Possible Snow, Blessings, and a Sacred Season Ahead

Flowering Quince 

 Well, hi there! I guess it’s been a few days. Time got away from me, so I thought I’d poke my head in to say hello. I have a few projects underway that have kept me focused and away from blogging.

Let’s see… what can I tell you?

We’re all doing well. I think I mentioned that Behold Israel sent us over $1,000 worth of books and materials to give to college students, at no cost. Along with hats, stickers, bracelets, and pamphlets, my husband has built a wonderful rapport with Beyond Israel. Now we’re looking to purchase a canopy and are even considering starting a small Bible and prayer group in our home for the college students.  Things are really opening up, and we are grateful to be a small part of what God is doing.

We celebrated Valentine’s Day with a simple brunch. Many places were packed, so we ended up somewhere without much atmosphere, but the omelets were delicious, and honestly, that’s what mattered most, as well as the company! 💕

Yesterday was our 24th wedding anniversary. The weather was rainy and cold, so no hike this time. We also forgot it was Presidents’ Day, which meant many of the antique stores were closed. Oh well, what are you going to do? We still enjoyed each other’s company and had a sweet day of reminiscing. We wandered through Tractor Supply and the Grange Co-op for spring inspiration, and yes… the baby chicks are in! 🐤🐥

☃☃☃

Apparently, we may even get some snow. February and March are our best chances for that last little hurrah of winter. Temperatures are dropping, and old man winter is breathing his chilly breath on us all. The difference between us and those of you who just endured a big freeze? We’re actually hoping for it! Since we usually enjoy mild weather, any dramatic change feels exciting.

I’ll believe it when I see it, though. I’m skeptical of weather reports. We follow two independent local meteorologists, and while they sometimes miss it, they’re usually far more accurate than the networks.

Here are a few photos from the last time it snowed—almost to the date, February 2023. 

That storm shut the city down, but it was so much fun. My husband finally got to use the snow shovel my sister gave us when they moved from Colorado. He was like a little boy out there, absolutely delighted. 

We had about six to eight inches, which is practically unheard of here.

It looks like she is smiling - I'm thinking it is her collar. Hard to see, since she is so black. 

She LOVES the white stuff, and when she sees it on the side of the road when we take a drive, she starts whimpering...

She loves the snow but hates the rain. 

The birds sure like the white stuff, too. 

Snow sure does dress things up, doesn't it? Makes everything so picture perfect. 

Thankfully, I keep a good stock of food, so we’re set. But of course, we were nearly out of toilet paper, so I had to make a quick run to the store. I went early this morning and did not notice any panic-buying. Californians are so laid back.  

But if we ever run out, we know where to go: Char keeps a six-month stash and still worries it isn’t enough. I remember my parents doing the same in their later years. Funny how that happens with people, and why toilet paper? 

Do you have a fear of running out of toilet paper? 

I just took these pictures, and it was sunny. 

Come on, now - how can they say we're getting snow? 

Earlier, we had a thunderstorm and hail. 

The back yard is soaked - weeds are popping up, and almond blossoms are getting bigger and are more pinkish. 

Right now, it’s 44 degrees, which is very cold for us, and we’re expected to drop another 10-15 degrees overnight. We might just wake up to snow. BSF is on standby, and many of our members live in the mountains, so we’ll see how that goes.

Yes, we’re a bunch of weather weenies.

Loquat season is here. The freeze won't hurt them - the lowest we get will only be in the 30's. 

The Pomegranate tree is starting to bud...

Liberty and Guardian are excited about the possibility of snow, too. They’re hardy birds and know how to hunker down. No eggs yet, but we’re patient.

Before I sign off, I’m going to take a short break from blogging. 

We have places to go and people to see. 

There’s a lot happening, and my mind and heart are elsewhere. This is always a very busy season for us, with Chinese New Year at the Joss House in Weaverville, my birthday the first week in March (72!), Daylight Savings, St. Patrick's Day, Palm Sunday, Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and then Easter and with family and old friends sprinkled within. While my faith tradition doesn’t follow a liturgical calendar, these seasons still invite reflection, gratitude, and renewal.

As we move toward Passover and Easter, my prayer is that we all pause to remember God’s faithfulness, His deliverance from sin, and the hope we have through redemption and resurrection. May your coming weeks be filled with peace, renewal, and quiet joy that will last 365 days instead of just 40 days! 

Lord willing, I’ll be back sometime after Easter with hopefully more blog fodder than I know what to do with. Then again, don't count on it because I might not. 

Have a blessed six weeks. I know I will.

Debby

What's on my Calendar?

 Aw, it's finally February! 

For me, it's not about the last month being a big bully but rather the promise of spring. We're enjoying mild 70-degree weather, though February and March can still surprise us with cold snaps or snowstorms. We're still in our winter rainy season, so anything goes. 

The East Coast has Punxsutawney Phil, who predicts spring like a celebrity, while California has Mojave Maxine, the laid-back desert tortoise. Instead of a crowd, she relaxes at The Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert, soaking up the sun. 

Maxine's annual "brumation," which sounds fancy but just means she's hibernating until it warms up. She typically goes into hiding around Thanksgiving, choosing comfort over turkey and family. When she finally re-emerges, it could be late January or early February, which might be her version of being fashionably late.

So on the calendar this month are two wedding anniversaries, and a particular favorite of mine -  Chinese New Year. We're planning to visit one of the Chinese temples near us - weather permitting! And with that, I like to indulge in some good Chinese Food. 

Do you like Chinese food, and how often do you eat it? 

Other than that, we have no plans. 

I'm a spur-of-the-moment kinda person, so who knows?? I sure don't. I just know it when the time comes -  always flying by the seat of my pants. 

 Martin's Spurge bloomed in the backyard. 

A walk by the Sacramento River on Friday. There was a definite chill down by the river. 

Source: FORE

And this month, we're all watching and waiting for our favorite love birds, Liberty and Guardian. 

We're hoping for some eggs very soon. 

On my walk by the river - 

The rest of the day, I'm doing laundry - and we might go out and do something later in the afternoon. Maybe grab some dinner, or then again, maybe not. 

For February

Dear Lord, as I turn the calendar page to February, I am comforted by Your supreme reign and authority over all creation. You hold the universe in Your hands, and nothing is beyond Your knowledge or control. 

You are the Alpha and Omega. 

Thank You for Your faithfulness in all seasons of our lives. This February, help me to rest in Your sovereignty, in this topsy-turvy world. When uncertainties arise, remind me that our times are in Your Hands (Psalm 31:15). Guide me to lean not on my own understanding but to trust in Your Wisdom and Timing.  May Your Grace continually fill my heart with assurance, and HOPE as we live each day of this month to the fullest.