On a Monday

 

We have some more white stuff this morning, but it's not too bad. 

Just a dusting and a pleasant change from the rain. 

Yesterday's morning rain and fog gave me a chance to stay inside and whip up another batch of jelly. 

This time, huckleberries, raspberries and blueberries went into the kettle and, later, the jars. 

I think I'm finally finished with my jelly making for this year, as long as I can keep my friend Tom happy with his "keep fill" orders. 

Of course, we'll be keeping track of our supply too. 

I've been making bread and jelly off and on for the past few weeks and will probably continue with the bread over the winter.  

Nice to save a few dollars and have the homemade taste as a reward. We've been thinking the same about this year's crop of homegrown taters. 

Best flavor ever, and we have a good supply. 

Yesterday in between rain breaks I also raked and picked up the last batch of leaves.  Some are still on the ground but can easily be gathered up and hauled away. 

It was nice to have one last opportunity to use the lawnmower, which will now go in the barn. 

Bill and Bridie spent some time working in the woods yesterday afternoon, and, while they were there, I took Foster for a walk on leash. 

The little guy is such a trooper, sniffing every place possible and happily going along with the leash. 

When we came back across the hay field and started walking down the lane, Foster smelled and felt enough familiarity that he turned around, looked at me and clearly suggested that he no longer needed the leash. 

So, I let him go and he happily trotted back to the house with an air of confidence. 

It's a special moment when little blind dogs can enjoy a reminder of their once free-wheeling days. 

We appreciate every day that the snow is not too deep to keep us from enjoying our walks or Bill's work in what is a very lovely woods. 

The ground is cushioned and clean with layers and layers of pine needles that have fallen over the years. 

Plus, the tree canopies offer a walking area free of snow. 

Plus, we never know what kind of 4-legged critter might show up as we mosey along the pathways.

Yesterday we could hear a woodpecker at work high up in one of the trees but we never did see it. 

These walks are exhilarating and they offer a wonderful time for enjoying nature.  I hope we have many more days ahead for this outdoor opportunity. 

Bridie's "work" while assisting Bill with his woods work involves a ball.  

Actually, Bill is the "assist" manager, constantly being reminded to pass the ball in between his woods projects. 

Apparently, the ball landed in a spot where Bridie couldn't find it, so the woods will keep the secret until Bridie's nose is out there again to give her some clues. 

Caoimhe took Annie from Seattle to Ireland safely overnight.  

She arrived in Dublin a couple of hours ago and is most likely in her rental car headed to Cork where she'll visit with a family member and stay overnight.

Annie says the weather over there is pretty nice today.  In fact, I think she may have an entire week of decent weather. 

She'll be taking photos, so I'll be looking forward to posting some each day this week. 

Stay tuned. 

Happy Monday.  

By golly, she has already sent some photos.  

This is the Rock of Cashel, which she said had just closed for the day.

Love the green grass and blue sky.