Snow Cones

In our house Snow Cones are a big deal. At least once a week I would hear the cry for a cone. I thought that since we now live in a colder area, that the request for frozen treats would be fewer. But nope, the need for a snow cone was still there. So once the snow stared falling we took full advantage of the free snow cones. Just place a bowl outside in the snow and wait (We didn't have to wait very long). Add syrup and eat! What fun! StinkerBelle went back for seconds.

I can grow snow

So far I'm only growing snow. Although I have some plans to grow other things, it seems that at this time of year the only thing that is growing is the snow. I'm awaiting the spring gardening catalogs, I'll be growing everything from seed this year. We had a lot of problems last year with the started plants we bought from Home Depot. It seems the little tags that tell you what kind of plants you are growing are not always what they say. So this year we are sticking with seeds. I'm still searching for a good source of Japanese veggie seeds. Now that I think of it, I'm still searching for a good source of anything Japanese. Two hours is too far to drive for Miso paste.

When we first arrived at the house these planters were bare; but with some love and time I now have a beautiful snow hedge.

When is play time?

I can't wait for the snow to melt. I know it's early to be thinking this, but I can't wait to see the kids running around outside again. The play area currently only has two swings and monkey bars. We plan on putting in a sand box for Rosey to play in, and also a slide. As for me, I will be drinking a Pop (or something along those lines) on the deck, relaxing in the sun. I know I'm dreaming. I'll be chasing kids around and chasing dogs off the grass, darn mutts are always leaving steamers!

In the play area there is a large Aspen for shade and a Dogwood, which is one of our favorite trees. I'm counting the days until spring!

The Orchard

First on our tour is my favorite, the fruit orchard. Since we arrived so late in the year all the trees were bare, but after some prodding I found out what is out there (besides snow). We have 3 apple trees, one cherry tree, a thicket of plums which will have small green fruit, a regular plum tree, and one mystery fruit tree. I've seen some people in the area have grapes and we are hoping that Champagne Grapes will grow here, those are our favorite!!

We made it!

After a three day drive with two kids, two chickens and one kitty; we have arrived at our new home! The house is amazing, the property is huge, and the weather is COLD!



We finally have a phone and some super slow dial-up, so please be patient. TV took a few weeks to get, the first satellite guy refused to dig a hole because the ground is frozen, the next guy finally found a signal in the front pasture, no HD though! The Mr. is back home from training and StinkerBelle has started school. We are in the middle of our second storm (this one is only supposed to bring us 5 inches); the first of which brought us 10 inches. I can't wait to have some guests!! But wait till the snow melts, and if kids are involved I don't suggest driving!