Hello February!!
Lately in the mornings, I have been standing at our back door, holding a cup of tea, and just looking out at the yard until my feet get too cold and I have to go all the way back in. The yard is just that February in Michigan kind of yard – muddy, dead plants, gray skies. There is a feeling of waiting about it. It is pretty forgotten for the moment, except when I take Wyatt out in his wheelchair, since our ramp is in the back of the house so he can use the yard during the good weather, so for the most part, the yard is not used, at least by us. I do see signs of animals out there though. There are obvious signs that rabbits congregate out there nightly, and I find broken shells of nuts littered about the deck occasionally from the squirrelsBut . Today I could have sworn I heard an early frog and shucked my boots on to go investigate – it would be too cold for a frog to be awake! I didn’t find him though. I will keep looking. There is also the big tabby with the ear tip that I have named Angus-Fergus, who leaves little cat footprints in the snow and sleeps under the deck at night. One time I surprised him when I opened the door, and he reared back in surprise and shock, his eyes wide. We just looked at each other and I told him he was ok, and he sauntered off to do whatever was on his agenda, our surprise meeting forgotten for the moment.
January was spent with a lot of at home days, focusing on school and the things I need to do around here. Just normal life stuff, without too many adventures. Lots of cozy moments with my kiddo, reading at night, or watching television with Billy in the evening once the house has been put to bed – Wyatt bathed and pajamaed, the creatures all fed, the kitchen cleaned up from dinner and the sound of the dishwasher running in the background. I foresee many of these same evenings ahead of us in February as well, although we do have some new things starting and some events on the horizon. I am planning Wyatt’s tenth birthday party, for one. It is next month but I am a planner so I will spend sometime working out all of the details.
I even have something new for me in the books! I am taking a leadership advocacy training course next week for three days, and I am sort of nervous! It has been a while since I have done anything like this, and it is for a few hours everyday. I even had a bit of homework for this week, which was actually more fun than work. I wouldn’t even classify it as work honestly. I had to create a collage to introduce my family, and I have to talk for two minutes about us. Can I do this? I will have to practice!
This is what I came up with. I had to add some bunting, because I love bunting and always have it hanging in my house for every season. It just makes everything feel so bright and fresh.
I also learned that February is National Embroidery Month, in addition to Black History Month. I have been doing a bit of a deep dive on the history of women and community and resistance and handicrafts the past few days, and I have a whole new section on my TBR just for this topic. I have also read that “grandma-core” hobbies like sewing and knitting and baking are helping teens these days handle stress. I know that it helps me to self-regulate, as my husband puts it, to sit and embroider at night.
Wyatt also starts his new bowling league this month. He is so excited about it! It was started by a group that sets up activities for special needs kids and adults, and they are in teams by age. Wyatt is Team Thundering Turkeys!
Despite some new activities on our horizon, the majority of our month will be spent the same as January. Snug in our little house, surrounded by each other, maybe if we are lucky a good cat on our laps, purring away, a nice cup of tea, a good book. Planning for spring but enjoying the season we are in.
Whatever you do today, try to do something that makes you smile. Even if it is just a small thing, like ten extra minutes in the shower or taking a minute to look outside, and just observe the world.
Still Life, With Cracker Crumbs.. 
It sounds like a wonderfully cozy time. I love the collage. I think you will find the two minutes go a lot faster than you expect. It sounds like a lot of fun. And now I am ending the night thinking of the things that made me smile today.
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Yay I am so glad that you ended your night thinking about the good things that happened during your day!
I really hope it does. I am not great at speaking to a class!
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Your collage is perfect! I don’t think you will have any problems talking about your family and pets for two minutes. It will go by in a flash! I love that you have a cat sleeping under your deck. I miss being around cats because they are so themselves. Dogs are always in your face, but a cat will take you or leave you!
I started cleaning out my closet and had a blast. It took a long time (only got one side done), but it already makes me feel better. I also moved the rug from the bathroom into the closet. The rug drew too much attention in the bathroom, but it is perfect in the closet where everything is colorful!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
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I hope it does! I always hated those type things in school!
Angus-Fergus is so cute. He is also a chubby boy! He must be eating good somewhere. And that is so true. I love dogs so much but they have no chill.
I love doing things like that! You feel an immediate sense of accomplishment. I love the sound of your colorful closet! I am sure it is, with your various outfits!
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One thing I do like about that “neglected” winter yard is seeing all the animal evidence 🙂 I’ve found places where bunnies found the last lingering clover, and the deer use our driveway as a freeway, lol … I actually heard spring peeper froggies yesterday! I told them to peep while they can, because it’s freezing again very soon. And the hawks – the hawks are reigning supreme the last few weeks, and they perch in the scraggly cherry outside the office, soaking in the sun 🙂
February is maybe the best of the hibernating months because we’re getting more sun, but can still be cozy ❤
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I would love love love to see deer in my yard! That is a longshot for me, unfortunately. And if you heard frogs, maybe I did too! Will though go back to brumation? I love this vision of your yard. Especially the hawks! (although stay away from those bunnies!)
That is a very good point!! It’s not as dark but still cold and cozy!
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I’ve always supposed they go back and forth, just because we’ll hear them off and on during winter when there are those warmer days. Our hawks must like “to-go” meals: they focus more on mouse/rat things in the pasture, LOL
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Can you talk for two minutes on your family? Of course you can! You “talk” to us about them all the time and two minutes is a piece of cake. Just think of it as speaking a blog post! And I have that same Michigan Mud backyard. I hear you!
Not my best week. Sunday in the ER after cracking my head on the icy sidewalk; then learning today I need a new breaker panel. Last night was grim — no furnace, stove, internet or lights in half the house. Today it’s jerry rigged but won’t last forever. One thing after another!
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I will just take a deep breath and think of England. Lol. I am kidding. I will imagine that, that I am talking to my bloggie friends! And ugh these yucko sad yards. You at least had some deer!
Jeanie!! Your week is off to a rough start!! I hope you are doing ok after your fall! And I hope you have working heat and appliances!
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Sounds like a very cozy January! We had a family of bunnies in our backyard last year and I absolutely loved it. I’m hoping for the same this year. We have nice weather right now (temps in the 60s/70s) but it’s supposed to rain and then get cold (40s) next week so we will probably all be sick! Have a happy February!
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I love bunnies so much!! We used to get them when we had a dog who would hunt them. Now that we don’t have her anymore (she passed away 10 years ago) the bunnies haven’t been here. What the heck?
And oh no!!! For you guys that is super cold!! Stay warm and safe!
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