Frosty

It’s been a fairly mild Winter this year. Only about 8” of snow on the ground and I don’t think we’ve had a single day of sub-zero weather (unlike 2 yrs. ago when we had WEEKS of below zero temps). But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t get a mite nippy once the sun goes down. Our crystal clear skies at night are an indicator of frosty mornings to come.

 

So, I bundle up to feed the horses, and give them a bit of extra hay.

The deer have learned that when I’m feeding the 3 mares, and walking some distance to do so, I tend to drop some stray hay on the ground. When they hear the rattle of the chain on the gates, they appear- watching- hoping. 

 

Every wire, every fence post, and gate is covered with glistening crystals.

The animals are frisky, the cold turning them into smoking dragons as their visible breath wafts slowly skyward. Everything is crisp, and clean, and each step reverberates- crunch, crunch, crunch.

I hear plenty of people grumble about Winter. They dislike the cold, and they are afraid to drive on snow (I TOTALLY understand that. It’s always a concern). As for me, I honestly would hate living somewhere without 4 distinct seasons- somewhere warm all year round. It might be easier to drive, but  I would desperately miss Winters without snow, Falls without intense colors, Springs where the new leaves emerge so GREEN in contrast to the black, bare branches of Winter. I would miss breathing in cold, clean air. I would miss my daily treks to the barn- in all kinds of weather where nothing is ever exactly the same day to day. I’ll take Montana over your easily driveable, over-crowded roads any day. I’m here to stay. ;) 

Black Magic cake

OH! do I EVER have a cake recipe for you! 

It's a moist, from-scratch recipe that's easy-peasy to make!

And OH! is it ever delicious!!!!

Black Magic Chocolate Cake

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and grease a 9x13 cake pan.

Mix together:  1 3/4 cups flour

2 cups sugar

3/4 cups cocoa

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

Add:  2 eggs

1 cup cold, strong coffee

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

Beat on medium speed for 2 min. The batter will be thin.

Pour into the 9x13 greased pan, and bake 35-40 min. in a 350 degree oven, or until cake is done in the middle.

Let cool. Frost with white or chocolate frosting! 

Here's the link to the website where I found the recipe!

https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/dessert/cake/black-magic-cake-best-chocolate-cake-ever-5.html

Enjoy!!!

Incredulous

Yesterday, I was beside myself. A friend of mine, someone in authority, with influence, posted a ridiculous video on FB. It was so outrageous, I was disheartened to think anyone could watch it and not question it... not research it... not consider the source- but here was this person, this intelligent person, totally, and blindly, not only re-posting it, but tagging people to join her in her disgust about something that wasn't happening, and was blatantly untrue.

Unfortunately, this is human nature. It is SO freakin' fun to bash and hate an abstract group- in this case it was California liberals, in other cases, it could be almost anyone. Participating in THEM vs US mentality makes us feel superior- makes us feel like WE are the ones on the CORRECT side- makes us feel smug- so very smug. We are powerful with allies, and it's so much easier to trot out cliches and platitudes and campaign slogans than it is to think and empathize and understand. That's the whole point behind the names, and finger pointing: Snowflakes, Libtards, Tree-huggers, etc. to make yourself feel better, and smarter than the person with a differing opinion. 

BUT I digress... this really WASN'T what I wanted to blog about. Suffice to say, I was dealing with being angry, hurt, and disappointed when I looked outside and saw two of my mares alerting to something in the far pasture. When I pulled on my boots, and walked outside, Journey and Magick were prancing in circles, stopping, queued into to something out of my sight, snorting and pawing before cantering off to a safer distance. What could I do but go investigate? 

I didn't have to walk far before I saw the source of their discomfort- a lovely, young, cow elk.

I'm sure she must have been with others who were safely ensconced in the woods, but I never saw them.

I watched her for awhile before turning for home.

And that's when I heard them.... 

A pair of eagles, sitting in our tree, overlooking the house and barn.

They were magnificent.

As you can see, I couldn't stop snapping photos! 

I started getting a little nervous for our feral, barn cat, Salem. If he strolled out, unaware, these two would have no trouble picking him up for lunch- so, with some regret, I shoo-ed them on their way.

Once again, Wind's Echo had grounded me, calmed me, soothed me. I stood quietly, breathing in deeply, appreciating the beauty around me, and realigning my priorities once more.

I know more about my friend now-

unfortunately.

But knowledge is a good thing.

And I decided I liked who, what and where I was in Life- 

despite being a Feminist, lazy, Liberal. 

;)

Be Kind

You’ve all seen the meme. You’ve probably reposted it. “In a World where you can be anything you want.... be kind.”

A few years ago, I asked my grown children what was the ABSOLUTE WORST thing they could have possibly done in our family. What action would upset me the most? What would disappoint us, their parents, more than anything else? And although I asked each one separately, at different times, they ALL gave me the same answer. Be unkind to someone. Treat a person, or an animal unkindly. 

They were correct.

They are kind people. They are intelligent, well-read, inquiring, independent, successful people, and they are kind. Kind to humanity. Kind to animals. Kind to each other, their spouses, children and parents.  Helpful and respectful. They are just really good humans. 

They are the kind of people who notice and react. Who empathize and comfort. Who understand when to help and what to do.

They are the type of people who will find water for a thirsty stray, put a bird back in it's nest, catch the bug and place it outside in it's rightful place, understanding that every living creature has a purpose, and arbitrarily killing ANYTHING has consequence.

As adults, each one has already chosen a profession which makes this World a better place. Our oldest, is a college professor, teaching not only Psychology, and Statistics, but Life lessons. He reaches out to, and supports his students while challenging their brains. He urges them to think, question, and try to see different viewpoints.

Our daughter is a Pediatric Dr. of Neuro-Psychology, specializing in Oncology, Cardiology and Traumatic brain injury. She has blessed many, many children's lives and always goes the extra miles to help their parents through one of the most difficult challenges of their lives. It's obvious to all her patients how much she sincerely cares about each of them.

Our youngest son is an Environmental Urban Renewal Landscape Architect who specializes in historical revitalization. He's the one sent into cities and areas, who protects the culture and history of the area, while "greening" it up, so to speak. He listens to the voices of the locals, and preserves what is important to them, while serving their needs by updating the facilities. 

AND they married kind people. I don’t think they could have tolerated anything less. 

We are proud and we are blessed.

So very blessed.

For in this world, where they can be anything they want, they still choose to kind.

They are our gift to the World. 

She released this fish. She ALWAYS releases the fish. It's her favorite part of fishing. :)