The last time I updated this blog, I thought it was soo cold, it was 5
degrees....Today it is -13 degrees with about a -30 degree wind chill....NOW,
that is cold!!!

So, I thought I would start off this update with a nice picture of the fire burning in our stove...There is just nothing like good old wood heat in this kind of cold. We chew through about 1-2 big sticks of red elm a hour, but it is definately worth it. The biggest chore is inspiring my husband to help me get the wood into the basement..just not a fun chore. I go down about every two hours or so and poke the coals around and add a piece as needed, I actually quite enjoy it..and besides the exercise running up and down the stairs can't help.
I am so happy to have learned that Kurtis's relatives in the Czech republic have learned of my blog...I'm not quite sure how, but I received a email from them telling me they are reading it..I think it is just great, but I do hope they understand this is done just for the fun of it, and not to take anything too seriously (I keep flashing back to the picture of me on the porch with the "Coon" I shot) I think they may really wonder what kind of a crude women did Kurtis marry!! But, anyway I'm glad to have them along..and hope the invitation to come visit their country still stands, even if they think I am crazy!!
Of course, I am beginning to crave the next gardening season...I have included a picture of a Amaryllis bulb that is blooming in my living room...They are so striking, and it certainly makes me hungry for spring! I notice my garden is riddled with rabbit tracks, which means spring planting could be a real challenge...Kurtis kepps telling me he is going to shoot some, but I haven't seen any evidence of that yet.. I had such nice young apple trees planted, and I notice they are just the sticks left!! Man against beast is such a tuff war to fight in the garden.
Well, back off to the "to do" list....as you can see from the picture below, I haven't had much luck in getting Kurtis to pitch in!!!

Good hot coals, ready for the next pieces of Red Elm.....
You suppose he is feeling guilty about not helping me with the wash??? Yes, folks that is red long legged underwear!!! He will kill me when he finds out I put this on the blog.... Serves him right falling asleep when I have a camera out!

Yes, the call of spring....this is Amaryllis Snow Princess...5 beautiful blooms....

Brrrrr........ It's officially WINTER in Iowa.....

This morning it is 5 degress....with 25 mph winds...just plain COLD! I just came up from putting two more logs on the ole fire...It makes such a difference in keeping this old farm house warm when there is a nice fire in the furnace. So, like the song goes...."Put another log on the fire.. cook me up some bacon and some beans...go on out and change that flat tire,....and tell me darling why you're leavin' me".. (A little throw back memory of watching the muppet show years ago)
So, I am so glad to have learned recently that some wonderful folks in the Czech Republic are now reading my blog...these are relatives of Kurt's that we hope to get to go see soon. I don't know how they stumbled on to this literary masterpiece, but I really feel pressure now to keep updates coming. I hope they don't judge Kurt and I by the silliness that appears here from time to time..and hope they understand that this is strictly for fun...(I'm a bit worried that they saw the picture of me on the porch in my famous "Raccoon" picture..holding my weapon of mass destruction...)
Well, winter has arrived..it is just plain damn cold outside...As I sit here at the computer I can hear the wind banging against the side of the house..My bird feeders are serving a full crowd of cardinals, juncos, finch's, woodpeckers and some rotton starlings. A couple of days ago I happen to look out and there were 2 turkeys stretching their necks eating out of the feeder. They are such large clumsey looking things...
Christmas is over and today starts the new year! We had a wonderful holiday and the event has been turned to memories. I'm pretty sure Ellie did quite well for Christmas..I can at least speak for this Grandma and Grandpa that she left here with a car load...I really did try to not get carried away..but well, she's worth it!
So, now..New years resolutions....let's see 1.) Try to do better with my diabetes and eating 2.) Try to lose more weight (blah blah blah) 3.) Get some projects around the house done 4.) Try not to blow off doing resolutions 1-3! I am anxious to get started into 2008 though, and I am looking forward to it being a great year!! 2006 and 2007 were a real test ..so I'm counting on 2008 to turn the corner. Gardening, yep even with the frigid temps outside my thinking is already turning to Gardening. Last year was the year of getting carried away with compost, this year..I think I will continue with that theme..it worked well. When you look out the window an see nothing but white snow and ice, that things are just waiting to wake up again..but it won't be long and warmth and green will return....then the phone calls to Lynch's Excavating for compost will start again! All I can say is....if Marsha needs compost too....she get's priority!!!!
Until next time...MOM





Ice and snow on the fence ..it was nasty, but really quite pretty



Looking down along the fence line, trees covered with ice and frost..spring will feel good.