Red Dirt Farm and Studio

 Wow have things gotten off to a crazy, difficult and sometimes frustrating start for our new year.  But we aren’t going to let that get us down, are we?

Don’t get me wrong I’ve most certainly had moments of discouragement and a wee bit of despair too.  Oh but those simple pleasures – right!

Like twinkle lights and sunrises and blankets for snuggling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chicken coop completely destroyed, no chickens were harmed.

 

 

 

 

 

Winter storm Frida unleashed her fury in and around our property and our county.  We were without power for almost 6 very long long days.  It was reported that 80% of our county lost power.  The amount of damage is staggering.  Cleanup will take quite some time and be quite costly.

 

As I work on this post we are awaiting winter storm Izzy, she is expected to be as problematic as Frida.

My dad had surgery on Thursday, he is ok.  However it was a stressful period leading up to the surgery and waiting to get word that he had come through ok.  Local hospitals are only doing absolutely necessary surgery because of Covid overload stress in the system.  They also do not allow family in the hospital; needless to say this too added to the stress of the situation.

Yesterday Mr. Red Dirt with the help of a neighbor worked on getting trees off the garage and van, worried that accumulated snows that are coming will damage the roof further.  So very grateful for the help of our neighbors, yesterday and during the last storm.  So many trees fell from our property blocking the road for days.  The fire department, neighbors, the Virginia Department of Forestry and highway department worked to clear the road.

While they worked to get the tree off the garage I went to the post office to ship out orders and then headed to the grocery store.  Mostly empty shelves greeted me, between supply chain issues and storm panic shopping the choices were quite limited.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The grocery store had sold out of bread so I am in the process of baking a loaf now, hopefully getting it completed before we lose power.  It is on the second rise right now.  The sun will rise in about an hour, snow is expected to start by mid morning.  Izzy is supposed to also give us snow and rain, freezing rain and sleet.  Doesn’t that sound like fun.

Recipe for Crusty Farmhouse bread here.

 

 

Seeing sunlight stream through my lacy curtain – which is really an old tablecloth brings me so much joy.  It’s one of the pleasures of watching the sunrise.  Soon after the sun comes up the birds start coming to the feeder in droves, and that too is a simple pleasure.  Mr. Red Dirt placed our after Christmas tree on the porch next to one of the feeders so that I can sit and watch the feathered friends take cover inside,  as the snow was falling I threw handfuls of birdseed among the branches.

During Frida’s power outage when we had no running water and I was full of boredom, and wanted to do something creative. I decided to melt snow to use as my painting water.  As hard as I tried to embrace the moment we were in, I failed.  It was cold, I realize I am not cut out for pioneer living.  Nights were long and cold and dark.  I huddled in bed with That Cat and many layers of clothing and piles of blankets.  Mr. Red Dirt slept downstairs in the recliner.  He has sleep apnea and not being able to sleep with his machine is quite difficult, he finds it easier to breath sleeping upright in the recliner.  I like those modern amenities that I take for granted every day like electricity, running water, flushing toilets cooking food in an oven.  Yes, internet access too.

 

Snow melting in the prettiest of bowls, placed on the table where the sun shinning through the window could work magic.

 

 

Little bits of unmelted snow swirl around my paint brush and water.  It’s oh so lovely and cheerful during that time of cold unpleasantness.  Playing with the bright colors lifts my spirit and is the best kind of happy therapy.  Happy, joyful colors make me feel so much better.

 

 

 

 

 

I like knowing that these sweet little hearts are painted with melted snow that caused us so much distress, but then turned to lovely little bits of joy.

I listed them on my Etsy shop yesterday and much to my surprise when I came downstairs this morning, I found that I had sold one overnight.  How wonderful is that!  I hope the recipient will feel the joy with it too.

 

The snow has started to fall in swirling fits of white magic.

 

Please tell me your year has started off more peacefully and that you are safe, healthy and with the one you love.  Please.

 

 

Thanks for being here, Until next time

XO, Kim