January Overview

 In December, I took 775 pictures.  In January, I took 375.  January and February are usually slower months, as we move past the holiday season and wait for Spring gardening to arrive.  

These are my hardest 2 months of the year as I generally get cabin fever, get so sick of gray skies, rain, short days, and low light levels.  Last year was my worst year ever.  I struggled with my usual cabin fever but also depression.  However, I am pleased to report that so far (and we are in mid February) this is one of my best Winters ever!!!!  I think I can attribute this to several things.  I was proactive to plan for Winter because I was afraid of repeating last year.  I have taken supplements (especially lots of Vitamin D).  I have my birch trees and glassy babies lit up so the house feels cozy and I have bright lights and colors.  We at least started family quiet time at night (then Covid hit) before bed and that gave me an opportunity to crochet or immerse myself in a book.  I joined the crochet along so I have had something intentional to focus on.  I have listened to a lot of Christian podcasts about current events, world events, and past history so I feel informed, strengthened in a Biblical worldview, and more assured and grounded especially since there isn't guidance through the church we are attending and certainly not through anything our nation/culture/politicians/leaders etc.. are putting forth.  We also took some outings and long drives and there have also been some beautiful sunny days!

January Skies















Imagine my delight when I looked out into the field just beyond mine and saw what appeared to be very large white birds.  Upon closer inspection (aka, binoculars), yes, they were birds.  Could they be trumpeter swans (or, as I later found out, Tundra swans)!!??  I put on my boots and jacket and went out to investigate as fast as I could.  They flew away as soon as they saw me even though I wasn't very close so my pictures are a bit grainy but it was so exciting!  I have never seen these in Oregon before, let alone near my home.  And I so wished that I could be the owner of the field next to us and let it become the natural pond it always wants to be (they try and trench it to drain it and spray the marsh plants with poison) and a water bird sanctuary.   






Out and about...

Hmm, when the homeless population explodes in your state and business (Safeway in this case) has to put up no camping signs on the post near their entry...

Chilly icy mornings


Some long drives (so we can listen to podcasts).

A drive up into the mountains to try and escape the fog pocket.




When the ice turns everything cactus like.

Viennie

Getting into reading

Taking walks


Naan bread

Man crafting

Making slime in science class


Drone flying

The truth about mom and dad...

Quiet time before bed


Jalepeno eating (was a little spicer then he thought they would be and he didn't finish eating them LOL)

Being impressed by puffy sourdough Dutch babies, a new favorite breakfast.

Winter blooms

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