Last night, I asked for something I rarely ask for: a morning to sleep in. I didn’t know if I’d actually be able to sleep in but in the rare event I might be able to, I asked for it up front. It was the gift I gave myself on my birthday.

To  my delight, Saturday came with not one, not two, but 3 gifts today:

I slept in until 6:30 (yes, that is sleeping in, for me).

The skies were grey and snow flakes danced around the yard like small whispers from the heavens.

A day where both my husband and A were willing to just hang out with me and watch renovation shows (one favorite indulgences.)

Before we all settled in, cups of tea and cocoa in hand, I took a walk about the yard and found a 4th gift: the earth preparing for her slumber. Take a walk with me:

The bunnies have been busy, tracking in and out of their hiding spots by the garden shed. 

 

 

 

 

 

A few years back, A built this woodpecker house with her dad,

and last spring I watched the mama and papa woodpecker raise a family and say goodbye to their young and leave the house empty for the winter.

The late warm weather gave us late blooms and last week’s cold temperatures left me with memories frozen in time.

The garden beds stand empty and my little garden hedgehog will stand sentry until I return next spring.

 

 

 

 

My morning coffee spot just outside our guest cottage will stand vacant, except on the rare warm (relatively speaking) winter days, until the warmth of spring returns.

 

 

Once hidden by dense vines and leaves, hidden gems glistened with frost.

 

 

I took one last look before I headed inside where I lit my mulled cider candle, pulled up my blanket, and tucked myself in for day 15 of NaBloPoMo  a perfect snowy Saturday.

Happy Saturday, everyone!