We're still in the trenches of winter here in northern Illinois and I'm officially sick of it and longing for spring. Two weeks ago we had a couple of big snowstorms, then we had record-breaking cold, and now this evening into tomorrow morning, we're under a weather warning for an ice storm. They're saying travel will be nearly impossible on untreated streets and not to be out unless you absolutely have to. I don't have to go anywhere, but both my husband and son will be traveling home from work tonight. They're also saying we could easily lose power from snapped power lines and falling tree branches. If we lose power, that means we won't have any heat either.
All worrisome indeed, but since I can't do anything about the weather, I can at least take pretty pictures. These were taken 1-1/2 weeks ago at a neighboring farm where I was picking up my custom pork order. Their hogs are pasture-raised and supplemented with a non-GMO, organic grain mix. If I'm going to eat meat, I feel better ethically eating meat that's been humanely raised and not fed GMO corn and soy. And our bodies thank us in the way of good health with that part, too.
All worrisome indeed, but since I can't do anything about the weather, I can at least take pretty pictures. These were taken 1-1/2 weeks ago at a neighboring farm where I was picking up my custom pork order. Their hogs are pasture-raised and supplemented with a non-GMO, organic grain mix. If I'm going to eat meat, I feel better ethically eating meat that's been humanely raised and not fed GMO corn and soy. And our bodies thank us in the way of good health with that part, too.
Last week I walked into my living room and saw a flash of orange out of the corner of my eye. I looked out the window and did a double-take when I saw a robin! I know not all robins fly south for the winter: there are "winter robins". Nevertheless, I have never seen one in winter. I ran to get my phone to take a photo and had to take this through the living room window, plus zoom in - hence the blurry photo. Someone on Facebook commented that she looked pregnant, too. Either that or she's just very fluffy!
It's been gray and gloomy outside for what seems "forever". So I'm always glad when it's time to start decorating for Valentine's Day because the pops of red and pink add color and cheer around the house. Even though we don't make a big deal out of this "holiday", I've always liked it because there's no stress...and who doesn't like hearts?
In my bedroom, a tin heart and a hand-stitched Cupid pillow hang from the side of a bookcase...
and best of all, a heart banner made by Connie of Crafty Home Cottage hangs above my bed. I treasure all the things my blogging friends have made for me over the years.
In the kitchen...
Inside my small china cabinet...three out of the four hearts in the white box in the middle were made by Carol of Art and Sand. The fourth (the one in the back, right) was made by Penny of At Home in English Valley.
"The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love" (Hubert H. Humphrey)
Thank you for both. 💓
Thank you for both. 💓
Oh-We are tagging along with the weather except we are colder so are only supposed to get the snow this time. Those 'farm' pictures are beautiful!! AND- I love all your hearts and bits and pieces for Valentine's Day. xoDiana
ReplyDeleteI do love snow pictures! But the danger of ice is terrifying. May all of your loved ones come through this time safely, Melanie! You have such a lovely collection of hearts and have displayed them beautifully in your home. I love the white button heart!
ReplyDeleteI have never, ever seen a robin here in winter - wow!! And your little robin is fluffing her feathers to stay warm, that's why she looks so fat!
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable collection of hearts! I love the variety and the way you have displayed them too.
ReplyDeleteI love snow, Melanie...but not too cold. I suspect I am one of those fickle weather people.
Great to catch up with you and I am looking forward to splurging on some oils for this dry skin.
Jemma
I don't think I have one bit of Valentine decor. Just red. Love the country pics!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
So many things to love about this post. The winter photos are wonderful. The stark trees against a white background, I can feel the cold. I like to decorate for Valentine's Day, too, those pops of red and pink are just the thing for the mid-winter doldrums. The heart collection is so sweet. What fun it would be to make some. The robin is a good sign!
ReplyDeleteHi Melanie, I totally enjoyed my visit. The first part made me grateful that our weather, though very cold, has not been even close to as bad as what you are having. Do be careful and stay warm.
ReplyDeleteI love the robin photo . . . but did you know that the male has the red breast and the female is brown and blends with nature. Better for hiding in the nests with her eggs and babies.
You have so many pretty hearts scattered around your home and they look lovely. Thanks for the shout-out, I am delighted that you like that banner :)
Thank you for your friendship and love . . . that quote at the end of your post is wonderful.
Again . . . stay warm,
Connie
I am so pleased you are still loving the hearts- it's been several years since I made them.
ReplyDeleteI hope all goes well in the ice storm. I remember a friend who moved to town from Chicago telling the story of a winter when dad was away on a business trip, the power went out and mom had to keep 5 kids warm. Mom started burning chairs just to keep a fire going.
Love all your wonderful decorations. I have nothing up here, but we are all done filling out valentine's for school, yay!
ReplyDeleteIt's been ok around here, but snow is in the forecast for tomorrow. Ugh. Your button heart is just so darling I can't stand it. I think I need to make one now...maybe tomorrow when I'm stuck inside in snow and ice.
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