Our dread over the situation in Ukraine has been realized, as Russia has invaded. We watch the news, as we must, but I can hardly cope with it. The barn work has been some distraction, but it has been a bleak and devastating time.
More winter weather has made things tedious, on top of the constant anxiety about Putin’s insanity. Luckily, I have YakTrax, which make me able to walk across the ice. We didn’t get much snow and sleet, but it became a lethal, slippery sheet with bitter cold that followed it here. So, life narrows to getting chores accomplished. The horses weigh enough that the ice breaks for them, but they have had ice balls to walk on, and they have been turned out onto the fields again, where the grass lends some traction. Today, the sun returned and temperatures spent some time above freezing.
The flicker has become a regular visitor to the porch. I admit I am bit obsessed with this bird.
There were other birds, too.
Jane came over for a brief visit just before the sleet and snow. Oisin and I both enjoyed seeing her.
I was too discouraged to even use the camera yesterday, but today my spirits lifted with the sunshine and I picked up the camera as I left the house. The day was off to a delightful start thanks to Tom Morris and Marmalade on the way to the barn.
After early barn chores, I took some pictures. Knowing it was going to melt today helped me see the beauty.
This afternoon, Harry went to get the mail.
Roscoe had a delightful afternoon on the back porch, to the dismay of the birds.
This evening, we were all tired as the freeze descended again.
Finally, Harry took a picture of a shadow of the bronze fox along the driveway the other day, before the snow.
Tonight, we need a miracle for peace and safety in Ukraine. Pray and hope. Be grateful for safety and health here. Peace now, more than ever. Peace.
☮️🇺🇦
We watch BBC News ar 6 every morning, it’s terrifying.
The Flicker is stunning. And, how about that heart on the back of the Junco’s neck? Goldfinches seem to be flock bound more than any of the other birds enjoying your hospitality. Anne, I saw something shared by one of those exceptually divine humans. It was a post from the Ukraine. A woman by herself was invited to join another. She brought cake, so first they enjoyed coffe and cake. Then they headed to the subway which as she explained also serves as a bomb shelter. Humans deal. We can be amazing.
Your pictures are particularly delightful and appreciated today.
Peace
Wonderful photographs. I love the flicker too. Your images are welcomed in particular just now.
I think your bird pictures would make beautiful note cards……but then you have an artist that does the best Christmas cards ever!!! So enjoy ALL your photos of life at Bronze Fox Farm.
Love to you both and stay well,safe,and warm,Spring will come soon!!! Aunt Pat