Oh Tanenbaum...

We always get a local tree for Christmas and when the holiday is over, the tree moves outside, in its stand, next to one of the feeders.  It provides the small birds a quick place to hide if a hawk comes calling. Not to mention that it makes a nice backdrop for photos.  There were several Dark-eyed Juncos in the tree today and I couldn't resist this shot.  

We had some freezing rain this morning which quickly turned everything into a sheet of ice.  Luckily, by early afternoon the ice was melted and I was able to take the pup for a walk in the park.  It was bitter cold, only 34F with a brisk wind, so we only went a bit over a mile.  Mostly it was a "sniffari" for Jax.  It's good to allow puppies (and dogs) to explore the world through their keen sense of smell and a coating of snow really makes the game more challenging and fun.  Jax loves flipping snow up in the air and then grabbing a mouthful to eat.  We carefully avoided the yellow snow for this bit of fun.

SIL got her second negative covid test today so we are just waiting now on her roommate to get a negative test before SIL can move back in to her own home.  Until then, she'll stay with us.  

Had a nice long FT chat with mom and dad this morning.  I think they are going to cancel their planned trip to Arizona later this month.  The Covid numbers are just too high and it makes no sense to go on a trip that will end up being incredibly stressful and potentially dangerous.  I am hopeful that they can get a trip down to California after this latest surge is over.  What a crazy way to live, isn't it?  

Well, it's suspiciously quiet downstairs right now, so I am going to check on the boy.  

Dark with almonds and sea salt today.

xo
Debbi