Baby it's Cold Outside!

With another arctic blast upon us and temps in the single digits (for a high, and not including the wind chill factor!), I am longing for spring!  (I know, I said I wasn't going to complain anymore about the cold!)  Tonight's low is supposed to be minus 8 degrees, brrr!

So today I stayed warm by snapping these photos from the comfort of inside, looking out the window!

We really enjoy watching the birds at our heated bird bath. It's a treat when the blue birds swoop in for a quick drink.  There were 7 today at once, but of course all but 3 of them flew off when I ran to get my camera.

Aren't they beautiful? 

 We have several bird feeders as well as suet feeders, which are always a hit.  I was so excited to see this yellow bellied sap sucker (he's huge!), on the right, and a hairy woodpecker on the left.

 As soon as the hairy woodpecker flew off, a red headed woodpecker flew in for a snack!

 Ok, I just had to share these next two pictures of our Katie, staying warm and cozy inside!

 Here she is, playing with an early birthday gift, a stuffed squeaky chipmunk.

(Yes, she is more than a little spoiled!)

 I just had to tease you and share with you these lovely shots of Giverny, Monet's gardens!

I was hunting thru photos that I'd saved and came across them today, and thought they would be a good antidote to our subzero wintery blast!

This was our second trip there, in 2008.

 Ever since art appreciation class in high school 

(and I won't even tell you how many years ago that was!) 

I've been in love with Monet's work.  I had dreamed for years of some day visiting his gardens, but never thought I would actually get there!

 What a treat, and a surreal moment, to be standing at his famous pond, the setting for his gorgeous water lily series of paintings!

 This is his home,above.  I just love the green shutters, and how the ivy has taken over the peachy pink stucco walls.  We toured the inside, but weren't supposed to take photos.

 Tons of rhododendrons and azaleas (sigh!).

 Another view of his pond.  Notice the pretty green bridge in the background?

Here's hubby on the bridge.  Isn't that wisteria gorgeous?  I remember it took quite awhile for me to get a shot of this, as the gardens were packed with other tourists the day we were there.

If you ever get a chance to visit Giverny, do so!

Just looking at these photos from the past makes me feel a little warmer:)

Have a great day, keep warm and cozy!