our first snowfall

along the fence

Living where we do in Southwestern Ontario, the snowbelt, you would think that by December’s end we would have seen some significant snow already. Often we get snow in November, and sometimes even in October. This year, however snow has been scarce. We’ve had a couple of light dustings that were gone within hours.  Not sure we’ve had much more than a centimetre so far this autumn/winter. Until today that is.

the wood pile

The snow started falling yesterday and while I’m not sure if it took a break overnight, I know it was most definitely coming down in big fluffy flakes when we woke this morning. Finally, snow! And wouldn’t you know it…there was enough to get out and play in. Here we go!!!!

climbing the wood pile

more climbing

making snow angels

treats for the birds

the buried garden

garlic

leeks in the snow

echinacea

The picture below is of a very special tree in our back garden. My father-in-law gifted this to Isaac on his first birthday. He had started it, from seed, the day Isaac was born.  Isn’t that just the most incredibly thoughtful gift…like ever?  We have loved watching it grow over the years and each spring Isaac is quick to check it out for new growth. Of course having done this for a few years now he knows exactly what the new growth looks like and loves the bright green needles that edge all the branches of his pine. Today it looked particularly pretty dressed in snow.

isaac's pine

Eventually we made our way inside for some hot chocolate and to warm up. Isaac’s poor chin was frozen. That’s what happens when you eat the snow.  As I melted chocolate chips in a saucepan with our organic cream, Isaac decided something needed saving. One of his stuffed animals probably got into some serious trouble…but he was there to help. They can always count on him.

my little super hero

And then we had our treat. Hot chocolate, organic whipped cream (with a splash of homemade vanilla) and a whole bunch of sprinkles. Everything is better with sprinkles…according to Isaac.

isaac's hot chocolate

After our hot chocolate was done, I went to bring in all the garden tools that we had left outside since the fall. I’m not very good at cleaning up the tools in the fall. The days seem to grow darker and colder and we get out less and less until they are forgotten and frozen under a pile of snow. This year with the snow coming so late, and the temps being so mild, they weren’t yet frozen so I grabbed them all up and placed them in the tub to defrost and drip dry.

garden tools thawing out

And one more pic, of my sweet guy. This is before bed, modelling his new pj’s. He’s really not fan of having his picture taken so when he stands here like this, I’m not passing up the opportunity.

i wish they made these in my size

And with that, sweet friends, I shall leave you for today.  Fred is still on holidays until the New Year and so we have yet to get back into any sort of  rhythm. We are just enjoying these last few days off together, hanging out and doing whatever it is that makes us happy. Just as it should be.

Namaste,

Debbie