Winter arrives

A major series of winter storms is raging down upon the State of Jefferson. Tonight's is the first of three, or so "they" say.

I've filled the gas cans for the generator, the flashlights and candles are handy.

The girls are safely tucked into their coup. They're still laying regularly, today there were five eggs in total.

Jeff & Dale get very nervous when the wind is bending the trees. The clouds have shrouded our view of the Sacramento Valley.

Today I am grateful that it is winter, and that I am safe and prepared.

Blessed Be,
Julie Epona

Yule Cookies

Winter brings many things rain, snow, icy roads, and Home Made Cookies!

Cookies for friends, family, the lady who delivers the mail, the guy who delivers the paper, the crew who takes the trash away.

In our local paper this morning, Sharon Randall discussed her cookie tradition, "One woman I know bakes Christmas cookies the day after Thanksgiving and puts them in the freezer until Christmas Eve. She started when her kids were babies. Now her grandchildren come home to help her.

"I tried doing that when my children were little, but the cookies never made it to the freezer. I can't blame the kids. Given a choice, I'd pick "fresh from the oven" over "freezer burnt" anytime. And I have the scars in my mouth to prove it.

"I guess that was one of our traditions: We baked cookies and ate them standing over the stove, sucking air through our cheeks to put out the flames."

I'm with Sharon - cookies hot-out-of-the-oven are my favorite. Today I baked almond-sugar and oatmeal-raisin-pecan cookies. Tomorrow I'll bake a couple of batches of chocolate chip.

And I've only eaten a few. :)

Walking

Took a nice walk with Jeff & Dale today - a 1-mile loop by the house that took us about 25 minutes.

It was about 38-degrees, mostly clear, the air feels damp. A storm is approaching this evening that should bring our first snow.

The boys behaved very well on their leashes. No twisting, jumping, pulling or arguing with each other. It’s more fun to have them along, than to walk alone.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll work on walking farther. I wonder if I can take photos with two dogs on leash?

Blessed Be,
Julie Epona

December’s Waxing Moon

I’m listening to “This Winter’s Night” by Mother Tongue, circa 1994

During the past week I’ve decorated the house to celebrate the return of the Sun - Solstice - under the guise of Christmas. Lights, tree and a collection of nutcrackers that began when my Son was seven.

Now, he is grown, but I’ve still managed to find a different Nutcracker for 2007. Someday he will take the collection to his home - yet another symptom of an “empty nest”.


The waxing moon is visible between the pine branches. It may snow tonight. The dark is crisp and cold.

I am grateful for the love in my life. It warms my heart even when I am alone.

Blessed Be,
Julie Epona

A Precious Gift

My wonderful Son said to me as I was driving, "Mom, you've got to know how much I love you and how much I really appreciate all that you've done for me, that you're supporting [my decisions] now."

I told him that I felt like I'd let him down, that my plans had been to buy him a car at 16 and put him through college. My life has been so dramatically changed that this is now not possible.

He smiled and said to me, "Mom, I'm exactly where I want to be right now. Life is good and I love you."

I have invoked Ganeshe to protect and guide him throughout his life. I am so very grateful. If I do nothing else in this lifetime, I know that I have served the Gods well as a Mom.

Blessed Be,
Julie Epona

Why are all of the 'Girls' at the far end of the run?

Check out this video: The Girls of Penny Lane Farm



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Fall

Color in Northern Califa -