Can’t let a blizzard go by without giving you a report! Here’s how the day began for me . . . MUSICA First thing I needed to do was light some candles so I could find my way through the house.
It was obviously not going to be a regular day! The wind was whistling, the snow was blowing, windows were shaking, there was no computer, no internet, no heat, no light, no toaster, Joe was sound asleep, so I made a fire — with the help of Jack — wearing a wool beret. Not him, me. Which isn’t something I usually do, but I think it was almost as cold inside as it was out! When I walked a cold wind blew in my face!
I made tea on our gas stove (thank goodness for gas stoves!), wrapped up in shawls, Tweeted a little bit on my iPhone which I had charged last night — I knew Twitter would be my only contact with the outside world and it was! And then I went to work like “normal” — and here is what I learned: not being warm is one thing, but watercoloring in the dark is just plain dangerous!
You know that old adage, it’s coldest before dawn? That is a true thing. It was getting colder and colder in the house. And then it started to get light . . . and I could see the snow for the first time . . .
And I could see the poor birds. They looked like they’d had a rough time of it, their feathers were wet, and poking up on the tops of their heads, even the ones that weren’t cardinals! I felt bad for them.
This is Jack’s bird-watching perch in the pantry. Every twig is covered in snow.
They were having a field day out there. Even on a normal day, it’s hard to go work when there is so much beauty going on in the kitchen!
As you can tell, at this point, I’ve given up on working, and am now concentrating on getting warm . . .
I closed all the doors to the kitchen, and started the bacon . . .
I turned on the oven, and just then, suddenly, the lights came back on! Then Joe came downstairs.
And we were saved!
So sorry you can’t see Joe…he had such pink cheeks! I could barely see the cardinal through the viewfinder, but he definitely stands out, doesn’t he? This is why I call cardinals “Nature’s Valentines.”
Here is something you hardly ever see in the part of California I’m from, snow on the floor! You would think that you would need to clean it up! But you don’t! (At least if you’re me you don’t!) One of the good things is, when the heat is on, snow that comes off your shoes dries in a snap and you don’t have to do a thing! And that’s my day girlfriends. Back to work. Hope you enjoyed our blizzard, it’s a beauty, still going on, prettier by the moment . . . and I really hope it’s just this “bad” for everyone, and no worse!
Pretty perfect, I’d say.
Just a few more birds before I go . . . ♥
Look at this cutie!
Poor robin, although well-fed, looks frazzled . . .
Beautiful feathers. Brave souls!
Well, all my excuses are gone so bye for now girls! Hope you have a wonderful day! Don’t forget we have a new Willard coming next week! Love you, me xoxo
Hi Susan!
We received 27 inches here in Central MA, 27+ in some areas! We were lucky enough to be one of the few who didn’t lose power though. Hope you snuggle in and have a wonderful cozy day! xo
Tracy
Beautiful! The snow, the birds..everything! Sooo glad your power came back on.. I just saw that there’s over 650,000 people without it up North! I have some friends in New Hampshire and they are at 3 ft and counting this morning! Wow! Glad you are faring well! Stay warm! We will be hearing about this storm for a long time to come. ~ To give you some warmth today, here in NC where I live, it will be almost 60. I am getting ready to prep the soil to plant some Spring crops! Looking forward to getting my hands in the dirt! (but I still wish we could get some snow here!) 🙂 Give Jack and Girl Kitty some rubs from me! Hope the lights stay on for you, but the candles were beautiful as well!!
Tracee~
Usually we don’t get it too bad because of being so close to the water… we would have a very long way to go at this point before we could get our hands in any dirt! 🙂 Have fun!
Glad to hear the power is back on. I remember being in my cozy house during a blizzard and calling my sister on Maui and trying to explain what was happening. And you really don’t have to clean up the snow on the floor? Since I am from So. California and inexperienced in these snow ways I am not sure if you are teasing. I have been wiping up all the snow that lands on the floor.
If there was a ton of it, I probably would, but just a little, it dries faster than you can get a paper towel! Not quite, but almost! (Laziness plays a big part in all of this.)
Glad you survived!! We’re slowly digging out as well. I’m on a break right now. I’m just glad it stopped snowing and the sun is out. Enjoy the beauty of it all.
Yippee the lights came back on!!!! So glad!
XOXO Georgie
just gorgeous. a day without power on the Vineyard is still better than a regular day almost anywhere else.
This is a true thing!
So glad you’ve “weathered” the storm so nicely…and the worst of it is over. At least your power is back on! Thanks for sharing all your tales!
Just beautiful. I live in Stoneham, MA. Lots of snow everywhere and we’re in a massive dig out right now. Even though it’s work, it’s beautiful. My kitties are inside, safe and warm and we never lost electricity. We are blessed!
You are lucky! Stay warm.
Thank you for all the pictures, WOW, so happy you are all o.k.. Was worried about you last night and kept you in my prayers. I was thinking about all of your bird friends too, and was so glad you sent us those pictures and video’s. I couldn’t believe how many were at those feeders! Your studio looked so pretty in the candlelight, but I think you were wise to make the bacon instead, lol! What was Joe doing in his man cave? We actually got rain here, wow. And this a.m. everything was white, (frost), but I call it snow, I opened the door this morning and told my cats, yes, we got snow! Bye for now, again thanks for the update and great pic’s and video’s. xoxo
It is all so magical. The shot of Joe and the bird is a keeper for sure. It is gorgeous! Stay warm with love from sunny southern California. Heading up to Cambria next weekend. Can’t wait!!
That will be fun!
Elaine, very true Joe and the bird pix is a keeper – a Currier & Ives! Love those bird videos and I can ‘hear’ them as our two parakeets here are just as noisy! LOL! I watched and prayed for those ‘shovelers’ and Susan many thanks for making us happy again and again!
How fun! It is beautiful up here in Cambria. Wish we had cardinals though 🙂 I love these videos of the bird feeders. Hope those frosted wings warm up soon.
So beautiful and cozy. Even though I live near San Francisco it seems like we are halfway across the world from you. We woke up to sunny skies today. It’s not exactly warm but it sure is bright and there isn’t a cloud in the sky. Thinking of you today and hope that the storm doesn’t get any worse.
Love San Francisco in the winter!
…I love how you are always thinking of what to give…such service !!…so much to comment on !!…so much reminds me of my times past…of living in the mountains..weathering storms and power out’s..but still loving the adventure…I remember taking a (beloved) color study class at our university, being an art student, and I would do (joyfully) our assignments all night long…then the sun would come up and colors change !!….lol…hard to do watercoloring by candlelight, I would guess..but appreciate your enthusiasm and “happy gene” !!…enjoy that snow….still waiting to hear from my loved ones out your way !!
I can’t help but stop what I an doing and enjoy the sight of a cardinal in my bush outside the kitchen. I love how you described them as “nature’s valentine”. Happy Saturday:-)
What a delightful surprise!! I was just revisiting your blog & this storm update
appeared. Oh joy joy. You are truly hardy souls—–when the power goes out
It must make you thankful that we live in modern times and the outage is just
temporary. Thanks for the extra blog !!!
Have to thank those amazing people out there manning the plows and working on the wires, we are so lucky! When I work, I can’t help but think how it was for people like Beatrix Potter in the 1800’s! Then I really feel lucky!
You are so right, Susan–I am so thankful for those people who plow and work on restoring power at all hours of the day and night–they are amazing!
We are enjoying just a dusting of snow, but right now for the first time in quite awhile, I see light blue skies with a few fluffy clouds racing past (it’s windy!)–love to see that blue! And the sun is shining! Baby Button is soaking up the rays.
Enjoy your day! Your videos with the snow are so beautiful! I’m glad you are taking care of your birdies! By the way, just so you know, I saw your pictures of Jack on twitter and I have to say–that sweet fellow is a “mood enhancer”. Every time I look at those pictures I find myself laughing!
He does that for me too!
Thank you for allowing us to see the world through your eyes/lens–you notice the most beautiful/simplest things and see the beauty in them–you thought me how to enjoy ordinary/every day things in my life. Thank you–stay warm and safe.Nina
Hello, Susan and everyone!
I have been checking your blog, looking for an update, and also checking your weather on the Weather Channel, and it looks like it’s still snowing on Martha’s Vineyard… so glad your power is back on and you can enjoy the storm while still being toasty warm inside! I often wonder how the birds fare when it is so stormy and cold outside, but I guess that these birds are “winter” birds who will cope.
I think some hot chocolate is in order at some point during the day, don’t you? Snowstorms and hot chocolate seem made to go together…
So glad to hear from you; I have been wondering how you and Joe, and Jack and Girl Kitty were doing today with the storm. Take care, Susan, and thank you for the videos and pictures. All the best to you!
Susan , glad you are warm-enjoy. Enjoy the day, snow is a bit like being packed in cotton-and it slows us down. Love the bird colony outside your window, how lucky are you!
Really cold cotton! 🙂
Oh Susan, these are some of the best birdie/blizzard photos. So glad your power came back. Here on Staten Island we did OK, I think we have 9 – 10 inches. Did not see any birds but we usually don’t this time of year, not even cardinals. I like thinking of them as Valentine birds! Stay warm and cozy. xo
Did I hear you say it was 43 degrees in your house while the power was out? Brrrr, chilly. So glad it came back on before you became an icicle. I think it’s a little bit fun when the power is out for just a little while. It only gets inconvenient when it goes on and on. Our version was one summer when we had a big storm that blew down trees and took out the power for almost a week. It was hot, upper 90s, and we were dog sitting so we had three pooches. It was inconvenient, but we survived.
Thanks so much for sharing the photos of the snow and especially the birds. A little trip to Heaven today.
Stay warm.
So very glad you have your power back on, but loved the candlelight and lovely fire with Jack’s silhouette! The videos and photos of the birds and snow were wonderful. We were worried this morning for you as we heard on the news that MV was still having winds of 67-75 mph! The snow is so beautifully clean and white! Hope you enjoy the winter wonderland and have a wonderful day!
We don’t get snow where we live, so I’m in awe of your photos. So pretty, so cold looking. Love that you feed the birds – I bet songs travel far and wide by the birds that grub is at your place. Keep warm.
Love Leanne
My neighbor called this morning — I was telling her about the birds, she said she needed to fill her feeders, I said, don’t worry, they’re all over here! 🙂
I have been thinking about you!
And only you, could make a delightful blog entry, out of being powerless with a Nor’easter!!!!! Dear S. B., you are amazing!!!!!!!! 🙂
“Auntie”
(In NYS, with power, and sunlight on the pretty snow, now…)
As long as you’re at home and can use your oven, how bad can it really be? 🙂 It’s those people doing the rescues and digging out that are amazing! We need a good little shake up every so often!
Susan, last night when I was watching the weather channel, I could see that Martha’s Vineyard was in the path of the yellow/orange storm weather. Yikes@!@ Thanks so much for giving us a tour of the early morning and what it was like living through the blizzard. It looked so beautiful in the firelight with candles and Jack helping in out. But I can only imagine how cold it was in the house when the temp outside was in the 20s or less. BRRRR! Your birdfeeders were so precious with everyone gathering for some chow and a bit of “bird exchange”. I’m imagining the conversation: ” Can you believe that wind last night??? The WORST!! Oh, praise God that seems behind us. Mmm these seeds are incredible this morning. Have you seen Cardinal (insert name) this morning yet? This is his first winter and I am hoping he got proper shelter. The wind was howling so badly last night, none of us could have heard him if he needed help! I am off to see if he is somewhere close by…after one more of these seeds! Joe really got the best this time!” Thanks so much for sharing your story with this Florida girlfriend and I am relieved that you were not left in the cold for days on end either!!!
That Willy Nelson has quite an magination……!
LOL, dad.
Gorgeous! You are a great photographer! Your shots of the birds are especially wonderful this morning – love the one with the bird just taking flight (or coming in for a landing, maybe) I love it! And so does Jack, I see.
Happy you are staying warm now and you’re enjoying nature’s spectacular winter show!
Continued warmth to you all 🙂
♥Deb♥
hi susan….so happy to hear that you all rode out the storm so well….”snug as a bug in a rug” as mom used to say….been in contact with son in Natick, MA…they didn’t loose power but they are snowed in with everything at a stand still…bet that robin is a bit confused….so sweet…thank you for the beautiful pictures and update on MV……was certainly worried about you all….baking my Valentine sweets today…hope they make it to Thursday…(doubtful) 🙂
Love the bird pictures! Love the New England snowstorms. Miss them. The bird quote looks like it done on paper? Very neat. Whose quote is that?
I did it as a pillow with letter fabric (on paper at the time) I’d designed. The quote is Emily Dickinson.
Oh Susan! I’m glad someone else besides me loves this weather! We received about 28″ of snow here in Western Mass. I thought it was about 30″…maybe wishful thinking…but then my husband measured it! We had a lot to dig out this morning but I loved every minute of it…then it was on to my parents to see how they were. Now i’m making turkey soup and cinnamon rolls. Happy, happy day being snowed in. Enjoy!
It’s all so beautiful!! Love Jack’s little ears by the fireplace and the birds are gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing it all with us…. Stay warm, cozy and safe xoxo
Isn’t it fun (don’t think I’m crazy) to get out the candles, light the fire, wrap up and enjoy what nature has created overnight? I do miss my Princeton snowstorms…..thanks for sharing and stay warm!
I agree and I posted on Facebook that I wished we had a blizzard! I think it is the romantic in each of us that sees the beauty in everything. I’m so glad I’m not alone in my thinking and that there are a gaggle of girls with me on this!
I ditto everything those have said about thinking of you all night!
Hugs,
Diane Marie
susan…..i’m for cloning you so each and every girlfriend can have one of you for best friends. (look at the pages you’d get done then!!) When we were stationed on Guam at the last of the Viet Nam war we had a ‘Super’ phoon go over the island, the eye actually went right over the island which is pretty amazing if you see Guam on a map. Anyway, the electricity went out for four days. It’s really funny, you knew the electricity was out, as you walked into a dark bathroom but I still expected my electric toothbrush to work. How strange is that? Glad your warm and safe.
It’s all a habit, and good we get to see that sometimes!
Seeing this post is a real treat for us west coasters. A beautiful blanket of snow, the birds……just lovely. Sadly many are without power and dealing with the harsh winter.
So glad you & yours made it thru the storm.
Equally glad you took the time (and had the means) to post and let us all know you made it through ~ brightens the day considerably.
It was actually in the ’20s and heavily frosted here in the California Sierra (near Sonora) this morning with fresh snow at the higher elevations but, still never anything like in the east.
When I was but a wee lass my family weathered a couple of winters in Caribou, Maine by dreaming of California ~ while others locked in sunny California climes all their lives were dreaming those eastward dreams,
longing for seasonal diversity. (The Sierra has a little bit of everything fortunately.) Guess that’s the beauty standard of our country ~ all these many beautiful places to see and live. And yet even with all of it, there’s still England to dream of…and Scotland… France…Italy…. this list goes on.
So many exquisite places to visit, dream of, ponder & cherish.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos & keeping us vicariously connected to your lovely, charmed Vineyard life. (I usually get so lost in the photos & your post and all the interesting comments of others, I forget to post my own. )
Good morning Susan!… I thought of you and Joe all night long and hoped all was well… I can see that it is!… and it looks beautiful!… do you know why I LOVE you?… well, besides all of the other bazillion reasons… you make EVERY day a celebration… of LIFE!… even in the dark, you go happily about your morning… loved seeing that YOU made the fire today, Joe must be so proud of you!… and that bacon sizzling in your pan… mmmm… I love you too because your pans all look so well~loved and used, not all sparkly shiny brand new~for~show looking!… you actually use them the way they are… worn and loved!… I would love to be in your house right now!… Jack looks cosy by the fire… and your birdies look cold but content… Joe is adorable saying hello from the shed… and your Cardinal is gorgeous… thank you for your little early morning tour… I enjoyed it so much… xoxo… Julie Marie PS I got an email that my wood handled strainer like yours left Martha’s Vineyard yesterday before the storm hit and is on it’s way to me!… yay!…
Susan! It’s SNOW ANGEL TIME! get on out there, brave girl and make some snow angels! Perfect in this good deep snow! Send us some pics! Then, some Hot chocolate by the fire with a good book and some kitties on your feet!
LOL!
I have to confess when I saw the weather channel report I hoped you would have a post! I hope your resident Snow Man got some nice treats for the big ‘dig out’! Stay warm! Loved your post!XXOO Chrissy
Hi Susan and Joe, loved your post especially the one of the birds with the candles reflected in the window. Where is Yankee Magazine when you have the “perfect storm” for a Christmas shot, lol. Toronto got over a foot of snow, too but we were safe and warm inside. Glad you were too. Just having a cup of Chai tea with a ginger snap and later off to the library for some Tasha Tudor books. Enjoy the storm now that power is back. Hugs to Jack and Girl.
Beautiful pictures! I loved to see all the birds at your feeders. I’ll bet they are so thankful for you and Joe. Isn’t it great to have gas which still can function without electricity. My son texted me yesterday that he made it out of Boston before 4pm when everyone had to be off the road. He went to Vermont for the weekend to ski. Go figure! You would think that he would want to stay in Boston for one of the biggest snow storms ever. When I suggested that to him he replied that Vermont was going to get snow also. We’re kind of interested to see if he is going to make it back to Boston by the time he needs to be back as our news is saying that the roads are still closed.
Love the candlelight and roaring fire behind Jack’s ears. Birds are thankful for you and Joe they know they don’t have to fear where their next meal is. Wonderful post today; for a moment I can remember the blizzards in New England. Stay warm and nestle in to enjoy the peace.
Glad you’re o.k. Susan. Was thinking of you. I heard there was an 83mph wind gust on Martha’s Vineyard – wow! And thanks for posting those beautiful photos. Stay safe and warm.
Thanks for the Snow!!! we are cold in so Cal at 39 this morning! Cold for us in our drafty So Cal houses!!
I just love your bird pictures and as always the Cardinals!!!
Love!!
The snow does look pretty, as does the fire, the bacon, and the birds. Joe’s wreaths look nice outside, especially the one on the garden fence. I hope your power stays on and that all those who don’t have power were prepared for this. In our part of Northern Illinois, the robins fly south for the winter. I’m surprised that they stay where you are. You have more snow than we do. Thanks for giving us an update. I did think of you when I saw the news this morning.
Wow! Just think of the first settlers that made their homes on MV.
You must have felt like one of those Pioneering women this morning.
Lighting the candles, making the fire, listening to the wind howl and the snow blow!
Oh, the stories your home could tell, about blizzards…
over the century! If walls could talk…
Thanks for posting and just loved seeing all the photos and video….
So glad you, Joe and kitties are cozy and warm.
Gotta love a good blizzard…..,as long as everyone comes through it safely!
Stay snuggly….inside…and enjoy the crackling fire!
I’m happy to see you still plugging along at your morning routine in spite of the storm and loss of power…you go girl! Your birds at the feeder are just comical to watch! I can imagine a frantic little dialogue going on between them!!
Stay warm and safe, here in the Midwest, we have been so worried about all of you.
XO,
Jane From Chicago
Thank you so much for letting us know you, Joe and kitties are o.k. When I woke up around 6 this morning believe it or not you all were the first people I thought of. I knew my children were safe, my dear husband was at the stove making oatmeal and I thought ” I wonder how Susan and Family are making out”. You have a big group keeping an eye out for you! I can’t speak for everyone but I feel like I’m your neighbor…..not just any neighbor but a quick cup of tea, talk over-the-fence kind of neighbor. xoxo
How beautiful that cardinal looks in the bush against the snow. Wish we had them here on the west coast. They just seem to brighten the day. Jack will be pleased with all the bird action. That is quite a storm, but glad you are safe inside and now have your electricity back on. Tell Joe to take it easy with the snow shoveling, it’s very hard on the back, and it will probably start raining tomorrow, so what’s the point. Hope you have a productive day on the book. I’m sure it will be hard to be productive today with such beauty at your doorstep. Stay warm.
Your photos are beautiful, and romantic! Joe is a hearty soul, and the birds are wonders of nature!
We went to Maine, it’s been snowing for more than 36 hrs. – I can’t wait for it to end!
Keep warm & safe!
Hi Susan, Thanks for sharing on your pics and videos. I am in SE MA, and we really got clobbered with snow, but didn’t lose power. Did you have green lightning during the storm like we did?
The picture of the robin reminds me of that poem,
The north wind doth blow, and we shall have snow,
And what will poor robin do then, poor thing?
He’ll sit in the barn, and keep himself warm, and hide his head under his wing..
I’m enjoying being snowbound for a day!
Boy it sure does sound like you are having fun in the snow! Green lightning? Never heard of that! Love the poem! Enjoy!
We had it once during a snowstorm just like this one – heavy wet snowball/snowman snow and lots of it! About 30 years ago or so here in upstate NY. VERY odd sensation – snow coming down so thickly you can’t see the house across the street, then to hear thunder overhead! A bit spooky…
What a lovely post!! We haven’t had a snow like that where I live in several winters…thanks for sharing!! I loved watching the birds from your window. Stay warm and toasty!
Thanks for your blog, the videos and all the beautiful pictures. We live in South Yarmouth on the Cape and 95% of the town is without power and all roads are closed to the public. We got to witness beautiful thunder snow last night for quite a while. The sky lit up in blue and it was unbelievable and later changed to white. We are very lucky as we have a permanent gas generator, so we are blessed with heat and some appliances. Stay safe everyone.
Oh Susan, you were my first thought this morning when I saw the storm news — I’m glad you escaped the worst of it and your power’s back on! Thank you for sharing 🙂
What a wonderful post!
Thank you for sharing your blizzard with us! I can well imagine the cold you woke up to. I give you credit for trying to get some painting done, but with frozen fingers? No, you did the smart thing . . . into the kitchen, the heart of the home and start the warming there!
Those birds were amazing. So beautiful, even in their frenzy. It’s good of you and Joe to keep the critters well fed in such weather. You guys are like the ‘american red cross’ of the bird world. 🙂
I’m so glad your power is back and that you are safe and sound. Enjoy all that snow- I’ll try my best not to be jealous! 😉
LOL! peep!
Great peep ! ……here have another seed. :~}
Glad you are snug and enjoying all the beautiful wonders of snowfall. It’s so peaceful and still. Your photos say it all. Nevertheless, BRRRRRRRR.
Back in Mexico, the sun came out today, and it’s Carnival. PARTY Time Today. Tomorrow we varnish and wash away 2 months of mildew!
xoxo Sarah
How different our worlds are right now, we just carried a snow shovel over to our friend’s house to dig out far enough to find a key and go check and make sure the heat is on and the pipes haven’t broken! xoxo Have fun Sarah, love you!
I love the snow, but am not missing that we were snowed in for 3 days before we could get a snow blower delivered. Then our pipes froze and we had a hose from the fire hydrant coming into our lines for water for 2 weeks! Such a romantic life.
Glad to hear it starting to slow down there, even read you may get rain later this week. Stay dry and warm. xoxo S
As I sit in my California house, temp is at 50, I consider myself lucky – BUT I do miss the snow – a gentle snow though! Your snow is beautiful from my vantage point. And the birds are so wonderful. And how about that Joe – busy shoveling his way to the garage – I am sure that activity helps warm up the body. I worried about all of you in your little house. So thankful that you found the means to contact us with how you were fairing. Such a terrible storm. I will say that when I got up for coffee (8:30am) it was barely 30 degrees on the patio. California looks forward to seeing you back in your home here! XXXXOOOO BFF Pat P.S. Today I find out whether my first Great-grandchild will be a boy or girl! Or – it will remain a mystery. Healthy is all I want. I get to see the 4D ultrasound and watch him/her move around – so exciting!
Well, we can only hope for one or the other — remember that other one got away before we found out …..!
Brrrr…I am feeling cold just looking at your photos, which are marvelous, by the way. I loved the bird pictures, especially that puffed up robin trying to weather the storm.
Always good to check on your neighbors during/after a big snow storm.Wonderful photos this morning of your adventure without power. Goodness, go buy a generator!
Thanks for update and beautiful pics. So nice to enjoy even from a long distance. I’m in Southern CA. Stay warm and enjoy the beauty all around – inside and outside.
I think we got 30″ or so (in north central CT), and now the sun is full out and very, very windy. Stay warm!!
Thanks for the update:) Lovely snow and as long as your power came back on you are set. Just enjoy the beauty around you. I loved shoveling:)))
We fed LOTS of birds in MN and I’d go out before it got light after a snowstorm and made sure the feeders were full and scraped a bare spot under the feeders for the cardinals. They do eat at the feeders but, also like to eat from the ground. Loved seeing the nuthatches, downy woodpecker and the others. Great shot of the bird in flight – wow. Bisous
So glad y’all survived but it does help, being prepared. So many could learn from you and Joe! I have to admit, I’m so happy this storm bypassed us; I’m fair tuckered out from all the farm work and the snow just adds to the work load.
Thank you for sharing thru still and video today. Hearing you describe your environment I felt as if we were talking, at the fence, as neighbors do on days we are drawn outside. Thank you for sacrificing all your time and energy so we may be blessed by your new piece of art….book. Love the way you illustrated tomorrows Chinese New Year on my “Susan Branch, Heart of the Home, 2013 Calendar”!!!!! By the way… the mountains/hills of TN are awesome this weekend. PLEASE put us on the book tour. Hug Hug
Hi Sweet Susan,
I was checking to see about you and Joe in the Blizzard and there was your Happy post!! Even without power, you were a day brightener for sure. Love the birds and Jack watching them You make the coziest pictures with the bacon sizzling and the candles burning. Love coming to your Blog for Blessings and love!! Stay warm!
We have 40 degrees and no snow here in Colorado looking at Pikes Peak which is snowy looking.
Blessings and Hugs,
Irene
Been wondering how you were doing…so glad you now have heat! Those are some cold looking birdies, for sure. They are lucky to have your help with dinner. 🙂
I would have loved the storm, too, Susan!! I love dramatic weather!! Probably because we never get any in Fresno!
When we first got married, my husband and I moved to OK for a year and a half (that’s where he’s from). The winter we were there, we had a LOT of dramatic weather and I loved every minute of it!! Everyone else was complaining, and I was in heaven!!
All your birds are so awesome!! I have one bird feeder out front and one finch “sock”. We haven’t had a lot of finches this year, but the sparrows are very abundant! It’s difficult to tear myself away from the kitchen window – I know just how you feel!
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
Beautiful pictures! I am glad your power came back on and all is well for you there. I am looking for a house now and can’t wait to set out all my bird feeders and start my gardens once again. Love watching the songbirds! I wish we had gotten some of the snow, but we didn’t. Enjoy the beauty, and thanks for sharing.
So glad you & Joe are alright! I kept thinking of you all morning. It is chilly here in Southern CA but I’m not complaining. I do so love seeing pix from your world…the birds are beautiful! How do they survive in the freezing temps!?!
And the snow does not slow Joe down one bit. Good for Joe!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Thank You…now I feel better! Worried about you as we were tracking the storm on the Weather Channel all day! Our daughter and husband made it to Scranton from Boston area before the snow started to see their son in a College Swim Meet. Now I will worry about them going home! Her neighbor sent her a picture of their house and she put it on FB and they got 22 inches in Chelmsford! Looks lovely! Sun is shining here in PacPal but it was 42 when we woke up! Catalina is looking lovely out there! When we lived in DC for 3 years we had a February blizzard like this one. I went to work and of course the natives hadn’t even considered it! Well, guess we Californians are used to fires and earthquakes and mudslides so a few feet of snow didn’t seem to be too bad! Haaaa Haaa! Stay warm and enjoy your cozy and beautiful house and surroundings. Love your pictures and videos!!!! Those birds are a lucky bunch. Cheers, Ritchie
So glad to hear you and Joe survived the blizzard. It looks like you got about
a foot? Here in northwest NJ we got about 6 inches but the wind is really blowing today (Saturday)…just dug ourselves out and have a pot of soup simmering on the stove. The first thing I did this morning was dig a path to
my bird feeders, the poor things. Thanks for sharing your birds with us —
I haven’t seen a robin yet. I love the photo of Jack looking out the window.
My kitty, Tinkerbelle, doesn’t seem interested in the birds unless they’re hopping around on the deck. She’s going to be 13 in March — the 1st day of
Spring! If she wert pudding, I’d eat her!!! It’s time for me to go give her another kiss on her head. Keep warm and stay safe.
JoAnne in snowy and windy NJ
Woke up at 5 to a wonderfully erie shaking of our house by those groaning, swirling wind gusts. Snow’s still blowing sideways here. Been outside with the kids – such fun, I wish I could just bottle that rosy glow on their cheeks! Whenever we are “stuck” inside for a while the family always seems to become divided down old fashioned lines. Today, it’s marathon RISK for father and son and baking and Valentine creating mother and daughter. I love a snowy day. (I’m heading back out there!)
The bacon looks yummy, guess it is time for some late lunch here. I am glad that your snowstorm has passed. Fortunately where I live in Illinois I only had less than an inch of snow which is ok with me. I love, love, love birds and I live on 3 acres of wooded land so I have many birds here. I also, in the summer, have a heron that nests by my pond in the back yard. I wish I could hang as many feeders as you have as it would be easier but there is not another place to put a hook. Squirrels are plentiful out here so I have to have squirrel proof feeders or the birds would never have any food. Our weather is warming up into the 30s and 40s this coming week so the snow that is on the ground will be gone before you know it. And like you, glad I have a gas store and I still have my old coffee pot so I can make my morning coffee. Enjoy the day.
I so enjoyed seeing your birds and your snow! We had about 9 inches the other day, and I guess our storm, is now your storm! This morning it was foggy and on top of the icy snowcovered trees, it looked like a enchanted land!!! I was waiting for Prince Charming to ride up on his white horse!!! I can feel the love of you and Joe! You’re one lucky lady…and of course, he’s one lucky man! Stay safe, and warm!!!!!
Hi Susan! Thank you for the wonderful pics of the Vineyard! Glad you are warm and safe. We got about 25 inches here in central Mass. Power is still on! 🙂 My sister who lives in Milford, CT got 38 inches! She is in her 70’s and has lived in CT all her life. She said she has never seen so much snow! My husband and I made peppermint bark today with the leftover Christmas candy canes after we shoveled out the cars! Love your pics, videos, musica and you!
Brrrrrrr…..is there anything MORE to say. Oh, maybe stay cozy and stay safe. Oma and I are waving to you and sending you warm cyber HUGS!!!!
You have reminded me that we need to get birdseed today! I love watching the cardinals! I wish that they could come and visit our cute little golden finches and thaw out a bit. While we have sunny, blue skies today, yesterday was a different story. We had grey skies, rain, and SoCal snow otherwise known as hail. It’s chilly (cold), but I am sure many of our Eastern girlfriends would gladly exchange temperatures for a day or two. Loved the visual and written pictures of your blizzard experiences!
Thanks for the update. Wondered how you were doing, but I knew you would handle anything sent with your usual awe and optimism. We had our snow here outside of Buffalo, NY..I have about a foot in my yard. It was such a pretty snow, just drifted down like a snow globe, no crazy blizzard winds. Now everything has a beautiful snowy icing. Thanks for taking care of the feathered friends.
Sue
I was thinking of you this morning as I was catching Mardi Gras beads and Moon Pies at the local Mardi Gras parade! So happy to see your post, and to know all is well 🙂
Sharon in Alabama
When the snow hit Toronto I stayed at work. Snow is pretty but it’s not great for driving.At least the weather is better in Canada!
Glad your heat is on Susan! Thanks for the post. We had 3 feet here in CT. It’s crazy. Streets are not plowed. There is a statewide ban on driving. Crazy!!!
I thought about you the first thing this morning, Susan. Lovely post, so glad you have electricity. xxo
Hi Susan!
So very glad you glad you got your power back! Isn’t it a wonderful feeling? Our lights flickered a lot last night but we never lost power, thank goodness. After Hurricane Sandy we were one of the lucky ones and got our power back after only 27 hours at 9:27 at night, and I ran around the house yelling, ‘The power’s back on! The power’s back on!” like a kid on Christmas morning who got the gift she wanted most. We only got 14 inches here; it seems like the people on the east end of the Island and CT and MA got hit the hardest.
We filled our garage-mounted bird feeder before the storm, and I recently bought two more to hang on the trees in our yard. We don’t get many different kinds of birds around here, lots of sparrows and starlings, etc. but we do have a male and female cardinal who show up every so often, some mourning doves, mockingbirds, robins, and the occasional blue jay and woodpecker. Looks so pretty right now with sun so bright and the snow coating the trees and bushes. Thanks for the wonderful bird pictures (and your kitty pictures on Twitter!).
Watching from afar……………..we’re in the FL Keys enjoying the warmth with family and friends…………..spent the morning at Dolphin Research Center watching our 2 yr old grandson frolicking in the water area for kids (and grown ones too!)……………… STAY WARM and SAFE on MV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can I be a wee bit jealous? I love where we live (Vancouver Island), but I do miss a good snowfall and storm once in awhile. It’s a perfect opportunity to stay cozy and warm and do nothing but look outside. Your birds are so charming – I hope the poor robin gets un-frazzled soon.
WOW you did get snow, we were supposed to get 6 to 12 here in Pa. but only got about 4. I woke up around 7:30 expecting to shovel the driveway, and the wind had done it for me. Sometimes the wind is helpful, notice I said sometimes. Ashley was at a sleepover birthday party and then had volleyball practice around 10 30. Even in the weather, the acivities still go on.
I felt so bad for the birds today. How they stayed on the feeder and bushes, is beyond me. The wind was just blowing so hard. It is like they are having a winter party of their own.
Glad your power came on. I cannot wait to get the Williard in by inbox this week. Stay warm and enjoy the beauty of winter, it is a magical time.
Congratulations! You are weathering your first blizzard like a true native! I’ve been glued to weather.com watching all the photos of Boston and the suburbs — even of my home town, Reading!! I talked with my cousin in Hyannis. A tree they had been planning to take down (next spring) neatly fell across the back yard (missing the house!). Now all they have to do is cut it up when spring comes! Mother Nature helped them out!!
Love all your photos and videos. Enjoy! Enjoy! the great fun you’ll have in the snow when it stops!!
Thank you so much for letting us know you made it through ok. Your pictures are fabulous. The one of Joe shoveling with the birds outside the window is Christmas Card worthy!
Dear Susan,
Glad to hear you weathered Nemo! We only had 8 inches to dig out. Not nearly as much as you, a bit further east off the Cape. The sun is shining and melting it down already. It looked like someone wrapped the world in marshmallow fluff this morning. So beautiful as the sun shimmered on the crystals in the snow.
I love your robin–my favorite bird–puffing himself out to try and stay warm.
It seems I see them earlier and earlier each year.
While candles are romantic, they don’t do much for warmth. Nothing like the heater going again! Hopefully, that is it for “Old Man Winter!”
The bacon sizzling in the pan looked so appealing! I could almost smell it!
Enjoy the day!
Time for a whole house generator, that’s what I keep saying. We got less than a foot in our area (Readington Twsp), although looking around the neighborhood it looks like more. Our road dept. does a bang up job too. Our road is totally clearned of snow and dry right now. Thankfully we didn’t lose power this time. Yaaaaaaaaa! I posted lots of pictures on my FB page so all the relatives in sunny CA & FL can see the pretty white fluff outside our house. It’s been fantastically sunny all day here and our birds are going crazy on all the bird feeders too. They always go into an eating frenzy after a storm. So glad you weathered the blizzard and have power back. Just another good reason not to have to worry about the pipes freezing. Got to call my BFF in Windham to see how she is making out. Warm hugs from cent’l Jersey…….
SOOOOOOO glad you made it through the storm safe and sound…that includes your beautiful house because sometimes tree branches fall off trees in the snow storms…now we are under a blizzard watch until Monday…up to 18″ of snow is possible…we got provisions today and are ready…hopefully we won’t get that much snow because we already have 12″+ on the ground…stay warm and cozy…xoxo…
Absolutely beautiful! I loved seeing the birds in the video, and then the red cardinal.
Kristin
I am surprised we did loose power in our little old village here when we had the snow storm ! Yup gas stove here to they are a god send in a power outage ! Lovely photos and video Our birdies have been in a feeding frenzy and I love watching them all . Glad all are cozy and safe ! Have a good day !
Happy Winter’s Day to you, Susan~~~
I’m glad that you are safe and cozy in you house! Those birds were pretty thankful to have all the food to keep up their energy in the freezing cold. They thank you very much, Susan for feeding them. Looks as though all the birds on Martha’s Vineyard were feeding at your place this morning!
Everything looks so pretty in white! Would be fun to know how many inches you’ve gotten out of this storm. I hope that everybody took care in this storm back East!!
Glad that you weren’t without power for the day. I would think that you haven’t gotten too much done today, we it doesn’t take much of something different with the weather or the kitties to make it seem like a holiday. Everyone will be talking about the storm for a few days to come.
That bacon that you started to make sure looked good. Joe must have smelled it and followed the tantilizing aroma down the stairs and into the kitchen 🙂
Cheerieo to you ~
xoxoxoxo Carol M
OOPS! that we didn’t loose power lol and I was surprised ! Oh my fingers go faster then my brain some times lol !
Oh, Thank you so much for the beautiful photos and video. We’re having a warmer stretch in Northern California foothills and haven’t had much snow at all this year. We also don’t have cardinals here and they are my favorite bird!! You have sent a little of both my way through your post. Thank you!! Maybe you could wrap up some of that snow and a few cardinals and send them this way? :o)
I am so happy that you feed those birds! I feel sorry for them sometimes too. Stay warm!! Joe is a real good helper!
So loved the candles on your writing table! And, the dark image of Jack next to the fire….and the crystals on the windows as the snow plow drives by. I can so identify with this….we have flashlights by the bed, by the front door and a small ‘power station’ always charged for those immediate needs. We, too, have an old gas Wedgewood stove (we would never change this!!!) that keeps the kitchen alive!!!! Power outages are magical within their own right…..because, it is only at night that we really, REALLY feel compromised! Once daylight comes, we regroup, adjust strategies…and, carry on! Stay warm & safe, Sue (and Joe & kitties) and thanks for keeping us posted!!! much love to you!!! ♥ ♥ ♥
I enjoyed a peek into your snowy world today! It’s just very cold here today…. no snow yet. Also, thanks for all the bird pics. I love them! Stay warm.
I am sooo glad you and Joe are OK!!! Isn’t it funny how birds come out to play in the snow? Mine did two weeks ago.
Thanks for letting us know how the blizzard is coming along. I worry. Glad you have your power back.
Susan, Thanks for sharing the lovely snowy photos! So glad you are all snug in your cozy, dream-of-a-home!! The birds are too tweet! I rescued a wee chickadee this morning from the garage! Poor thing was a bit disoriented after trying to find it’s way out…i cuddled it in a sweatshirt it landed on and placed it just outside the door until its wits came back and off it went. They are just so, so precious. By the way, do you know the name of the bird on the feeder in the photo just above the robin? I have them here in Central IL too and don’t know what they are?!?
I made those luscious heart-shaped tea biscuits the other day, it my super-cute cast iron pan from your shop. They are just so delectable, light and make the house smell divine!!! Thanks for sharing.
Hope your day as delightful and you hunker down and savor the beautiful, peace and stillness around.
Cozy, warm, fleecy hugs and bunches of LoVe.
XooX,
Jeanette
Hi Jeanette, the little bird you were asking about is a nut hatch. We have them too at our feeder.
Susan,
I’m very thankful that you made it through the blizzard and that your power is back on! You were in my thoughts through the night. Did Jack and Girl mind the cold? I always worry more about my kitty than myself during bad weather. The photos are really nice. I love birds, too! Have a warm and cozy evening!
Pamela Jo
Taking a break from Saturday laundry and puttering, I sat down and flipped on the t.v. “Sabrina” was on and I thought of my favorite scenes…on Martha’s Vineyard. Saw the church spire and a house that looks like yours. (So lovely!). Decided to check my email and there you were. Wow! Beautiful pictures. Stay warm. Thank you so much for sharing!!!
So glad to see you are enjoying the blizzard all safe and sound. My daughter lives in New Hampshire and she only got 7 inches of snow. I think you are have much more than that! I love all the activity at the bird feeders. They are so happy you have well stocked feeders. Stay safe and enjoy your winter wonderland! xoxo ♥