Mild Winter

As the East coast is getting hammered, we are having such a mild winter. There really isn't much to do but enjoy the beauty and pray for rain. 

 It sure is nice for adventuring. We frequent a nearby orchard once a week to stock up on fruit and run around. The kids and I love the grounds, there is a large fenced in grass area, and never anyone else there! We have the whole place to ourselves and the peacocks. These bulbs were pushing through last week.

 We went on a nest hunt and found 3 on the property. I didn't have my big camera that day but my phone did pretty well. This was about a foot wide!

 My daphne is now blooming, this was last week's promise. It's sweet smell is intoxicating! I better stock the bathroom up with a bouquet;).

 Our hill the other night had a spectacular orange sunset. The photo doesn't do it justice but I love it nonetheless.

 This tree is just up from "mud mountain" on the property. The other side has a knot in the roots where a little squirrel must live. This live oak is one of my favorites.

 Our garden skeleton from 2 years ago. It screams potential but we are concerned about the drought and water rationing. The smaller nap garden by the house is easier to manage, water, etc, but doesn't produce the volume that we enjoy that prevented us from buying most produce from May-October! I'm craving that but debating if it is the best way to garden this year...

 2 days ago the high was 73. It felt as warm as this photo looks. Snapped this shot on a walk around our hill that day.

Spring like volunteers coming up... Looking so happy and ready for spring... BUT IT'S JANUARY! Enjoy the beauty and Pray for Rain, that's all we can do!

Backseat

blogging hasn't been a priority these days. I have been working every night from 8-10pm which isn't a huge ton but it does displace other chores, hobbies, etc. It has been really fun to work with the public, teaching a baby nutrition class, as well as getting more referrals for more pediatric work. I just LOVE my line of work!

I also love Chris's line of work as it allows me to be mostly stay at home! We have had a total blast with the rocket launcher!

And this here is mud mountain... I don't think I have spent this much time in the field through the winter time. We have covered every corner and the mud pit really seems to be the favorite hangout spot.

Lil Miss loves to run, pick up sheep poop (gross!) and chase after chickens.

And ride the tire swing.

Life is good! Kinda a boring blog update but that's what it is! What else is new?? Owen is on cold #3 for the season, the RN strike got called off and negotiations were made that were very favorable. I found a new home for Peepers, which is deserving of a post soon as well. I keep on making lots of food here and it keeps getting eaten. Some days I feel like a line cook but I wouldn't have it any other way. Arabelle continues to eat everything and Owen has really expanded on his preferences. We have made some commitments to his nutrition and it has been going really well. 

That's a little tangent for the night. Off to have my tea (or wine? hmmm decisions) and head to relaxation and hopeful slumber.

Working it

Blogging has taken a backseat, and as my journal and scrapbook I always feel a little pull towards it. Especially when I'm sitting at the computer...

After 6 weeks of "light duty" exercise and back exercises I'm on the mend. I started running last week, and even hit a yoga class (what!!??) over the weekend. Things are good. I mention this as my evening times of exercise used to be filled with crafting over the holidays. I guess it was a convenient injury!

So the cardio happens during the day now, as the evenings are filling with clients! I'm taking 5 right now from a long to do list of returning calls, emails, researching, and prepping for a class I'm offering next week. There is something shifting in the work world for me. It's pretty awesome. I'm hoping to pay off those student loans this year with the influx of business. Wouldn't THAT be really neato?! I think so! Or at least make enough from my private practice to pay the loan payment... Let's start there!!

Ok, Hope those new years resolutions are going strong! We are a week in! Ha! At the yoga class the instructor spoke of making a resolution daily. I think more like an affirmation or setting the daily intention... for example, "I will be positive today, in all ways" or "I will attract more calm people into my world today". Those are kinda nice! I really like the idea of starting over every day. It just resonates with me. The mornings. The quiet. The new day. It is pretty inspiring in itself, starting over. Just when you are feeling overwhelmed or tired or both you go to bed and wake to something fresh. I sure hope you feel that way in the morn. Or at least when you read this!