Double R Farm (Amish Country Soaps & Sundries)

Heading to he barn this morning I noticed the tender plants and the windshield covered in frost. It’s hard to believe that in a few hours the temperature will reach the high sixties here in Sugarcreek. I am having difficult time explaining to my son that it’s too cold for him to wear shorts. He is convinced that since it will get so warm he NEEDS to wear them, and apparently he is not the only one. On my way into work I see many a brave soul dressed in shorts and a jacket. Maybe we will finally get one of those glorious days that I have been reading about in other’s blogs. Let’s hope so, or many a brave soul will have chattering teeth.

It's early here.Too ealy for even the sun to rise as we greet yet another frigid morning in Sugarcreek. It is bitter cold. Just how cold I am not sure. I have stopped looking at the thermonmeter and only catch pieces of the weather forecast. It is that time of year when I start looking outside to see the weather and the wonders of Mother Nature. 

Spring for me holds much promise with the anxious bulbs that peek through the frozen ground and the welcome return of the robins. I can tell we are getting close when I see the daffodils up about  a 1/2 inch and one plump robin at the feeder looking a little out of place. Soon the bulbs will burst forth providing a canvas of color that only Mother Nature can create.

Not long after the emergence of the early spring flowers baby birds will hatch. Watching the mother birds teach their young to gather food and learn to fly provide us with hours of entertainment. We also enjoy a host of springtime wild bunnies.Sometimes we name our springtime guests. We have had Dory the mourning dove, Hopper the robin, and Thumper the baby bunny.

As I put the dog out this morning I stop and look up into the early morning sky. I look for the Big Dipper and some of the more familiar constellations. I barely even notice the cold. As I watch the twinkling stars I  remember of a story one of my students told me, and I can only smile. 

This past year we had a bad wind storm which knocked the power out in our area.While most of the students were complaining about no t.v., no video games and the fact that they had to go to bed early becasue they had no lights one students voice rose above the others. I listened while she told the story of how she had seen "the most beautiful thing".

She told the story of how out of boredom she and her Mom had stepped outside and with no street lights she had been able to see something for the first time. Something that we sometimes take for granted. Just above their house they noticed the evening sky. She was amazed at how brightly the stars had twinkled and just how dark the evening sky was. Normally, this magnificant veiw would have been washed out by the street lights.

So as I start my day filled with thoughts of peace and solitude I am determined to hold onto these no matter what craziness this day will bring.  Should I  begin to fret or worry about things I can not change I need only look to Mother Nature for Inspiration.

     A few days ago we awoke to the phone ringing at the crack of dawn.It was the superintendent of the school where I teach. School was delayed due to poor road conditions and the impending storm. One by one we straggled downstairs, and turned on the television. Our youngest son took a front row seat to veiw the closings and delays that flashed on the screen.  

A little while later the phone rang again. School for me had been cancelled, and only delayed for the children. I could almost feel their eyes boring into my back. I assured them they  too would have a snowday. Well, they've had not only one snowday but two. They may have yet another tomorrow as the forecast calls for even more snow!

The most recent  winter storm all but crippled this tiny town. It began as sleet and freezing rain, which later turned to snow. The world outside is covered in a thick sheet of ice. 

This morning as  I headed out to check on the animals I find the cats in the garage curled up in their usual lump. Since the weather has turned cold they have no desire to go outside, especialy in the morning. They find a way to curl up under their blankets and remain there toasty warm and sound asleep. I am sure they are dreaming of summer, chasing mice and sniffing the catmint that grows rampant here. I head to the barn and a stray has found it's way to the soft bed of hay.He drowsily looks down at me.  I start  thinking  that the cats have the right idea....

 It's a great day for a cat nap...      a, very, very  long one!