Officially Winter

When I have to crack ice both at morning and evening chores, I declare it to officially be winter. I don't really keep track of the solstice or the months on the Gregorian calendar, I keep track of the ice and the critters. I did chores a bit late this morning as I was still hearing coyotes after daybreak. I saw no reason to invite them to chicken breakfast. It's an odd year for the wild varmints, so I'm not sure what to be watching for, weather wise. The acorns were a bit sparse and small because of the dry hot summer, so the squirrels are scampering pretty warily and appear to be pretty sneaky, as they uncover their hidden stashes. I'm thinking the creatures are still expecting considerably more winter weather. Even though, I'm planning on just a few more weeks of this ice cracking business.
I've got big plans for the next two weeks! This is truly one of the brightest spots of homesteading for me. G-d willing, I won't go any farther than these 10 little acres for at least two weeks. I love that! I got all both of my bills paid this month, plus my annual taxes, and so with plenty of feed and hay on the place . . . I'm home for as long as I can get away with it. I've had a project just awaiting this season and I am already enjoying it immensely.
Although I think I could adapt to hibernation, my sweet little critters would not be happy with that, so I do the next best thing. I've been working on my next book for a time, and I think I can see the final chapters in view, as well as the cover taking shape. There is just something rapturous for me in writing by the fireplace. I'm not one given to "cozy" very often, but between Hanukkah and the garden, I like to "cozy in" with a good book. Let's hope that's what I'm writing.
I mentioned the garden and that is one thing I take note of, on the calendar. It is officially, 7 weeks until I can begin planting the garden. Two years ago, I was tempted to plant in the snow, but I waited two extra weeks! I feel very blessed to live where there is enough winter to see the seasons change, but just enough. I like a long growing season. i cannot complain about a growing season that begins in February and we don't usually see much of a frost until the first of November. Really, with this growing season, I get just enough of a break to look forward to planting long before the root cellar is empty.