the blues

sunlit path

there is a nice network of trails behind my mother's residence. 

last weekend we had a couple of amazing spring-like days and so we met her for a stroll. things were a little swampy in spots with the recent snow melt, and the little creek was full.

at the end of it all tristan had fun with yia yia's new magnetic screen door. 

hopefully it will keep the stink bugs out.

speaking of yia yia, here is her latest knitting creation. she designed this sweater herself. isn't it lovely? i took some buttons off of an old sweater of mine and attached them. 

tashi wasn't happy that i had her stand outside in the cold to take a picture, 

but she does love the sweater.

we have been meeting up with our pals and enjoying the border

between winter and spring. days have been breezy, bright, exceptionally cold 

AND exceptionally warm! there really is no knowing what is next. 

it is time to start thinking about seeds: literal and symbolic. 

what will you plant in the coming season?

wishing you a happy weekend!

warmest sun, coldest day

driving home with tristan this afternoon, moments before i turned into our wood, 

a generous light caught my eye, a layer of snow so dazzling, and evergreens -- 

breathing large and casting shadow

a cleansing breeze found its origins and whispered waken

we pulled into our driveway, pulled on some additional layers, and went for a walk

it was brigid's medicine:  the call of the great heralds of healing

a couple of rotund birds hopped about us

a flock of geese traveled across our sky, flying northward

four favorite farm animals turned in unison and ran toward us, 

but sadly were cut afar by a middling fence

tristan asked why the sky was so blue today 

why we couldn't just walk through the wired off pasture to the animals

begged me to run down a steep hill, to have a leaf fight, 

to visit the great fallen tree in the woods 

our numbing fingers reminded us that we are just half way through the winter season, 

and we turned toward home, sun kissed

on our return a hawk flew overhead purposefully
i was not able to capture the detail of its feathers, but can see speckles when i blink

the great and glorious sun blazed her final wink in our direction

and then settled, asking us of tomorrow

the day rolled her stony shoulder over and cast us under a shadow of dusk

and i breathed a great thank you for her protection, her beauty, and her light

we are half way to spring, friends! 

i'm guessing climate challenges will remain

but even on the coldest days, the light will continue to grow 

enjoy this moon cycle as we enter february!

and whether you call it imbolc or candlemas: 

it is time to rejoice in the  great powers of good!

p.s. my camera lens needs a professional cleaning.

i can't seem to make those spots disappear from sky photos.

where we are: virginia wine country

there is nothing like an afternoon wine tasting in a gorgeous spot close to my home to remind me how much i love where i live. i am continuously wowed by the beauty that surrounds us, and the fine offerings of the land. visiting a vineyard is almost always a great treat for the senses. the drive to the destination, the views, the architecture, the entertainment, the tastes, and the delicious details of a great or humble estate, depending.

mountfair vineyards is definitely on the humble side. the small, rustic space is full of hand built details, the wine bar awash with light, and the tasting room lined with artfully stacked wooden barrels. we enjoyed acoustic music by james harris moore while drinking a glass of twang and eating crackers and brie. we followed our glass with a tasting of their other offerings, appreciating in particular the amore and the intertwined. all of their wines are blends of their own and/or locally sourced grapes. they also offer potters craft cider, which i learned is brewed in our neighboring village of free union.

a bustling wine bar

mountfair vineyards has a lovely logo and pleasing labels on their wines

i added vixon to the suggestions. we were on fox mountain after all! 

wooden barrels from my childhood home-state

beautiful views from every window

kid friendly!

so much beauty

our local fox mountain. we drove over it to reach the vineyard. 

it was cold out there!

late afternoon light is the best

thanks for the lovely afternoon mountfair vineyards!

and then we drove home

did i mention that i love where we live?