Winter on the Homestead

We had a really cold snap last week with temperatures dropping to 0 degrees here where  we are in Tennessee. Kept the garden hose running all night over this A -frame swing set and had this awesome ice fountain. Hey, we could fill the ice box now, right?

Yet even in the cold, we still have these little beauties. A bit of color to remind us spring is coming!

Now here is what we call an ice flower. This is what happens when the moisture in the stalk of this plant bursts and freezes, tiny layer upon layer of super thin ice. And it creates this amazing pattern that is unique to each plant.

This is what the top of the plant looks like in winter. It is commonly known as White Crownbeard.

Other plants that are surviving well through the cold is this beautiful flat leaf Italian parsley.

We kept it under a row cover hoop that protected it from the freezes.

Here's a little winter lighting we did for the porch. Very easy and effective!

Our favorite dog, Fleck. He loves to pose for the camera! He's a good ole farmdog.

A beautiful western sky the other night at dusk.

There's nothing like having beeswax candles lit for a soft warm glow in the evenings. If you would like to make some beeswax candles for yourself, click here
 http://http//www.homestead-blessings.com/dvds.html and check out our DVD on candle making. 
Y'all stay warm now! Many Blessings,
Vicki