Winter's Gifts and A New Year's Day In New Mexico

Snow on New Year's Day here is almost a tradition it is so consistent. But it never ceases to thrill.

Like snow anywhere, it makes everything more beautiful. I know some of you get more than your share, but our snows are rare. Maybe once or twice a year in Albuquerque which is at a lower elevation than Santa Fe, Taos, or most any where else in northern New Mexico. It doesn't last either, so I quickly grabbed a camera while everything else was going on.

The last of the Christmas ham grilling with onions . . .

And waiting for the black-eyed peas to boil.

We just got the last of our train of family visitors in, so the festivities go on for a few more days. But it has mostly been a day for sleeping in and staring out of the windows. With the snow, what could be a more promising start for the new year?!

We tried the Scandinavian method of keeping greens for Christmas, roots and all! So there is still a bit of live green after days inside.

But the rest of our Christmas trees were all outside. This small one on the patio has survived for several years in a pot!

I always love the look of gardens in snow with all their interesting shapes and forms. That boxwood is a long time staple on this patio too.

I might have tried to bring in the asparagus fern with the drop in temps, (I actually forgot about it until I got to taking pictures.) but we have precious little space for plants inside. It might be okay under the eaves.

Ready to roll! Just have to add everything else and let it simmer awhile.

I read the good suggestion somewhere that we embrace winter instead of dreaming of spring. I'm going to do that in this brown town this year, and already took my first freezing long walk in the fields. Geese flying directly overhead in the waning light and a coyote crossing the road was my reward. 

On Christmas day an enormous flock of cedar wax-wings hung out with the robins and red-winged blackbirds in our cottonwood trees all day, swooping down to the feeders and sipping from the water bucket. I had never even seen a cedar wax-wing in person before. I had to keep borrowing my binos back from the youngsters all day. It felt like both a blessing and an omen. 

With the snow, it feels doubly so. Starting fresh with the promise of winter, and the start of a new year, and who knows what else. Glad for longer days and the return of light. For little birds right outside the window to brighten the day. For warm fires and simple food.

For loved ones to share it all and remind you of all simple joys.

My Texas grandgirls so rarely get snow. I know it is also rare for a fifteen year old to say out loud how much she loves to visit our house for New Year's Eve, and how much she likes my "aesthetic." Almost the best gift a granny could get. 

And I'm wishing all of the best gifts of the season to you too!

And the Happiest New year!

Jacqueline

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French Country Cottage~Feathered Nest Friday