Cherish Every Moment...

It's hard to believe that Christmas has already come and gone. Life scoots by so fast that I am constantly reminded to grab hold of every second, and cherish it. Tonight we will welcome in the 

New Year of 2013, and I have promised myself that I will strive to live in the moment from now on. 

It's important to enjoy the simple things in life. 

For example, my dear Auntie Edith and Uncle Bob sent us this sweet little Hearth Cricket for Christmas. He is meant to bring good fortune and good luck to my new home, and I just adore him. 

So far he has brought lots of snow, which is a very good thing.

 

                       A few days after he arrived, we got the first big snow. Eight inches to be exact.

                                                     On Saturday night, ten more inches arrived!

     Yesterday I asked my 17 year-old neighbor, Isaac, to blaze some trails around the meadow with his  
      snowmobile. Now I can cross-country ski, snowshoe, and walk.

                                  Shortly after he was done, I headed outside to check out the trails.

                                                        I made sure I was bundled up.

After my walk I enjoyed another gorgeous sunset over the meadow.

                            This morning I woke to this scene. Cherishing every moment indeed!

I wish you all a very healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year. 

May a lucky Hearth Cricket come to call at your home!

Happy Holidays!

A Spectacular Sunset

I just had to share this breathtaking photo with you, of the sunset today. As I stood at the kitchen sink, and looked out over the meadow, I couldn't help but stand in awe! Before it faded, I grabbed my camera and ran outside to capture the moment. This photo is absolutely untouched and not enhanced in any way. It is, as I saw it.

Once again, I am reminded of how blessed I am...we all are, to live in a world where such beauty surrounds us. Let us never forget.

Snow Snack

My own "Squirrel Nutkin" enjoying a Black Walnut this morning at Catch Meadow Cottage.

Winter Scenes

Scenes of winter before the rain washed it all away.

The First Snow...The First Glimpse

It's my first, real snow at Catch Meadow Cottage and everything seems so cozy and warm inside the house this morning. The meadow looks lovely all covered in white.

 I thought I would give you a glimpse of what a few of the rooms look like right now. Nothing is decorated or put in place the way it will be later, but for the moment it works. Keep in mind, the electric is still not completed, most of the boxes are not yet unpacked and the cupboard doors are not all on yet. There is still so much to do but over time things will get done.

                                               Here is the kitchen on this snowy morning.

A peek at the hallway, and bedroom.

          And here is the dining area looking out on the meadow. (No electricity hooked up here yet.)

                                              I'll post more when I can. Thanks for checking in.
                                                                        Happy Holidays!

I'm All Moved In!

Finally...I'm all moved in! There is much unpacking and organizing to do, but I'm here in the cottage. I honestly think it was one of the best, and happiest nights of my life. After Michael helped me unloaded everything, I hung the curtains, a.k.a. sheets, and he had the great idea of running to the store to buy a bottle of champagne. I furiously rummaged through boxes, looking for glasses, finding them just as he walked through the door with the bottle.

                                                                         I'm Finally Home.

We toasted, laughed, congratulated each other on a job well done and then I heard what could only be coyotes howling just outside the cottage. We ran to the door, and cracked it open just enough to hear them sing. Oh, it was a wonderful concert indeed. It was a song of welcome, and I felt right at home.

                                                                            A toast!

                      Afterward, Michael headed back to Friendship to start yet another new job.
                         He did an amazing job here and I was glad to have his help and expertise.                  

A Coyote Comes to Call

Two days ago, as I was washing the windows in the kitchen around 9:00 in the morning,  I spotted a coyote in the meadow. Her coloring blended in so well with the milkweed stalks that I barely noticed her standing there.

What gave her away, however, was the way she awkwardly hobbled along when she finally did move. Usually coyotes slither through the trees or grass, going completely unnoticed. She was clearly injured, and had difficulty getting around quickly. Her left paw seemed broken, as she favored it and put no weight on it. I did not see any cuts so I knew she had not been caught in a trap. 

She seemed alert, well fed and healthy so I imagine it was a recent injury, perhaps kicked while chasing a deer. I am not sure what will become of her, but I will keep a watchful eye for her return.

A Special Visit

For the last two days, a pair of eagles have decided to visit us. They seem to be watching my every move. They are truly majestic birds, especially when they sore over the meadow. It is hard to keep focused on our work when they are here. We are very fortunate to have them visit, and feel it is a perfect welcoming gift for my new home.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like....

...I may be moving in soon! I'm packing boxes every day and moving them over to the cottage, while Michael finishes off the baseboard, and other odds & ends. We are also finishing up the painting on the kitchen cupboards, and getting the electric all hooked up. It looks like I'll be in by this Sunday.

The neighbors across the road lit up their wreath and tree lights just in time for the snow which we had the other night. It was so beautiful that I had to take a picture. It's a good thing I did because it was 55 degrees the next day and all the snow melted. 

It's hard to believe that Christmas is just a few weeks away.

I put the rug down in the living room just to see if it fit. Seems like it will be just fine.

We'll be busy finishing up and moving for the next few days but I'll be back with more photos 

when I finally get in. 

Thanks for checking back. Have a wonderful week!