~~~Gratitude~~~ Spring Thaw?

We decided to celebrate spring yesterday afternoon by helping the thaw along with a campfire!  We made our Selves stop working and just sit a bit and enjoy the wonderful outdoors.  A lot of the time we just sat in quiet together, mesmerized  by the flames and the sound of wind in the trees.  I am grateful that I am with a man that I can be quiet with me.  

Getting the fire going on top of ice!

Still struggling with making meal for 2 middle age folks watching their waistlines.  Realize that leftovers are a new phenomenon in our house.  I am used to cooking for 3 with the third being a growing teen that always looked imploringly at me after each meal...is that all?  (his first bit of communication as a babe was sign language for the word "more" ~ it is rumored that up at college he has 6 meals a day!)  We did enjoy our meal by the fire~ chicken wings, quinoa salad, water, & wine!

A CAMPFIRE

There's something ‘bout a fire and the mesmerizing glow
Of its dancing, flick'ring embers that does enthrall me so
A soft and gentle fire slowly glowing in the night
Soothing, calming, warming. It is such a pure delight

The best time for a fire's when the flames they have died down
And the crackling and the popping all have ceased
All the flurry and the groaning, all the hurry and the churning
All have gone, and now the fire is at peace 

Neil Milliner

It is my intention, each Sunday, (OR another Day)to share something that fills me with Gratitude. 

I write ~~~Gratitude~~~ with the wavy lines to represent the gratitude ENERGY~~~~~! 

I hope you will join me and share your gratitude moments. 

~~~Amen, Blessed Be, Namaste'~~~

First Day of Spring ~ or ~ Vern Day

This is how the first day of Spring looks here in Freedom.  Not exactly springy!  Also, not atypical of a Maine Vernal Equinox.  Even though the weather is "gloomy" (I don't really mind ~ good light for Etsy photography, snow melting rain, 40 degrees outside!)  there is plenty to celebrate around here.  First, I seem to, finally, be over a lingering cold (that is why the blog has been quiet).  It was a good morning to sleep in, I needed the rest!  Also, today is when we celebrate Vern's Birthday!  He can into our lives 2 years ago on the Vernal Equinox, hence the name Vern.  Our best estimation is that he is now 4.

Vern's favorite perch on the back of the couch...comfy & easy access for pats 

I am eating a carrot, they are both begging...Runa got some carrot...Vern got some wet food!
Happy Birthday Vern

Runa had her real birthday on Monday, 5 years old!  I was sick so didn't blog but she got a walk and raw fish...her favorite.  Today she is languishing at my feet.  I have let her out a few times but the conditions are not pleasant, even for an Icelandic Sheepdog. Not good walking, snowshoeing, or being outside weather.... 

View from my skylight today.

There are signs of spring around here.  My little indoor garden with excellent tomato germination!  They are all leaning towards the sun.  They seem to give off an aura of yearning.  Or are they looking out the window and can't believe what they see?  What kind of world have they been born into?

Longing for Spring

O how I long again to see The vernal face of Spring, And hear, from every budding tree, Some little warbler sing.   I long to see the forest trees Clothed in their robes of green, And swaying in the gentle breeze Display their glossy sheen.   I long to wander by the stream Where sport the speckled trout, Or in the noontide's genial gleam See lambkins frisk about.   I long to see the sons of toil Perform the noble deed Of breaking up the stubborn soil To plant the fertile seed.   I long to see the meadows green Bespread with flowerets gay-- I long to have a change of scene From winter cold and gray.   It won't be long--a little while And snows will disappear And Flora with her winning smile Shall find a welcome here.

by S. Moore