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Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

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!

11 comments:

Trisha said...

Such beautiful pictures! Stay warm and cozy!

~Trisha

Musings from Kim K. said...

I'm loving your beautiful garden pictures. You really have had the best adventures. Happy dreaming!

NanaDiana said...

What a contrast in opposites here, Donna...from cold and snowy Midwest to France's beautiful warm gardens. I envy you the trip you took there. Blessings to you- xo Diana

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Donna, Oh this post is wonderful taking us from cold and snowy to the inspiration of springtime.
Love the birds at the birdbath and the feeder. I know it is fun to watch them and you got some great pics.
The gardens in France are like heaven. So much beauty and culture.
Sweet Katie always steals the show. She is so cute and looks so happy, warm and comfy. Can't believe she'll be a year old already.
Stay warm.
Hugs

The Vintage Farmhouse said...

Lol, just did a post with the same title before I saw yours!
The snow is so pretty too look at but just BRRRRRRRRR.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Stay warm!! I would love to go back to France and see this!
hugs,
Linda

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Great pictures of the bird having a drink and feeding. To much snow for me.
that darling Katie - she is so darn cute.
I hope before I die that I get to see Monets gardens and tour France. I have a picture of his water lilies and I love it.
Stay warm and hopefully you will get some better weather soon.
Mary

Little Miss Maggie said...

I am so sorry you are experiencing all this cold weather. I bet you never forget this winter as long as you live. On a lighter note, thanks so much for sharing Giverny with us. I am going there this summer and I can't wait, especially after seeing your photos. They look as pretty as Monet's paintings.

Tete said...

I am packed, what time is the flight? SO ready to get out of this cold.
Love the bird photos. Hope you and Katie are staying in where its warm. How does she like the snow? Bebe will go out, but he's so short, an inch can stop him in his tracks. We have to shovel him a path. LOL

Jan Hermann said...

Winner Announced Donna!
Please stop by!

Jan

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Such beautiful photos, Donna! We had our first Hairy Woodpecker show up this week...I had to run to the computer to see what kind of bird it was!