Winter at the Cabin-Old and New

This winter has given us lots of time inside to organize and sort all that we brought home and all that fills our closets and corners.  As always we are more aware of how little we actually used what we had tucked away.  Each year of living 'small' helps us see that we have so much more than we need.  It is quite freeing to share it with others.

  Two snow storms and a few very cold days and nights have given us time for new projects too.  We are both participating in the National Parks on the Air program.  Ham Radio operators are setting up stations in the 409 National Park units this year to help celebrate 100 Years of the National Park Service.  I have made 3 NP contacts and Terry has made about 12.  We have both tried for many more, but getting through with so many others trying is a challenge.

We love feeding the birds in winter and they often wait their turn in our maple tree.  This was after our first good snow of about 8 inches.

Our second snow storm of 3 days ended with a beautiful inch of brushwork look splatter on every branch.  It took my breath away in the early morning light.

The snow had stopped the day before and even began to melt so the new snow was a lovely surprise!  As you can see we had just gotten a much needed wood delivery.  So we could stay warm and comfortable.

We also have enjoyed 2 wonderful visits with camp host friends here in NC.  We met Lisa from Heceta Head Lighthouse and her sister down in New Bern just after Christmas and did some traveling together over New Years.  What fun we had!  Then yesterday Ranger Kate from our years at Great Basin met us in Chapel Hill for lunch and a little NC shopping at Southern Season.  We are so fortunate to share such good times with our 'out west' friends on NC soil.

Terry has re-joined our Wellness Gym here after finding such health benefits from the Madison Ranger gym at Yellowstone and is getting stronger daily.  I am continuing my Yoga class and Line Dancing (on the 2 nights the weather has allowed it since January) and doing a video workout 3 times a week at home.  I've had one good long hike at Pilot Mountain and look forward to spring wildflower hikes before long.

My sister, Ann and I are working on a quilt with help from Jane, the master quilter in our family.  It is great fun to work on this project together.  We are so lucky to have several quilt shops near by and Ann  
knows lots of quilters here who can help us.

The worst of winter is behind us and we have so much to fill every hour that spring will be here before we know it.  We are looking forward to a "No Work" trip in mid May and visits with family and friends in June.  We'll take our Teardrop Trailer which will be a little different for us.

Wishing "Happy Trails" to all of you!