Hello February

Here we go — officially immersed in the new year now. There's no turning back. Month two. And so soon? How time flies!

It snowed with a fierce force on Tuesday and Wednesday, then warmed to 40 degrees. Suddenly, as if they flew in with the turn of the calendar page, lots of little fluffy birds began flitting through the tree branches. I can't tell what type they are, but I know they weren't here last week, unless they were hibernating or something. I'm so glad to see them. They sing a little, mostly short chirps and seem to travel in groups. Their feathers are so flouncy, all puffed up to block out the wind and cold. Flying puffs of feathery song. I love it.

Izzy is putting on a little too much weight. I'm not helping her cause. I feed her way too many tasty morsels of human food. I know it's not good, but I just can't help myself. That face! She stares at you and makes a little squeaky sound or sometimes gives you a quick tap on the shin. "Hey, hi. That looks super tasty. . . and look how cute I am, all fuzzy and cuddly with my big brown eyes. May I try a bite? Pretty please with sugar on top." So of course I say "Oh sweetie, do you need a bit of cheese? Yes, you do!" She's starting to resemble a short foot stool.

See these stuffed animals? These are a few of Izzy's toys. She seems to have an obsession with tearing off their noses and giving them a slow death by removing their stuffing through their nostrils. Eeek. And poor duck, though he still has his beak, is suffering from a torn, stringy eye. Ouch.

Tomorrow the fam is going skiing. I, however, plan to start on a huge granny square blanket I hope will eventually grace our bed at the cabin. Snuggly. Plus I hope to read a little on this book and maybe write a poem, if inspiration hits.

Oh, and have you seen these? Classic literature turned into board books for toddlers. The needle felted illustrations are what got me. Brilliant!

Happy weekending!