Wednesday, February 1, 2023

February's First Walk...

 











"Be careful!  It's slicker than owl poop out there."  Those were the words of warning I heard as I stepped out the door this morning.  I nodded, wondering where that old expression originated.  Who has ever stepped in owl poop?  Heck, if I knew where there was some, I would immediately head that way in hopes of seeing an owl.

Well, it was slick.  The ground was/is covered in a layer of ice and sleet.  Dan ended up driving in his Gator ahead of me.  His rough terrain tires broke up the ice some which gave me a better toe hold as I walked in his tracks.  Neither Millie nor I fell and busted our tails.  Thank goodness!  We really want to get to that 365-day walk.




January was pretty much the "same ole'bench, same ole' squirrel, same ole giant bowl of spaghetti"*  kind of month. ("from the Oswald cartoon which I used to watch with my little grandson)  

But I did...

Walk the trail with Millie 31 days*** Cook from scratch a zillion meals*** Balance farm accounts and complete tax records***nurse maid a much too cold newborn calf***Paint yard furniture one fine spring like day*** Write in my journal*** Read a couple of books *** Continue with cleaning and rearranging in the house*** start a new doll ***draft a jacket pattern using my favorite old hundred year old one (well almost that old) as inspiration (more on that later).  



Reflections from the kitchen...


"Few people know how to take a walk.  The qualifications are endurance, plain clothes, old shoes, an eye for nature, vast curiosity, good speech, good silence, and nothing too much."  

                   ~Ralph Waldo Emerson


I am proud to say that I have all those qualifications, and my walking partner never utters a word (or a bark).


20 comments:

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Slicker than owl poop - first time I've heard that one! I know goose poop is slippery so it's possible owl is too. Enjoyed reading your list of January accomplishments and you had me at 'start a new doll' - do tell!!!

happyone said...

You took some gorgeous photos on your first walk in February.
I've never heard that saying before!! :)

Granny Marigold said...

You had a busy January and you managed to walk every single day (in spite of winter's best). It was thoughtful of Dan to break up the ice so you wouldn't slip.

Elderberry-Rob said...

I think I am good at taking walks! you have to be silent, definitely - or you miss all the detail. You live in such a beautiful place, I know I said it before - the picture of your dog out there is really good, makes me want to step into the picture and your 'reflections' picture, so homely and calm. You are clearly a less is more person - I want to be more like that! I hope you will soon have no slippery icy ground, the owls will hoot and not poop and February will be a good month for you, Betty (Wood Fairy)

kathyinozarks said...

Good morning, so sweet of your husband to break up the ice for you two. Never heard that saying before-had me smiling.
Awesome photos Mary and I always enjoy your quotes too, I am now on the look out for quotes-smiles.
A new doll-have you a name yet? or does that develop during the making process?
Finally the warm up begins we woke up to 20's instead of low teens this morning Hugs from the lake

Hootin Anni said...

What a gentleman doing that. Guess you could call him an 'ice breaker'! 😁
Great walk tally. And awesome photos.

Slicker than owl poop! Gotta love it.

Julia said...

I admire you for your faithfulness in walking without fail, with your little companion. I'm glad that your husband broke a trail for you and Millie. You sure pack a lot in your days. I know all about caring for newborn calves in the cold of winter. I have many blog post stories of life on the farm before I retired from dairy farming a few years ago.

Your photography is amazing. I'm not sure what kind of filter you're using but it makes for pretty amazing pictures.

I had to laugh at your comment about owl poop. I sure hope that you see an owl.

Stay warm, Hugs.
Julia

nookworm said...

I'm gonna steal the 'slicker than owl poop' phrase! Love, love, LOVE your post today and the photos are fascinating of the walk and surroundings. Carry on! It's a new month!

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

You have some beautiful snow photos. Glad you had a nice walk to being the month. I like the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Prims By The Water said...

I live through your walks. Just a joy looking at the nature around you. We are under a deep freeze here now. Have a toasty fire going to help the furnace out for a few hours now until we go to sleep. Cannot wait to see your latest doll. Janice

Gretchen Joanna said...

Painting outdoor furniture in January seems like a fine accomplishment! You are brave about so many things. That was a good idea for your husband to give you a little support by way of "trail maintenance." I'm sure he feels a strong interest in your tailbone's integrity, too!

Debra said...

Your photos are always such joy to look at! I love the reflections one. You have accomplished so much in January. I'm not so sure I could write such a list! We don't have the ice, but we are enduring a bad wind chill out there-Sam is cozy in her kiddie pool in our back room. I promise-my letter to you will be on its way!

TheCrankyCrow said...

You certainly packed a great deal into those 31 days Miss Mary - some definitely more enjoyable than others, but fulfilling nonetheless. Slicker than owl poop make me laugh, but like Magpie Mumblings noted, it's totally plausible. Hadn't heard that one before - the saying here is slicker than cat snot. 😹 Gorgeous photos but that first one stole my heart. I can't imagine a more desirable walking partner than Millie - and, yes, you seem expertly qualified for the position of walker extraordinaire. ~Robin~

Lady Locust said...

What stunning pictures! And yay for almost a year into this string of walks. I am so impressed by the fact not only that you do that, but that you count them :-)

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

Your words about the saying of owl poop made me chuckle.....Thank goodness you and Millie did not slip. I love the quote and that you fit the qualifications for a good walk with Millie. LOL Your photos are almost a black and white loveliness to them! I love your kitchen window photo as well! Wishing you pleasant February days!

Eggs In My Pocket said...

Such lovely winter walk photos and Millie looks so sweet in them. I love the kitchen window photo! Your saying about the owl poop made me chuckle. Stay warm!

Bonnie K said...

Glad you safely finished your walk. I hate ice. I really enjoyed your quote and wrote it down. Thank you.

dori said...

Best greetings to you and Milie! What a brave winter-walk! The photo of your kitchen (mirror) is phantastic!
Dori from the snowy Bavarian Forest

Debbie Nolan said...

Oh you and I must be connected because I have been walking 2-3 miles every day for over 15 years (did miss about eight weeks when I slid in the mud (not owl poop) and broke my ankle. Was very disappointed because up until then never missed a day. That has been a couple of years back and I am now on the "road again" keeping company with my pooches. Best traveling companions ever - never tell me they don't want to go or complain because it is too cold! Hugs

Elderberry-Rob said...

I really enjoy seeing your surroundings, it looks so bitterly cold though, I hope soon you will have warmer days for walking and see signs of Spring.