New Years Eve

Gloriously beautiful day today, so cold the snow crunches and squeaks when walked on, almost like it's complaining about having to move in the cold.
The skies here in the mountain west are intensely blue. Today with the new snow fall, the sunshine and the crispness of the air, it was nearly eye-popping. I loved the snow and the color of this quaking aspen by the front porch.

Had to post this picture of my sisters little dogs opening their Christmas stockings. They know it's for them and they get soooo excited, worse that little kids.

And like little kids, cats prefer the empty box rather than the gift itself. Lynx was in the box within seconds.

Little Yoda is very pleased about being an inside cat and never having to go outside, and rarely leaving my desk chair. No wonder I can't get anything done, Ihave to perch on the edge of the chair or risk getting my behind slapped, she does not hesitate to use claws either.

I am very content tonight. My family is together, the dogs are settled with new bones, the cats are in my bed, all is warm and cozy. I am so very grateful.

It is ten below so far, it will get worse tonight. We are all comfortable and safe. The ducks and chickens are probably not very amused, the ducks are bedded in the snow, their insulated down coats don't even let their body heat melt the snow beneath them.