share of winter left in it, but you can feel the change starting to happen. The sun is higher and warmer, and at certain times you feel the melt starting to happen, then we get a day like today with rain. I'm ready for the day when I smell spring, there's always that one day, where you can smell it. It happens in the fall also, you'll have that one day where you just know summer is over, you just hope you're outside that day. We have been realtively quiet here for the month, with little home improvement projects, lots of shoveling and lots of movies by the fire. No cabin fever, just winter living, not much to write about just lots of memories for us to share.

Snowstorm visitor

So we had our "big" snowstorm last night. I find it funny how the media tries to inflict panic on us. I'm all for weather updates, it is important to keep yourself informed and prepared, but it seems like every storm we have is the end all. Anyway, today while we were inside getting ready to venture out, my daughter spotted this guy flying across the yard and landing in the trees out back. Not the greatest pictures, but if you look in the middle of the frame, you can see a big grey blob. I don't know what kind of owl it is but he brought much excitement to our day. Very proud of her for keeping her eyes open and seeing something very special.

We watched him for about fifteen minutes or so and we let her bring the dogs out so she could say hi. Unfortunately he was already gone when she got them out there. She did have time to name him though, say hello to Wink. Great family day today. Hope you are safe and warm in our latest storm.

What a difference...

This was two weeks ago, when we narrowly missed, the big storm that hit the east coast.

And this is what we look like today. After a balmy weekend, today is a little cooler, more like we're used to. Hopefully we will get some snow soon, so the frost won't be so deep, but I have to admit it's been nice not shoveling so far.

When the sun is out like this in the winter, I always take time to face it and soak it up, feel it on my face. A smart lady, that I am very fond of, taught me you can recharge your batteries this way. I'm often thankful I was listening.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Another Christmas has come and passed and the New Year is about to be celebrated. Usually Robin and I will reflect on our craft season over coffee and decide what worked and what didn't. This year we had many new things that were well received by our customers. We are still talking about the name change and all the affects it will have on Robin's Floral Designs. We are not in a rush and we will just see which way the wind blows us. Good thing too, because the wind has been howling for 2 days! We were fortunate not to get dumped on like many others in the surrounding are. The kids were not fortunate, because they are off from school and want to go sledding, and I can't blame them. I hope your Christmas was full of joy and wish you a Happy New Year.

Christmas season and things to think about

Many things going on even though we are done for the season with craft shows. Robin and I have been talking for awhile now about setting up an Etsy account. If you don't know anything about Etsy, it's a gathering place for many artisans, who offer handmade/vintage items for sale. Our website seems to be attracting many customers who are looking for a florist or floral shop, which we are not, so we are thinking about a name change. It will be a big step for us to change an entity that we have worked hard on getting this far. We are attached to Robin's Floral Designs and have to make sure we get the new name right. When Robin started out in the craft business, she was concentrating on florals and wreaths, and then like many businesses she expanded her offerings. I like the direction we are going, so many possibilities, and great enjoyment in coming up with new items. We will keep you posted through the transition. It's going to be an exciting and enjoyable new year, lots to talk and think about.

We are open Friday and Saturday, Dec. 10 & 11 for "After De Tour" Sale! Come visit me if you missed Christmas in the Country or come back for the specials I am offering this weekend only!!