Windy & Stormy

 Finally after windy and stormy weather we are enjoying a lovely Sunday of blue skies.  April has certainly delivered several inches of rain and gusty winds.  In fact as I am typing this post we are once again seeing the wind picking back up and are hearing more storms are a possibility tonight.  For now though the sun is shining and even though it is quite breezy what a delight to be outdoors without an umbrella and rain coat.   

Lets take a walk together.  Amazing how green the fields have become in just a few short weeks.

The cherry tree is blossoming.  Looks like if we are quick before the birds claim them there may be some fruit for us :)!  One can hope.

The pink charm daffodils appear to be joyful that the sun is shining...

and those Virginia Bluebells chime right in as well. 

Looks like this may have been a bit of a long walk for this one.  I think she is ready to relax and take a little nap.  Maybe I will join her.

Have a wonderful week.  Pray you are safe if the winds and storms come your way.

Hugs!  Debbie

"A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.  Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.  The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"  He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!  Then the wind died down and it was completely calm."  Mark 4:37-39 (NIV)  

Beginnings

 April for me is the month of beginnings.

The cheery daffodils blooming always chase away the gray of winter.  They are just the start of all the pretty flowers that will make lovely bouquets.

The birds have a new song.  In the early mornings their chirps sound so sweet.  

They are an inspiration to this artist's heart. 

Yes the month of April brings great beginnings.

Hope you are enjoying some too.  Thanks for stopping to visit.   Always so glad when you do.

Hugs!

Debbie

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning."  John 1:1 &2 (NIV)  

Precious

 Life is made of up of precious moments.  Sometimes they come in a glimpse of a striking bird...

 a surprise blossom blooming underfoot...

or a gibbous waxing moon.

These three are mine today.  Hope you will share yours.  Have a lovely "Holy Week" for all who are celebrating the Lord's resurrection.  

God willing, see you after Easter.

Hugs 

Debbie

"How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!  How vast is the sum of them!"  Psalm 139:17 

Sow

 It is the time of the year when I begin to sow seeds for the coming season.  Discovered a different method on You Tube...they call it "winter sowing"

 

All you need are a few plastic jugs and some seed starter mix...scissors and a roll of duct tape or painter's tape (I used the latter).

You cut the jugs in half except for leaving the part where the handle is located intact.  That way you have created a hinge.   Cut a few holes in the bottom for drainage.  Place your soil mix to a depth of about 4" high and plant your seeds in the mix and water gently.  Then tape around the cut sides with your duct or painter's tape.  Put the lid back on the top and place the jugs in a sunny spot in your garden.  The video suggested that perennials should be started in January through March so they have time to germinate and harden to the cold and warmth.  Annuals and herbs you may want to start later closer to spring.  Tomatoes and peppers were not recommended for winter sowing because they need warmer temperatures to grow.  I have chosen to experiment with hollyhock, lupine, and foxglove as well as chives and basil.

  Will let you all know if this works out.  It is always fun to try something new.  Like the idea of starting seeds early but not having to find a place indoors for the containers. 

 

Well, wishing everyone a happy start to spring.  It officially arrives the 19th but today feels as if it may already be here. 

Hugs

Debbie

P.S.  Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously."  2 Cor: 9:6 (NIV)

Patience

 March is the month that always teaches me patience.   This year is no different.  We went from 70 degree weather to 50's.  The peepers were in full song for a couple of days but now they are quiet.

As always I am anxious to get outdoors and start digging.  It is too soon.  Just need to be patient a little longer.

In the meantime I will enjoy a  cutting of forsythia and pussy willows along with the last few petals of a Christmas poinsettia.

Also taking delight in a few houseplants.  Growing something indoors feeds one's soul until warmer days return.   

This thriller was suggested to me by a friend.  Stacy Willingham is the author.  Sounds like it will be a page turner.  Perhaps this will help to keep me patient.

Well take care friends.  Have a wonderful weekend.

Hugs Debbie

"Be patient, then brothers, until the Lord's coming.  See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains."  James 5:7 (NIV) 

        

Extra Day

 February has given us an extra day this year.  There is  time to bake a batch of cookies...

Read a bit...

do some sketching...

and sample a new  recipe. (Blackened Chicken)  

What are you doing with this extra day of February?   Please share!

Hugs

Debbie

" The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.  There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a man..."  Joshua 10:13b-14a  (NIV)

"Come Back"

 Winter made a " come back" this weekend.  The windchill this morning was 3 degrees below zero.  

After a couple weeks of almost spring like weather we found the change to be bone chilling. 

Kelsey was content to get indoors after a brisk jaunt outside. We both like our walk but today it was a challenge with the wind blowing. 

 Mr. Nuthatch took shelter from the cold by clinging to his wind break.  Amazing how even with no leaves these old oaks yield a place that is warmer than out in the open.

The sunshine helped to add some warmth and even started to melt the snow.  By late afternoon patches of grass were peaking through.  By tomorrow we are to see temperatures returning to the 40's.  I am not sad!

Speaking of returning - finished "The Return" by Nicholas Sparks.  It was a good read.

Also found some time this past week to do a bit of sketching.                        

    

Even made a few plans for the coming spring.

Thanks for taking time to visit.  Hope you will share what is happening in your part of the world. 

Hugs

Debbie

 "Have you entered the storehouses of the snow" Job38:22a (NIV)