The Old English historical name for February is “mud month”. It’s generally colder here than in Old England, but, so far, this is an appropriate description of conditions in Missouri. The foot of snow is almost all gone, with the exception of small patches that had been huge piles. We had 75F / 23.8C temperatures for one glorious day on Monday, the ground is thawed, and mud is plentiful indeed.
February began with a visit from my brother, Michael, who was scheduled to arrive on January 30, but whose travel plans are very fluid. Luckily, he is a very easygoing guest and we enjoyed his short stay. Sunday was Groundhog Day, and the sun was out, so winter will persist, but Michael and Eddy and I went for a nice walkabout, taking advantage of the fine day.
Michael and I share a passion for fungus pictures. We found a few, though nothing like Michael’s Three Mile Island summer fungus pictures from New Hampshire.
Harry took advantage of the warm sunshine to rest.
Michael departed on Monday, while Harry and I went to see an eye specialist. Eyes are fairly important for artists.
Sadly, Monday evening finished with a call to visit a dear friend, Kitty, who was nearing the end. We love her, and her children, who were all there. We were grateful to be able to tell Kitty how important she has been in our life. There were tears, but also laughter (which is why we love those four exceptional people, Kitty’s children). I hope she could hear our laughter as she faded out. Kitty departed last night, a good death, at home with hospice, and very much love. Daughter Emily said they had spoken of the end, and Kitty was ready to learn what is on the other side.
On a brighter note, the frog that I was worried about has survived and has even found a friend! I presume they will return to hibernation as the temperatures have dropped to freezing now, but they made the most of Monday.
The feathered creatures continue to provide solace during this time of insanity at the helm of government. We are very fortunate for the distraction, and Fred’s feeder keeps the birds close for photos.
The horses are delighted with the mud and mild temperatures. They are so filthy, I have not been inspired to climb aboard them, but we still love their presence.
The cats, too, are happy for a break from deep cold. Tom Morris climbed onto the roof to lie in the sun. Roscoe was not pleased to encounter him through the window upstairs!
Eddy is always on the lookout for action.
Today was extremely dreary, with rain just above freezing. We all (Harry, Weedy, Eddy and I) went into town for an early lunch with a dear friend, which was a good antidote to cold rain. On the way home, I could see that the trees were icing. It was quite beautiful.
Michael alerted me to Sunday’s beautiful sunset. It promised a nice start to the week…
Stay safe, stay sane, stay grateful and be kind. Slava Ukraini! Peace…
Beautiful, thank you for sharing.
Slava Ukraini
God Save America
Peace
Great two cat photo- save that one for a future photo contest!
Those are some beautiful photographs. I like the sign about hunkering down for the storm to pass. Very apt! It is snowing hard here but due to turn to ice soon.
Horse mud coating is like no other. Simply never-ending.
So glad the frog survived and found a friend. We all need friends in this world today.
Terrific photos and descriptions Anne!
I really enjoy seeing through your photos all of the people and animals in your life. I am sorry for your loss of a special friend, Kitty, but I always console myself that as long as I remember that person, he/she is never gone! Stay safe, Slave Ukraini!
You can tell Mike is your brother! Family resemblance! Sorry for the loss of your friend. Mud is always fun to get off a gray! Slave Ukraini!
Anne. Isn’t Michael the brother who threw you into the picture window?
Shocking how your brothers managed to grow up
Are you getting
My messages?
Wow! Wonderful pictures and well written. The frogs and the cats greeting each other were my favorites.
Wonderful pictures, as always! So glad you all got to visit Kitty and her wonderful children….so sad. Good luck with the eye Dr….like you said, can’t lose those!!
Xoxo