We had some snow in early January but after that it stayed warm and we had a very early spring. I picked daffodils on January 26! Gary started the year working on his wood shop in the barn. He wanted to get it insulated before started on taking down the wall in the cabin working on the living room. 

February first we drove to Venice Florida to visit June and Nick in their beautiful winter home. Bob and Ernie came with us and a highlight of the trip was going to the wonderful Venice dog beach which we did daily. It was a great time, except when Ernie totally embarrassed us by peeing on a mans back while he was sitting on his beach towel. The man also had a Jack Russell so it took it quite well. Anyone who goes to this beach loves dogs. We had many fabulous restaurant meals, wine and Margarita's (a favorite of June's and mine.) One afternoon we drove to Sarasota and visited with Rochester friends Jerry and Judy. 

After the Florida trip it was time to start renovating. Removing the wall was the easy part, rewiring everything that ran through it was not a fun job for Gary. 

We had a very mild winter which caused bulbs to pop up much earlier than normal. The images below are from February 17-30.

March started out with beautiful weather, then on March 14 we had snow and freezing weather. My little plum tree was covered with blooms that froze so no plums this year. Fortunately the peach and apple trees were not yet in bloom. 

By mid March we were in the final phase of the cabin renovation. There was lots of finishing for me to do. Bob and Ernie were not happy when the weather was bad and they had to stay inside with hammering and sawing. That last image is our neighbor dog Frisbee relaxing on the patio on a beautiful day. 

April 1 already! It seems like this year is flying by. My pear trees that line the driveway did not have many blooms this year due to that freeze in mid March but the cherry tree was pretty spectacular. I have daffodils and tulips everywhere and love watching them come up. I also love pansies and eagerly await their arrival at Lowes. 

By mid April we had finished the cabin renovation and moved in furniture that we brought back from Rochester in the fall. I bought two faux fur throws for the sofas and Bob and Ernie immediately claimed them. They did allow Frisbee on when he came for a sleep over. We are really pleased with the new space and Gary is very glad to move on to another project. I'm really happy to have the tools and sawdust moved out of the driveway and back to the wood shop. 

May 1 and it was time to open the barn porch, a favorite spot at cocktail time. Gary wired the barn and we now have nice lighting inside and out. This is a really busy month for me with lots of lawn to mow and gardens to plant and weed. I try to take the dogs on a walk to the pond after their supper when time and weather permit. There is an amazing clump of Lady Slippers growing near the pond that I look for every year. 

Next project, adding a deck to the front of barn off the porch. The deck will have two levels; the lower will be off Gary's wood shop and the upper will eventually span the entire front of the barn. Lots of tractor was involved in removing part of the hillside. 

July 24th and the deck floor was completed. It was so exciting to step out and look at the beautiful view. Gary put up a wood railing and used heavy duty wire cable for lower rails. Not obstructing the view was a high priority.  We chose poly wood furniture for durability as it would be exposed to the elements and also for weight when windy. A propane gas fire pit was added for ambiance and warmth. 

After Gary finished the deck he put up siding around his woodshed on the lower level which made and amazing difference in the appearance of the barn. 

Fall was here before we know it. The gardens were lush with the last blooms of the season. I love fall and only with it would last longer.

With the onset of colder weather it was time to start on our winter project. . . insulating and finishing the great room in the barn. Before we could start we needed to reorganize and lighten our load. The barn had become the place to store "stuff" that came from Rochester plus left over building supplies, much of which we'd never use. Our box trailer became a temporary storage unit.

The holidays were soon upon us and I started decorating the day after Thanksgiving.

An early snow fell on December 8 which added greatly to he holiday spirit. Our snows never last very long so it did not result in a white Christmas, but it sure was pretty while it lasted. 

Gary loves his bird feeders and they attract more than birds. He also welcomes squirrels, flying squirrels and especially his pal Petey the Possum who comes every night. Sometimes he brings his girlfriend Pauline but she's timid and camera shy. Petey lets us get real close and seems to like the company. He loves an occasional dog treat but is not quite ready to take it from your hand. 

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​Here's to a Happy New Year, we'll see you in 2018!

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