FOND MEMORIES
Last year, winter started out with a bang. When this storm stopped, it had dumped more than 3 feet of that fluffy white stuff on us, all in about 24 hours. Now, you might think this situation would be a real pain in the arse, but when you've got no place to be, it becomes a WINTER WONDERLAND.I've included 12 photographs for the Photography Lovers challenge/contest hosted by @derangedvisions. Most of these photos were taken here on our little slice of HEAVEN, here in Upstate New York.

It took several days to move the snow to its final resting place. Frequent breaks were filled with homemade soup and bread, warm fires, wine, and conversation with @farm-mom.

Being able to fly the coop after a few months of OLD MAN WINTER has been a dream come true.
The sunny Florida days are so appreciated in February. Being able to run your toes through the sand while being invigorated by the peaceful surroundings, seems to turn back the hands of time.

A youthful sensation seems to wash away a few years.

Returning home, many hobbies await. The three-week Maple Syrup season is in full swing. Outdoor activities become routine. Your appreciation for all that is offered up to you, by #Mother #Nature, grows.

As the snow dissipates, the deer can be seen in herds, as they sense that spring is around the corner. Life in the forests is about to come alive.

This is one of my favorite pictures that I took this past year. I was able to see this family of geese, early on. I was able to capture their development from fledgling to the time they flew off.

Growing our own vegetables has become a passion. Being able to grow organically, producing enough veggies to take us from one year to the next harvest season has played out pretty well.
Every year we learn something new. We have met a lot of like-minded people that are part of the

#hivegarden community

This was a very special day, to say the least. This day was filled with getting to know people.
Our only daughter was about to get married. After knowing the man she decided to tie the knot with, for the past four years, we couldn't have been happier.

The wedding party consisting of friends and family

When it's time to get the hay in the barn,
helping neighbors is always a good time.
Lending a hand makes a person feel good.

As is the case with all of the gifts that nature provides, the time to collect these offerings is short. These walnuts were gathered along with a few thousand more. The time spent harvesting these golden nuggets was enjoyable, as was sharing this experience in several posts here on the #blockchain

Milling timber can take place most months of the year, but Fall days like this, spent hobbitizing
are the best. As lumber prices skyrocketed this year, it felt good to be self-sufficient. Knowing that you could avoid being ripped off by the failing system, was comforting to a degree.

The month of November becomes just one big birthday party. Eight or more special occasions are celebrated throughout this month, one being my birthday.
A long-anticipated surgery on the 16th of this month was welcomed with open arms.

Every year when the Christmas season is celebrated, fond memories of my Mom come to my conscious.
This scene with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause decorates our home every year. These artistis pieces were hand crafted by my Mom. I have had both sets for over 30 years and sharing them with you is my pleasure.