Right now, I'm typing on the computer from the kitchen table because we've been closing off the vent to the back room to conserve energy and to help keep the house warmish. It's frigid again.
Yesterday was a different story with our windows thrown open and a day spent outside in Chaco's (and barefeet once home). I have to say, it was nice.
Saturday started early as I was awake wwwaaayyy before sunrise all wound up, pondering landscaping options for the backyard. I found myself at first irritated by the insomnia but grateful that that was the least of which that was keeping me from sleep. Native plants. Thank goodness. I was able to watch the sunrise all by myself. What a gift! You should have seen my backyard. Lit up in the softest, most comforting and heavenly pink. Just for a minute or two.
Soon after, the quiet early morning gave way to the rest of my world waking up. Chickens bawking, cats meowing, coffee perculating, and a chatty and hungry kiddo joining in on the action while the hubby burrowed in for just a little bit longer.
I scooted out of the house mid-morning to attend a bee-keeping class at the market a few blocks away. The class was fun. And I think we might be getting closer to getting our first hive. I'm so excited! Bees! Honey! Beeswax! I moseyed around the grounds of the market after the class just enjoying the chance to notice what was happening in the plant world in our parts. The peach and apple trees are beginning to blossom. They are absolutely adorable! I took a lot of photos of the blossoms and of grasses. I'm obsessed with their seed heads! Then, I took the long way home walking along the river -- again, stopping, watching, listening, noticing -- free of distractions. This is my ideal way to spend three hours alone.
The afternoon was spent weeding the garden beds and rearranging in the yard. Byron took down a portion of our wood privacy fence which allows for the front and side yard to be connected. I love it and I'm not sure why we didn't do this sooner.
We woke up to a cold house this morning as another artic blast blew in overnight. After breakfast, we bundled up and headed out for the morning and afternoon to catch a horse show in Austin for the little one.
Now we are home. The day is closing in on us and in about a half hour or so, nightfall will return.
Tomorrow is Monday and we do it all over again.
Linking with Amanda.
this time it's the fifth photo calling out to me. actually, I'd really love to enlarge it poster-size and hang it in our house somewhere....... email me letting me know your thoughts on that... care to sell a photo to your pal in NC?
hooray! oh you'll be a lovely beekeeper, I know it! wish that market were a couple blocks down the road from me... add that to the list of places to visit when I come to Texas, alright? ;)
xo
Posted by: amanda (sweetpotatoclaire) | February 02, 2014 at 07:30 PM
Do you have a favorite place to get set up with beekeeping supplies or insights about boxes (type of wood, painted/untainted, # of frames, etc)??
I'll email you in a bit about #5. :)
Oh, and the swap thing is spreading like a wild fire!!! I saw all those comments on your blog. Wowzers! :)
Posted by: Nichole | February 03, 2014 at 09:31 PM
What a beautiful blog you have. I've just discovered you over at Amanda's. I'm so happy to find you. What amazing photos and your turn of phrase is so refreshing. I just want to read all of it.
Pleased to meet you.
debby
Posted by: Debby | February 04, 2014 at 03:37 AM
hmmmm.... I'll email you about bee stuff.
yes I know! there are 68 people participating!! Heather at Beauty that Moves posted about it and that easily tripled the number of folks playing along~
talk soon,
A
Posted by: amanda(sweetpotatoclaire) | February 04, 2014 at 10:48 AM
horse show! we attend our fair share of those and frankly, need to find more space for all my daughter's tack. this warm, cold, warm, cold thing is driving me crazy! i wish it would just stay cool a bit longer...
Posted by: amanda | February 04, 2014 at 12:40 PM
Aw, thanks Debby. It's so nice to meet you. Make yourself at home and thanks for saying hi!
Posted by: Nichole | February 04, 2014 at 04:44 PM
B eats, sleeps, and dreams horses. She's been taking care of/riding a horse and pony of a friends and is in total, mad love with it all. I bet one day I'll have your problem of where to store the tack too!
Posted by: Nichole | February 04, 2014 at 04:45 PM
You had me at bee-keeping class.
Though I was also fond of taking down the gate between yards and gardening.
Also remembering how HOT it was for you in the Summer.
Texas is a place of extremes, no?
XO
Posted by: ladycordelia | February 08, 2014 at 09:52 AM
Yes, I'm going hive window shopping today. Slowly dipping my toes into the real possibility of bees! Haha...yes Texas can be a land of extremes in more ways than just weather! It's been really, really cold here. Many days below freezing or hovering just above. Spring will be glorious though.
Posted by: Nichole | February 09, 2014 at 12:01 PM