Haney's Hollow Honored

 

Today, Kevin surprised me with a beautiful handcrafted plaque he had specially designed to honor our new home.  I was thrilled with the artist's efforts to execute Kevin's concept and so touched by Kevin's gift!  We hung our home dedication on our front porch.  The previous home owners also had a plaque for their home and we hung ours where theirs previously hung ... carrying on the tradition.

 

Kevin thoughtfully chose the Tree of Life to be center stage in the plaque, our own specially chosen emblem to represent our relationship.  At Christmas, Kevin gave me a stunning agate and copper Tree of Life nightlight that was the perfect thing to set off our collection of Native American art pieces.  This collection sits in our hallway between our two offices and the nightlight casts a gentle, amber glow in this special space.

 

 

We look forward to making many memories at Haney's Hollow and enjoying many years here.



Red

                                                                  Amaryllis in Bloom

Christmas Cactus

 

Poinsettia

 

New Set of Pots & Pans

 

Ordinarily, I don't find myself gravitating to the color red.  I think the prolonged winter weather we're experiencing has made me crave color.  Yesterday, Kevin and I picked out a new set of cookware in a bright, shiny red metallic finish when we got out to the store.  Perhaps, we were influenced by the plants we have indoors ~ all with bright, cheery red blooms :)  Even the Christmas season poinsettia is still going strong in flaming red.  I find this hue really does provide a pick-up on the gray, dreary cold days that seem to want to linger on and on!

Full Moon

 

It was a beautiful full moon night.  Kevin took this great photo right from our living room window!  

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

 

I'm sure not going to win any cake decorating contests any time soon, but it's so sweet to know I've won Kevin's heart and he mine for all time :)

 

Wishing all a sweet and happy day!!!

Let it snow...

This truly has been a snowy winter here in the Catoctin Mountains.  We already received a fresh snowfall of 18 inches that fell last night and more snow is on the way this evening.  My thinking for the day ... if you can't beat em, join em! So, this afternoon, I painted the latest in my series of "Little Cat" ACEOs.  All I had to do was look out our back window for a great "model" for the background, and Jasper is my forever model for the little black cat :)

You Know You Live Out In the Sticks ...

...when you look out at your backyard bird feeder and see ...

 

... an opossum!!!

 

Kevin and I watched this little guy eat his fill and, then, as stately as an opossum can, take his leave and waddle back up the mountain :)

Brrrrr...

 

We survived the Frederick Freeze of 2014!  All the trees were encapsulated in ice, but aside from some scattered downed branches, there is little evidence of permanent damage from the deep freeze.  The whole top of the mountain behind us was frozen.  The power was out for two days and a frigid night, and we didn't have any running water during that period, but bottled water and no-need-to-heat snacks kept us going until the lights and heat finally came back on ~ and what a great feeling accompanied their return!!!  It makes you really appreciate the modern conveniences that are all too easily taken for granted.  This winter really has been a rough one and it's been disappointing to have to cancel plans over and over again with friends and loved ones ... but ... it'll make the coming of spring this year all the more welcome!

Snow Day Deja-Vu

The contrast of inside and outside from my study window!

Two views of our winter wonderland ~ photos Kevin took earlier today.
It's white alright :)

A "Pacey" Painting

 

It is still a little hard for me to paint tabby cats since I am forever missing our tabby, Pacey, ... but this one was fun to do with a chubby wren and tabby meeting up and catching each other's eye.  Kevin suggested I name it "Staring Contest," a perfect name I thought, given a cat's propensity to lock its gaze with another for long periods.  This painting is one of three miniatures I created lately, all with spring and summer scenery.  I'm longing for spring to get here and looking ahead beyond all our snow!  We are due for several snow days this week with an accumulation of six or more additional inches to add to what's still there.  Definitely can't wait for shades of green to replace the white!