winter solstice

winter is officially here and with it came our first frost.  up 'til now the weather has been very mild and mostly dry although we did have a mix of rain and wet snow come down for a little while yesterday morning.

frozen solid kale leaf sporting some neat ice crystals

the ducks' drink pans and pools were frozen over.

after i removed the ice i topped the pans off with a little warm water that i brought out in a bucket from the kitchen.  the ducks don't mind dipping their bills into frigid water first thing in the morning but it makes me feel better to warm things up a bit.

business as usual

i thought this would be it for the tomato plants but some of them seem to still be hanging on just fine.

meanwhile the little ones are still enjoying a cushy lifestyle.  little do they know i'm almost finished bobcat proofing their outdoor enclosure and in another day or two they'll be moving to their new digs.

may the lengthening days bring with them peace and happiness to all.