February: It Begins!

February really seems like the beginning of the New Year to me.  The ground begins to thaw, the sun begins to warm us, and we turn our thoughts to all things outside . . . tree planting, garden planting, post-hole digging, carriage house remodeling, field replanting, weed controlling, etc., etc., etc.  This is where the Chinese have it right.  The Chinese New Year falls on February 10th this year, and I do believe we will be celebrating.  So here, is my year (or end of the year, really) review.  If for no other reason than I finally downloaded this pictures to my computer thingy picture storage deal.

Ah, remember all the hiking in the Fall!  That lovely Indian Summer . . .
Here the girls and friends discovered the Wind Mustangs, who in turn, discovered some girls, and stopped to stare.

 There were yearlings and mamas and a stallion.  We also saw a herd of Desert Bighorn that day.  Wild animals add such magic to life.

Here, these wild animals do a celebratory dance.  What girls don't love horses?  And wild horses?  Even Grandpa was smitten.  They stayed and stared until Grandpa crept up on them, extending an apple.  No go.  They galloped away (of course!)

 We drove down into Rattlesnake Canyon with Grandpa for his birthday hike, which was actually more of a birthday drive, but who were we to complain.  I love Julian's raccoon backpack, named "Scoot Bike."

 Here are the chickens, inspecting the Christmas tree we brought home from our friend's farm.  Evidentaly, it was deliciously satisfactory.

 Mitch, our sweet rooster runs away, embarrassed to be caught on the car.  He's such a gentleman.

 And then, the snow came.  And the cold.  I haven't seen snow on the ground for this long a period of time since I was a child . . . that year we sledded down the driveway all winter . . .

 Like this . . .

The ride up is as fun as the ride down.

 We had to get creative with all this cold weather.  Lots of time inside.  Ballet practice?

Francesca discovered a bag of my old wool sweaters, knitted for my sister and me by my Grandmother, so happily, she will never be cold again.  With Grandma's wool sweaters, there is no coat required.  They are every bit as fabulous as the girl wearing them.

And so, we begin preparations for the Chinese New Year!  Why Not!?  A little paper making, dig out those red lanterns again, lots of fish, fun!  Happy New Year!  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year (See Festivities Section)