The Feast of the Epiphany arrived yesterday. We could use three Wise Men in these parts. Tradition holds that Christmas decorations come down on the Epiphany, so that was done. It was a good day for indoor chores, because it was bitterly cold. And today, the Holiday season is officially over and the year begins in earnest.
A junco fluffed in the cold 
Rime and icicles on the bird bath 
Rime on the horses’ water trough 
Chickadee and cardinal drink together 
Important to stay hydrated in this weather 
A dove makes an inelegant landing 
A trio of doves
We went to dinner with friends to celebrate their birthdays (both January foals). On the way into St. Louis, we stopped and paid for the Christmas saddle that I had on trial. Now I need to ride, and for that we need moderating temperatures, which are promised.
We brought the horses in a couple of hours early, which they were quite happy about, with the extreme cold. Five cats camped in the tack room all day and all night, while Licorice and Marmalade seemed unconcerned in their outdoor lifestyle. They have the metabolism of Eskimos. I hope that word is allowed – should it be Indigenous Arctic People?
Meanwhile, in the house, the two gray cats are tolerating one another. Jane stopped by and had a visit with Arthur. There was no sign of the “creamsicle cat”, as Nancy calls him. Maybe the cold drove him back to his home. He didn’t seem thin, somebody must care for him. Of course, he may be a girl cat. Either way, I think the cat has moved on.
Arthur is happier than his expression
I left the Christmas tree on the back porch as cover for the birds.
Tufted titmouse plays with the water 
Goldfinches
The sun was delightful today, after a brittle 4 degrees last night. We packed poor old Cedar into the car, which she HATES, and went to see Marilyn for bloodwork. We are sure now that it is Cedar who has been peeing on the rug. Last night, we locked her in the mud room (with a comfy dog bed) and she barked to go out to pee at 4 AM – no “mistakes”. I think she genuinely thought the rugs were OK to pee on, as she never barked to go out, just walked out of the bedroom and peed on the rug.
Marilyn wants to do more of a urinalysis, so tonight Cedar is locked up without water. After 12 hours without water, we will get a urine sample in the morning and take that, along with a sample collected this afternoon, to the clinic tomorrow. Life with dogs…
Cedar 
Nettie 
Mistletoe 
Weedy looking for Harry
There was a cat exodus from the tack room mid-morning into the sunshine.
Rosie and Cora are ready to get outside 
Skittle 
Marmalade romps 
Roscoe enjoys the sunshine and the paperwhites
The horses had a pleasant day.
Evening cat feeding, without any extra mouths…
Tom Morris, Marmalade and Licorice
The sky was dramatic this evening, and tomorrow will be warmer.
Stay safe, stay well. Peace.
Top notch photos!!! The winner of the beauties for me is the first one, “Junco fluffed in the cold.” Nettie appears perfectly sweet in her portrait, while little Mistletoe always appears grumpy. Cedar looks joyful on the bed, I am wishing her wellness! As I do to all on Bronze Fox Farm.
Thank you, Jane! I hope you are warm and safe in Kentucky. I gather you have had some real winter weather.
I am envious of your bird photographs. They are lovely, Also the sunset….as you know I am a sky watcher!
Your sky pictures are the pinnacle! I hope you recognized the titmouse pictures were for you! I am hoping I have a couple of good nuthatch ones today. The pileated woodpeckers, who gave me much joy last year, have not returned since the roof was replaced in September. They are very shy, and I think the commotion has put them off. I see them in the woods, but so far this season, not at the feeder.
Thanks Anne.
Wasn’t that sunset amazing last evening? I’m glad you got such a good photo. It accompanied me all the way to Woodriver.
Great photos as usual. Hope u get to ride in your new saddle. Happy New Year