Ice - Ice, Birdie

This was the battle for wildlife, and us, today. Our local weathermen habitually rally and cheer when there is bad weather on the way (aka: Weather Wood). They are as giddy as little boys, eager to see what Santa has brought them on Christmas morning. Oh yes, and everyone must run to the store and buy "bread & milk". What, I ask, are these delicious life sustaining dishes to be created with "bread & milk". Apparently, many - since hours before any storm is supposed to hit, our local stores are completely stripped of these two items. Except for pudding and french toast, I don't have any recipes that even call for "bread & milk". OK, onto another sport.
I laughed watching a squirrel trying to negotiate and ice covered branch that would get him to the feeder. After about six tries, of slipping and hanging, he finally jumped to the ground and just took the steps up to the deck - climbing a rail to get there. I guess I should have mentioned, that the weatherman was wrong - AGAIN - and we didn't get ANY snow. Just ice. Thank god, because I only have about a quart of milk, and no bread, in the house! However, since it was slippery out, we decided to just stay in. Wanna see what happens when you stay home all day, with too much time on your hands...and a camera?

This. When Gracie, and I, came in from taking pictures outside (she mainly watched), I couldn't just fling my hat aside and pass up this opportunity. And, yes, that is still our Christmas tree up in the background. I thought Gracie would be a unique model to show you my new hat. I told mom that I wanted a hat with fur and ear flaps for Christmas. This was her interpretation. Don't get me wrong - I love the hat! It is very warm, and extremely practical while working outside and walking the dog (plus is OSU colors). However, while making plans with Mom to go to lunch and shopping one subzero day last week, I mentioned that I would be wearing my new hat. She said "Oh heavens no. You will embarrass me". WHAT?? I tried to defend myself, and tell her that I think wearing the hat sends a message that I am a "fun and happy person". She said "well, you can be 'fun and happy' when you're not with me". I laughed so hard about this later - alot. And to think, of all the years she embarrassed me to death, when I was a teenager (or even last week, for that matter).
I hope you are all finding yourselves somewhere warm and dry, enjoying accurate weathermen, and wearing anything that makes you Fun and Happy!