It may be the last Friday of 2022, and even though we haven’t posted much lately, we could not let this week’s Nature sights not be shared. As always, we’re joining our pals from the LLB Gang.
We hope you had a lovely Christmas celebration. Returning home, I noticed what might have been a few bargain hunters lining up early at a local WalMart probably waiting to make returns.
Once back at home, Norman did his last visits for 2022. The big guy was quite grateful that the days he visited early in the week coincided with the top end of the extremes we encountered. This graphic taken from last night’s weather showing the high and low temps. Understand this turn-around happened in a mere 24-hour period. We’re still recovering from the whiplash.
Once again I headed down south to spend the Christmas holiday weekend with my Dad and other family members. It’s always a good excuse for all the good cooks in the family to showcase their skills. From brisket to lasagne and everything in between, we had quite the feast.
The sunrises this past week have been beyond incredible. Rising early to catch up on computer work before the others rose, I was blown away by the vibrant colors shining in the living room. Adjectives seem totally inadequate to describe them.
Then yesterday Winter tapped me on the shoulder and said thanks for holding my beer and promptly dumped over 8 inches of very wet, white stuff. It was more like a Spring storm than one that is typical right now. There were lots of fallen branches around town though my street was luckily unscathed.
It also took hours to plow the sidewalks. While this time of year often becomes reflective on all that’s happened throughout, the top question of my introspection continues to be: “remind me again why I bought a house on an oversized corner lot?”
Despite several hours of shoveling, it was a beautiful sight. Not sure if it was beautiful enough to warrant a repeat performance but the weather folks cautioned residents to not put the snow shovel away just yet. A fresh storm is forecasted to welcome the New Year.
While I’ve often shared how Norman isn’t a fan of cold or snow, no one can say this boy doesn’t know how to effectively deal with it…as in stay inside no matter what. Elsa may go bouncing outside in deep swirling snowflakes like a loon, Norman is more low keyed and prefers the warmth of the sofa. With blankets.
That’s it from us for 2022. We want to wish you all a safe and very Happy 2023. Stay warm, hug your loved ones and don’t forget to enjoy the amazing beauty Nature provides.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Looks like a wonderful holiday season was had by all! Mmmm…lots of cooks in the family souns wonderful and delicious! I’d be in a food coma and lying right there next to sweet adorable Norman! He’s smart, I’d like to snuggle in and wait for winter to pass. I used to love it like Elsa, but seems as I get older, not so much!
Love all those nature shots. Beautiful. Sometimes just inhaling the air and gazing all around us at the natural beauty is really a wonderful stress reliever. Thanks for sharing! <3
Our pleasure. I find when I least expect some beautiful aspect of nature, it shows up to dazzle my soul. The trick is to not let it get away unnoticed. 😉
Yay for warm temps, family get-togethers, and good food (not necessarily in that order). Happy New Year!
Thank you. And a very happy New Year to you all.
Happy New Year to all of you! We sure hope your second snow storm isn’t as naughty as the one you showed us…though well, yes i was a pretty sight…but not if you are the shoveller, BOL!
Thanks. We hope your New Year has gotten off to a good start. The second storm wasn’t as bad (though it snowed twice that day making for twice as much shoveling). Shoveling and winter are like Siamese twins-they are closed joined. 😆
So lovely your dog 🙂 Greetings from Italy. Love and Peace to you. You live in a very beautiful place 🙂
Welcome and many thanks for stopping by. We 💙 visitors. As iv’e said many times to people, “you can have the Universe if I can have Italy.” 🥰
I think most of the bargain hunters lining up were vultures….
Thank you for the insight of your family, Monika, it looks all very cozy and warm…except of the outside of course☃The sky is phenominal, nature is so beautiful💙Now, stay warm, all of you! Double Pawkisses for a Happy, Healthy and Magical New Year to you all🐾😽💞
I have always thought snow looks its most beautiful when you don’t have anywhere to be. Norman certainly knows how to handle the situation, and shares the outlook my wife has on snowstorms. I’m more of an Elsa/loon myself. All the best to you and yours Monika for the New Year!
. Happy New Year! XO
Here’s wishing you and yours the best of everything in 2023, Monika.
Thanks, Marc. Happy New Year 🎊🎆
The best to you and yours Monika.
Embrace the new year with an open heart and a fierce spirit. A new year brings new possibilities. May the new year bring you nothing but the best in love, joy and happiness! We send you warm wishes for 2o23!
Keep being awesome!
Purrs Mqarvelous Marv and Mom
Many thanks for the warm wishes. We send our best greetings for a truly wagnificent 2023!
•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆ ★ ☆¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆
╔╗╔╦══╦═╦═╦╗╔╗ ★ ★ ★
║╚╝║══║═║═║╚╝║ ☆¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆
║╔╗║╔╗║╔╣╔╩╗╔╝ ★ NEW YEAR ☆
╚╝╚╩╝╚╩╝╚╝═╚╝ ♥￥☆★☆★☆￥♥ ★☆ ♥♥♥
Woos – Lightning, Misty, and Timber
Wishing you a pawsome 2023!!
Good to hear from you again! Beautiful pictures of the snow, while it’s still clean and fresh, LOL. Your family gathering looks wonderful. Best wishes for the New Year to all at the Ranch!
It was one of the prettiest snows I’ve ‘enjoyed’ in Denver. Almost reminded me of the Blizzard of 82 when I was just a young lass new to the city. We send our best wishes to you personally as well as Happy New Year greetings to FACE. 🎉
Thanks so much, stay warm and cozy!
Doing our best. It’s looking to be a 2-dog night 😊
Wonderful colours in those photographs…..so glad you had a great time with the family. Now take a hint from Norman and relax!
Thanks, Helen. Getting together with family is a holiday highlight and it makes my Dad smile so much-so very heartwarming. Norman can definitely teach me a lot about the chillaxin’ aspect of life. Wishing you, Leo and the Thugs a very Happy 2023.
What a happy bunch of photos – even the snowy ones! Beautiful views everywhere including at the table celebrating the holiday with family. Norman appears to be taking things easy (he deserves it!). We wish you ALL a very very happy New Year.
Love, Pam and Teddy too
Many thanks, Pam. Family is high on priorities and I found myself smiling big with all the cousins as we told stories and laughed a lot. Norman totally deserved the rest-he worked hard this month bringing joy to so many. Hope you have a wonderful 2023.
I’m glad I’m here in SC and not out there by you! Though I could have gone with a foot or two of the white stuff for Christmas morning.
I hope you all have a safe, WARM, and Happy New Year! (The warm part is mostly for Norman. 🐾❤️)
This storm was very unusual for this time of year-seemed more like a spring storm. Not used to shoveling that wet snow in December. It was absolutely beautiful, even if it took hours to clear the sidewalks. Wishing you and the Z kids a very Happy 2023.
Pawsum post Miss Monika!!!
Wee so happy you had a fine Xmas with yore PawPaw an furamillee!!
An those sunsetss were speck-taculur….
An nice snow….see now THAT iss an amount wee can handel….
Wunder if wee will et snow aftur Mew Yeer’ss???
Sweet Norman mee gonna tellyport over an snuggell inn blankit with you……cozy…..
~~~head rubss~~~BellaDharma~~~ an (((hugss))) BellaSita Mum
Thanks BellaDharma and Mum. There’s another storm predicted Sunday/Monday but only time will tell if it’s gonna be another doozy. We wish you a safe and happy 2023.
Wee herd youss mite get another storm…pleese bee carefull an stay safe!!!
***purrss*** BellaDharma
Trust us, we’ve got no plans to leave the comfort and safety of inside the house! 😁
Speshelly Sweet Norman rite Miss Monika? 😉
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
<3 <3 <3
Norman, we all – including Mom – just want to cuddle down on the sofa with you, sweet boy!
Thanks, we all would welcome snoozing companions. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year.
Happy New Year 🎊
And to you as well!
That’s some big swings in the weather. The photos, especially the sunrises, are gorgeous. Happy New Year and I wish you a great 2023.
Many thanks for the kind words. We send our very best New Year’s wishes to you and yours.
So happy you were able to spend time with your loved ones for the Christmas holidays. Me too! First time in two years and it was fantabulous. Will be enjoying the next few days off – unfortunately the mild temps are also bringing rain which I loathe in the winter. And speaking of winter, while I know the shovelling is meh… those pics are beautiful!
Happy New Year, my friend!
Family has always been important but even more so this year. Glad you were able to enjoy your family. This was one of the prettiest snow storms I’ve seen in a long while. You’re right, rain in winter seems more than wrong-give me a good snow storm anyday. Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year. Peace, joy and hope throughout 2023.
I could not agree more. And yes, it was so nice to get all together.
We had a really pretty snowstorm, too. Unfortunately, it’s been raining non-stop for a couple days so it’s all grey and dark now. Looking forward to more snow!
I wish the same for you, my friend.
And the strange weather all over continues. Our storm started with a few hours of rain…something that NEVER happens in December.
I think we are far from done for strange weather. It’s been non-stop dreary rain here.
Happy New Year to you, Norman, and Elsa, Monika. The snow does look lovely but heavy wet is not easy to move around. Those sunrise photos are terrific.
Thank you, John. The morning skies have been particularly exquisite of late. You’re so right, wet heavy snow is tough and takes a long time to shovel. Still, it was one of the prettiest storms I’ve seen in a long time and the quiet that came with it was truly remarkable and ever so welcome after a hectic holiday season.
We are not big fans of the cold either Norman.
Wishing all of you a very happy and healthy 2023!
Many thanks, Susan. Poor Norman-he’s a total wimp when it comes to cold/wet weather. But that just makes him a pawsome sofa companion. Happy New Year!
What beautiful pics, and even the snow! Happy new year! Norman and Elsa are just beautiful good doggies and I enjoy sharing their adventures!
Many thanks, Martha. The snow was incredibly beautiful. The Ranch Hands and I wish you and Chester a ‘pawsome’ 2023!
Those are beautiful winter scenes! Our cats agree with Norman’s view of winter. Best to snuggle under a blanket.
Many thanks, Lavinia. I think those pets who prefer snuggling to shooshing have a good idea. Wishing you and yours a safe and happy 2023.
I’m glad you had a great Christmas with your family. Always a good thing and the food looked mighty good.
Yikes on the snow. That’s a lot of snow.
I love seeing Norman. He’s so handsome. Tell him I love him.
Have a fabulous day and weekend and the very best New Years ever. Scritches to the pups, a smooch to handsome Norman and a big hug to you. ♥
Many thanks, Sandee. Norman sends loving thanks and butt wiggles. Wishing you and Zane a very Happy New Year’s.
Norman knows how to be! LOL! So glad you had a wonderful Christmas with family. LIke the pics of you all raising your glasses.
The snow pictures are beautiful, that is one thing snow has going for it. Its so pretty. 🙂 Love the one especially, with the sun in it. Stay warm and safe for the storm coming.
Yes, the weather really did do a whiplash! Was bitterly cold with temps below 0 and now the high 50’s today! Feels so good.
Many thanks, Carolyn. Yes, Norman has life totally figured out. Mother Nature seems to relish the whiplash weather patterns she’s dishing out. We’re scheduled for nearly 50F today so we’re planning to enjoy it before the next round set to arrive sometime on Sunday or Monday. Wishing you and yours a safe and Happy New Year’s! 🎊
❤😊
The photo of Norman captures exactly my feelings towards cold weather. We in SoCal are expecting heavy rains over the weekend and continuing for all of next week and you know where that system will track once it leaves here, right? Get out that shovel, spray on the WD-40 and limber up your back muscles for another Shovel-a-thon. You’re welcome. Glad to see that there is fair balance between the wine drinkers and beer drinkers in your clan. In these times of divisiveness it’s good to see a non-partisan drinking family. The female hand holding the can of 7-Up was a disturbing sight but I also spotted the top of a bottle of Tabasco so I know everyone at the table was civilized. Anyway, Happy New Year’s to you, the fam, and of course the pupsters. Hope 2023 turns out great.
I heard about the ‘atmospheric river’ expected to hit SoCal. [who makes these names up??] You’re right though, Norman does have a good approach to dealing with weather not to his liking.
While we’re an eclectic bunch, we all know how to party and enjoy. Trust me, despite the 7Up in the pic, there was plenty of imbibing, between bites of completely tasty food and hilarious stories. Couldn’t pick a better bunch of people to spend time with if I tried. Wishing you and the AJF a very Happy 2023. I’m hoping there’s a certain blog to highlight some of the more unusual Amazon products in the near future. [hint, hint] Stay well and keep smiling, my friend. Cheers 🥃
I’m with Norman too. We had some wild swings but you win (and that’s ok!). No real snow here yet. We had a “dusting.” The first one is always beautiful then I’m ready for spring. Will those bitter cold temps kill plants?
A nap seems like a great way to spend during a heavy snowstorm. It will be interesting to see if the extreme temps will impact plants. If the moisture is good, probably not, but we’ll have a better idea in a few months. Fingers crossed.
Wishing you and the cats a wonderful 2023!
Lulu: “86 degrees?! That’s not even a temperature swing! That’s the temperature plummeting into an abyss!”
Java Bean: “¡Feliz año nuevo!”
It was one of the largest temperature swings I’ve seen, especially in such a short span of time. I cannot even predict the impact from the next one.
We hope you stay safe and dry during the predicted ‘atmospheric river’ predicted for SoCal. Have a safe and Happy New Year.
I’m with Norman – definitely! 😉
Those pictures of the sunrises and the deep snow look fantastic. As to the deep snow, I like to look at the pictures and enjoy them, and I, happy to leave the shovelling to you. 😉
A Happy New Year to you and the furry ones, and all the best, most of all best of health, in 2023,
Pit
Thank you, Pit. Elsa will enjoy the snow for both you and Norman (while I shovel). It was one of the prettiest storms in a long time. There were some big fat flakes during the midnight hours that made it all very pretty. Wishing you and Mary a bright New Year full of great travels, food and adventures.
It has indeed been a very quick transition in the 303 from the bitter cold of winter to a very spring-like storm. But it is a beautiful day out today, and I’m trying to think of a way to enjoy it.
Wishing you, Norman and Elsa a fabulous 2023! Actually I’d go for a break-even 2023, but whatever.
Amy, Tegan and Zoe
At this point I’d be happy with break even too. Happy New Year, Amy. Please give ear scritches to Teagan and Zoe from me.