Snow, more snow, and rain on the way

 It's been a quiet time here, other than all our snow storms. I finished off the day by shoveling another 10 cm (4") off front and back decks, and using the snowblower on the driveway. (We've rain on the way!) 

 We've had a few Facetime chats with our Ottawa kids. They are enjoying the school break. Jos and Izzy were proud to let us know their current heights! Josephine made it clear that she is 5' 5 ¼ " and the ¼ is important, since Isabelle is now 5' 5"! 

Isabelle and her Papa made a video, explaining a diorama she made for school. She is still coughing, poor kid. This virus is awful.

 

Isabelle's diorama from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

JB fed the deer, and there were 10, including Richard Deer. 

the buck from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

buck a deer from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

Wednesday began with more snow, as I reported. The snow plows are doing their best. Friends in Muskoka haven't seen a plow in days, since the crews focus on the main arteries. They've had about 5' of snow in four days. 

A friend approached a Hydro worker in Muskoka, to thank them for working so hard. He is from Windsor, working in Muskoka since Dec. 24th. Crews are staying in Orillia, since there is no accommodation closer. They doubt he'll be home for New Year's, as well as missing Christmas. Hydro One updates:

Restoration Update: 

Crews have made significant progress and have restored power to over 442,000 customers since the start of the winter storm. We won’t stop until everyone is restored.

By the time I shoveled the back and front, and used the blower on the driveway, I realized it was snowball snow. I was too tired to build a snowman, though! I recycled this photo, below. 

The wishing well is gone, now. They had to wreck it to replace our broken well pipe one cold February. 

It looks lovely outdoors from indoors. 

The indoor plants are in bloom. The African violet, lower left, and the white orchid are thriving. Towards the back is the orchid cactus, kinda like a Christmas cactus on steroids. The two amaryllis are growing. Still no roots on the taller one, but it is blooming. 

 

The snow tells its tails

Bob V has disappeared under the snowfall. Here is a summer photo for comparison!

Little mice friends have been nibbling on the pumpkins!



The ice crystals on the bird bath were beautiful. I used the videocamera to take photos.



The dock is disappearing.



I was out using the snowblower. JB took a photo of the blessed event. It's a beautiful day for snowshoeing, but I'm too tired!



First the sidewalk...



I'm not happy with my new trailcam yet. This is a screen grab of a video without anything in it. I had just walked down the hill to the right.



There is brightness indoor. And the hopes of spring to come.

Anytime now, the deer will be losing their antlers. I have my fingers crossed, as this guy keeps hanging around.

2015: five years ago!

We have come to the conclusion that we must rehome 8-year-old Annabelle. If anyone is looking for a loving, beautiful cat. It breaks our heart, but she is chasing Nutmeg. We've been alternating locking them up in the spare room.

African Violets

I have found such comfort in the blogosphere. I keep in touch with relative strangers with keen interests that are the same as mine: photography, grandkids, teaching, reading, writing, nature, politics, gardening, volunteering, healthcare.

This is the kind of thing that keeps we middle-aged folks healthy, despite the doom and gloom claiming that Baby Boomers (post WW II; 1946 - 1955) are going to drain the healthcare system and all have dementia.

I am of the Generation Jones (1954 - 1964), but read more here about the different generations.

This is what keeps me going on days like today, when I have a cold, and cannot, nor should not, venture out to visit with my hospice clients.

I received an e-mail from a fellow blogger, @ Rusty's Retreat, who offered to help me figure out how I am killing my African Violets (his are incredible!). He has 'coons, birds, and all manner of creative photos.

I was so happy. I think I've boiled it down to the issue with the soil.

Tomorrow hubby will trek out and get me some new African Violet soil.
I DO have a green thumb.

My Dad used to have a ton of these plants all over the house. He watered them every week, nurturing them with love.

I think I have rather neglected them. Ah me, off I go.