If you were to ask me what I think about winter, I'd tell you that winter is amazing. That it is best experienced in all its snowy glory - with a fresh storm each week. What could be better to clean things up and cover the brown muck that would otherwise permeate the landscape. 

But then, without the periodic rise in temperature and melting of snow, we wouldn't be able to enjoy the small breaks of exposed earth to check on things around the homestead. Such as I did today. Time spent walking around the property - the raspberry canes that were transplanted in the fall are looking strong and healthy, the compost has been checked, and a few notes have been taken with regards to reconfiguring the perennial garden. I wouldn't have noticed these things if we remained under a ten inch blanket of snow for four months. But then again, if that were the case, that would be okay too. 

Appreciate what is. 

We've yet to take down the holiday decorations, but we all feel ready earlier than usual so that may happen tomorrow. A tidy and clean home is such a great way to enter January. It may take a few days to pack it away though as I went a little overboard with the twinkly lights this year. All worth it.  

A snowstorm is forecasted for later in the week, so the ground will be covered once again. I'm looking forward to the post holiday wintertime quiet... hibernation is on the horizon. 

For the good times, I am grateful.
For the hard times, I trust they are part of a bigger plan. 
For the unknown that lies ahead, I am hopeful.
Thank you 2013, for all that you were and all that you weren't.

Wishing each of you a peaceful, healthy, and abundant 2014 - thank you for being here. xoxo