Winter continues...

Winter continues to be lovely here. The coldest it's been is -14. Sure, it's damp and super windy, but not all the time. Ok, so the power goes out from time to time and the wind blows so hard you think it will come through the windows, but we have a wood stove to keep us warm and it's all part of the adventure, right? And, most days the sky is gray and cloud filled and we don't see much of the blue sky or feel much sunshine, but when we do it's a glorious day and it's always one we spend out doors. It has been a fun winter with many walks through the wildness exploring and discovering. We have spent so much time with eachother getting to know our new space, how could it not be fun?

We have had plenty of snow so there have been many days of tobogganing and sled rides. Sally has even tried snowboarding and she is pretty darned good.

Justin has been taking this opportunity to clear our property - specifically where the driveway a house will go. Then we can figure out where septic, the well and solar will go. Each step brings us closer but we are so far away still. We (and by we, I really mean Justin) have so much to do to get the property ready for spring which is when we want to start to put things in motion. See below for his progress...

(Before)

(After)

This is where our house will go. This view is from the SW corner of where our house will be. I can see it all in my mind... Here, in this picture, I am standing on the lawn looking at the house. There will be a bank of big south facing windows to absorb all the beautiful warm sun. Some great raised beds for gardens in the yard. A dog run for the puppies we will eventually get. Bushes of raspberries and haskins, apple trees maybe and pear trees - if we can keep the squirrels from eating them. 

We have the land cleared... now is the time to plan and dream. Action on all these dreams comes soon. 

Until then, there is some more clearing to do. Piles of branches and logs to make and then eventually process into wood chips and logs for firewood. As anyone who has land will tell you... the work never ends. Justin wanted to get a shed put up before the snow settled in but I think it will have to wait for warmer and dryer days. 

We will welcome the snow for a little while longer - at least Sally, Ruby and I will, I think it makes Justins work harder. Hope you are all enjoying where you are at and taking some time to embrace all that comes your way!