1954. tracks in the snow

 

in the frigid air

through deep snow and tree’s shadows

luminous deer trails 🦊❤️

Whenever there is harsh weather, Yulan and I inevitably talk about all of the animals that are left to their own devices and instincts to persevere and survive. As I looked down into the valley behind my apartment, I saw orderly deer trails traversing the landscape. The trails seemed luminous. They spoke of the masterful way that deer live their lives - not by accident but by design. 🦊❤️

1953. high security

 

like guards in a bank

two chairs keeping a space safe

beware trespassers 🦊❤️

It’s been a while since I’ve seen people securing their parking space with chairs. Our recent bonanza of snow makes a shoveled out parking spot prime real estate that some residents become very possessive of. 🦊❤️

1952. toasty

 

the snow’s a blowin’

my little stove’s blowin’ too

keeping gear toasty 🦊❤️

Well the predicted snow is falling fast and furiously.  My little electric faux wood stove is working double duty keeping my boots, gloves and hats dry and toasty.  Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…🦊❤️

1951. all puffed up

 

puffed up like cotton balls

robins warmed by the snow sun

we wear our down coats 🦊❤️

Yulan and I took our morning walk in single digit temperatures. We were both decked out in many layers, topped off by our puffy down jackets. There were bunches of Robins who were perched in trees and their feathers were all puffed up too in an attempt to stay warm. (Look closely - you’ll see them) They looked like cotton balls. All of us were all puffed up. 🦊❤️ 

1950. the luxury of panic

 

the storms a’ nearin’

shelves are emptyin’ pronto

how deep gonna be? 🦊❤️

How fortunate we are to be able to run to the store and wipeout most of the shelves of food and drinks when snow is predicted.  Many times we clear the shelves and little or no snow falls.  How lucky we are to be able to panic like that. Living a life of plenty and then some… 🦊❤️

1949. ain’t no stopping us

 

lined up like soldiers

all spit polished and shiny

ain’t no stoppin’ em 🦊❤️

I could not help but admire the precision of a long line of trash bins backed up at a stop sign 🦊❤️

1948. stretching out

 

i treated myself

to the gift of stretching out

after all these years 🦊❤️

My apartment has very, very little furniture - only an ancient Ikea couch that is less than comfortable. For the past few years I have toyed with the idea of getting a reclining chair but resisted because I thought that such a “lazy piece of furniture” would mean I was giving in to the aches and pains of old age.  Well I finally gave in yesterday and went to Bob’s Discount Furniture and made the leap. I walked in courageously and said to the approaching salesperson, “I’m looking for a cheap reclining chair”. He said, “How cheap?”   I said, $299.00.  He said, “Follow me!”  And there it was - my dream recliner - for $299.00.  I got it in avocado green! Can’t wait to stretch out when it’s delivered on Friday.  🦊❤️