What wonderful surprises February has held!
We got our snow, which usually happens in February, but sometimes passes us by.
The country house has been an absolute wonderland and the dogs have loved it.
The country house is where I have lived since 2001, however, a few years ago we added a second home to the mix.
They are not far from each other, and so we now juggle our lives in two homes.
A little nutty, but fun too.
All of the images today are from the country house.
I planted the gigantic tree below in 2001.
I still can not believe how huge my living Christmas tree is all these years later.
At the country house we have a series out buildings, which we have turned into our own little western village.
The window to the old workshop melts my tattered wood and peeling paint heart,
I thought you might like to go on an adventure with us, through the garden paths of our country house.
Matty will lead the way...
This is sort of the center of our town (below), which incidentally, we named Fanciful, Arizona years ago.
There are three cottages on the right in the image below.
On the right is my cottage, ML's workshop and the general store.
On the left is the old workshop, which I use for treasures, as well as my little gallery for local art shows.
My tiny house cottage is surrounded by the picket fence on the right.
It is not the main house we live in, but it is built to be livable, and I stay in there all the time.
It is filled with treasures that only a grown-up child could love :-)
It's warm, super cozy and has electricty.
Behind me there is a path with 3 more buildings and another cottage which is Mister Lovee's office.
The walking path sort of winds around the entire property.
Teddy is on the path behind me in the image below.
But if we keep on walking straight, past the picket fence and through the canopy of trees, you will arrive at the pretty gate into what was once an old green house.
It still has the walls but no roof, however, the wisteria and climbing roses have created a natural roof above it.
The greenhouse was here way before my time, so I never got to see it in full.
But once, I was digging around and found locks and handles deep in the dirt.
Teddy loved every second of the snow and never seemed to get cold.
I photographed it once it was almost melted.
I think if you are to get snow, a day or two of a powdered sugar dusting is just perfect.
Just a couple days of it and then, poof, back to sun.
I like that type of snow :-)
The image below is what you see if you look north from the tiny village, where behind the big tree is my large vegetable garden.
It's a lot of fun to walk around, enjoying how the snow makes everything look so lovely.
Over the bridge and through the woods...
With tufts of snow on tiny leaves...
And dogs enjoying every minute.
I expect Mr. Tumnus to walk by the birdbath.
As Teddy seemingly collects sticks for a bonfire :-)
Gypsy wagon 2 (which I owe you the story about), is stunning in its teal peeling paint, hanging out in the snow.
So soft and fluffy.
All of our rusty things look the best on snow days it seems...
Oh, and the pup too :-)
Jerry Parra, an artist in Oracle, Az, made this incredible train and brought it to my garden years and years ago.
I love it more than anything.
He and his wife Sue are some of my favorite people.
If you are ever in Oracle, you must visit their shop.
They sell Jerry's sculptures, antiques and all sorts of art, jewelry etc.
Years after the magical train came to live with us, Mister Lovee found this red 100-gallon sprayer tank for a tractor and turned it into the caboose.
He even bought antique wheels and acquired an old fire hose from our local fire department.
He did such a great job.
He really did make it look so good.
I forgot to photograph the entire thing in daylight, but here is a photo from Mister Lovee's phone...
Ahh, such fun times.
I looove seeing the little paws in the snow.
So cute!
Teddy was absolutely in his element.
He adores the cold.
Of course, as soon as the sun came out, it all started to melt.
Which is like a fairy tale dream in itself.
I love standing under the trees, and watching the snow fluff off, and the sound of pieces of snow falling to the ground.
It really is its own kind of magic.
Eventually all the garden stuff is revealed once again.
But for a moment in time, you get to enjoy the most amazing gift.
Of seeing your world as a Christmas wonderland.
Strolling the garden paths...
Enjoying the western village in all of its winter glory.
This month has been very moody, with rain and intense wind.
Snow, sun, magic too.
The apple trees have blossomed and made it through the very cold nights thus far.
I've loved painting in front of the fire.
Transplanting poppies that self-seeded in paths and putting them in better spots.
There are endless poppies out there, I can not wait to see what is to come.
I pruned all of the roses as well and pulled out so much old brush from last summer.
I have had a very very busy month, and really enjoyed. it.
But I have also been sleeping in, which I rarely do.
I am enjoying that too, because soon the warmth will be here, and 5 a.m. days will begin again.
It is Saturday today, and I have so much to do.
Groceries just arrived and I can't wait to go work in the garden.
I am so glad to be here visiting with you though.
How are you this February?
Are you staying warm and cozy?
Teddy sends all his love, and so do I.
I hope to see you again very soon!
I also hope you enjoyed strolling through the snow garden with us today <3
We loved having you for a visit.
Au revoir for now <3
Until we meet again...
Love, Vanessa
