Thursday, January 19, 2012

A Wintry Gift

Before I say anything,
I just wanted to thank all of you for leaving such kind comments every week.
I read each one,
try to reply to each one,
and treasure each one. ♥
A special welcome and warm hug to all my new friends who are following Heaven's Walk, too!

*  *  *  *  *

Quite a few of you asked to see more photos of the property here at Heaven's Walk...especially in the snow.
I think most of the requests came from you lucky birds living in warm, sunny climates. :)

We've been having such a mild winter so far, I wasn't sure when that would be.
But we just had our third big snowfall of the season the other day.
Six inches of the white fluffy stuff fell softly and quietly overnight 
to dress houses, trees, and fields in a layer of
pure white.

So, after Hubby and I finished plowing and shoveling our driveway and the neighbor's driveway that morning,
I took a walk with my camera.

Consider this a wintry gift from Heaven's Walk. 

* * ♥ * *


Our view across the road where deer peek out from the brush.


View from the neighbor's.


Yes, I'm standing in the middle of the road at 9am...


Standing in the side yard.

The arbor is wrapped in burlap to protect my 'Zephirine Drouhin' climbing roses, 
and a piece of plastic covers the vintage cement birdbath purchased at the antique market this summer.  I'm looking forward to planting 'Walker's Low' catmint around it in the spring.

The pond is bubbling merrily away.
It was the only sound outside this morning beside the chugging of Hubby's vintage tractor
and the clinking of the chains on the old tires.




Hubby was just finishing up plowing.  This kind-hearted man actually plows a path for the visiting deer who traverse through Apple Meadow behind our barn and pass through our property.
They actually showed up on the path right after we closed up the barn 
to devour the corn Hubby spreads out for them.




This is the view up the path into our woods.  
It's "party central" for the deer, turkeys, and fox.




I turned and looked down into Apple Meadow where the apple and cherry trees grow.
The deer love to bed down here because they feel so safe.
It's a sanctuary of peace and quiet for them.




I turned again to look back toward Heaven's Walk  ~
framed by the old mulberry tree
that creaks and groans in the winter winds.




Making my way back toward the house,
the deep red of the barn stood out in sharp contrast against the white world around me.
The sturdy old building was built even before our house was -
way back in the mid-1800's.




Once I made it to the barn, I turned around and looked back toward Apple Meadow.




When I reached the house,
I could see Maizie watching me from the window.

I opened the door and called to her to come outside and play.
She came skidding around the corner into the kitchen
nearly wiping out on the tile floor.

My little girl loves the snow!




Have you ever seen a happier face....?



{Almost reminds me of that commercial with the little pig on the zip line
that goes flying by with an ecstatic look on his face yelling,
"Weeeeeeee! Pure.....adrenaline!"}



I think this little bathing beauty was pretty happy, too...
in a quiet sort of way.




You know....
as I was creating this post, I kept looking back over the photos I took. 
My heart overflowed with the love I have for this old farmhouse,
my Hubby, and my furbabies... 

and I realized 

how very, very 

blessed 

I really am...


[ Warm Blessings ]





Linking with the fabulous parties on the lower right of my sidebar.
Just click on the buttons!

99 comments:

  1. Just beautiful, Laurie. I am not a winter gal (although I lived my entire life in the Northeast) but there is special magic to the season. You captured it well. xo

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  2. I sure wish it would snow like that where I live...your post is lovely!

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  3. Laurie , this is the perfect wintry gift I have received recently . You are blessed, indeed , with such beauty around you . Your dog is wonderful . We have a chocolate lab and he likes snow. Sadly, there is not much snow here, yes , in Canada :(
    Thank you and enjoy the season !

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  4. Your pictures are just beautiful, Laurie! For all the havoc snow can cause, you have to admire how beautiful it looks around areas like your bird bath and hanging on the tree branches. We haven't had much, just a few snow showers that don't hang around long. Ice seems to be more of an issue here.

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  5. Laurie,
    Your place is so amazing....wow what a dream! The snow is just beautiful....and I love all the critters & the birdbath, pond IN LOVE with the barn SERIOUSLY!! And your pup looks so happy!!!!
    xoxoxo,
    Shellagh

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  6. Oh, Laurie, it looks so pretty there! What a beautiful setting you have, now matter what the season. I'm in love with all your big old trees. We still barely have any snow...it's sooo cold though!

    xoxo

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  7. Just beautiful Laurie, your photos really blessed me and made me miss my childhood home. that red barn is just perfection! xoxo

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  8. Just beautiful, oh would so love to come visit. I love the fact that you allow the deer to rest and the dog in the snow is just precious.
    I think I would love that old 'homestead too'.

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  9. oh laurie, thank you so much for this, as we have had no snow yet, in tennessee, and i love the white stuff and crave it!! i sure hope we get some soon so i can take a lovely winter walk like you have...thank you for sharing!
    erin
    xxoo
    LOVE your dogs happy face!!!

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  10. Thanks for showing us around Laurie. It's beautiful.

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  11. The pictures are just beautiful. I love snowy winter pictures. We haven't had much snow here this winter, but they are predicting a few inches tomorrow.

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  12. Such a wonderful walk in the snow, your place is gorgeous. Love that red barn & Maizie must think she is in heaven, with all that snow & room to run.
    I'm looking forward to your spring pics, since I just found your wonderful blog.

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  13. Beautiful pictures! It's no wonder you love that place so much. ~ Maureen

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  14. Hi Laurie, I just love your winter pictures. We have also snow, here on the mountains.
    Wishing you a wonderful weekend, Barbara

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  15. Hi Laurie!
    Looooovely:) I always wanted an american porch!!! Your house is really something special....Love it:))

    Love from Norregård

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  16. Wowwwww Laurie !!..this is so beautiful !!!...have a nice weekend blessings from me...xxx.

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  17. What beautiful photos and lovely land where you live, especially dressed up in its winter attire. I love your red barn! It looks stunning against the white. You are blessed indeed.
    Cindy

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  18. What a beautiful place Laurie! I guess by the name of your blog that you do realize what a gorgeous place you have... My dream of the perfect house with a lot of land :) Thanks for sharing it with us.
    Susan (Homeroad)

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  19. Beautiful pictures and your dog does look so happy. I know our golden loves to get out in the snow. We received a couple of inches and the kids can't wait to get outside and play. Have a great weekend.

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  20. Heaven's Walk truly is heavenly! Thanks for sharing your wonderful pictures.

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  21. Love the photos especially the bright red barn against the snow. Our snow is very hit and miss this year. Wish the weather would make up its mind. Thanks for sharing your lovely view!!

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  22. Laurie everything looks so still and serene.
    What lovely pictures.
    Love your cute dog smiling for the camera.

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  23. Hello Laurie...oh this all looks sooo magical ! We have it warm again and wet....our weather cannot make up it's mind !! love the doggie photo...he has a lovely "smile" ! Have fun in the snow...Gail x

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  24. Oh yes girl, you have been blessed~what a lovely home and I so enjoyed seeing it in the snow with you. This is my idea of the perfect home!

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  25. I can see why you call it Heaven's Walk, such a gorgeous place! I hope you don't mind that I pinned your sweet pup - that smiling face makes my heart sing.

    xox

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  26. I love the pics. Winter has missed us this year. Weather is a bouncing ball here in WV. Few days in the late 50s and than back down to 30s.

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  27. Gorgeous pictures, Laurie. It is hard to believe that you have more snow than we do. We are usually socked in by now.

    Seeing your pictures almost makes me want to live in the country again- I have gotten so used to the convenience of living just on the edge of the city limits that I think I would have a hard time moving way out again. But, your country place is gorgeous and sets me to dreaming.

    Hey...Aren' you missing a tree? Bwhahahahaha. xo Diana

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  28. A.MAZ.ING photos. Love the red barn against the white of winter. And how nice of the animals to smile (so funny) and pose for you. That dove could not have posed more perfectly. Gorgeous - thanks for sharing!

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  29. Laurie,
    These photos are absolutely gorgeous, like scenes from a book. I enjoyed touring your land this morning. It is a beautiful place. You are so blessed to live in such a wonderful home. Stay warm...
    Have a great weekend!

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  30. Just breathtaking Laurie! You are truly blessed indeed. Thank you for sharing this winter wonderland that surrounds you.
    We have a dusting of snow on the ground & a sunny day to enjoy it. Winter is so pretty!
    - susan

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  31. Hi, my name is Heather! Please email me when you can, I have a question about your blog!

    HeatherVonSJ[at]gmail[dot]com

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  32. Hi, my name is Heather! Please email me when you can, I have a question about your blog!

    HeatherVonSJ[at]gmail[dot]com

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  33. The pictures are just breathtaking! It reminded me of when I was little and waiting for the school bus in the middle of winter in Michigan. Back then girls were not allowed to wear pants to school so we had to wear leggings under our dresses and take them off when we got to school. I'm sure there were dinosaurs roaming the earth then. LOL!

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  34. Thanks for sharing your winter wonderland! Beautiful.

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  35. Oh, what beautiful pictures! It certainly does look like heaven. I love all those trees! (says the girl who lives on the prairie ;-))

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  36. Beautiful. Jaw-droppingly lovely and peaceful. You are truly blessed, and you know it, and that's just so sweet! You just have to love a man who plows a path for deer to find the corn he puts out for them. :) (Sometime, you might post plants you grow that they don't bother?) Thank you for this lovely tour - your photos are so nice.
    -Revi

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  37. Simply Beautiful!! Looks like heaven on earth!!
    Wish we were getting snow...they are calling for freezing rain and ice here tonight.
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  38. Ok, even though I am freezing cold these are gorgeous! I love the area that you are in and the red barn against the white...so perfectly beautiful.
    Stay warm and have a cozy weekend sis!!
    xoxoxo

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  39. Hi Laurie,
    WOW...you really do live in a Winter Wonderland. I've ever only seen snow on television and in photographs. I know the cold is not so great, but I can see God's creativeness in the beauty of the snow covered landscape. And in the midst of all that glisteningly wonderful snow stands a sturdy looking cosy house...lovely! Thanks for posting all these stunning photographs of your home...looking at them even helps to cool me down a little down here in South Africa where it's high summer at the moment. I love your blog and am looking forward to your next posts.
    Blessings to you and your little family!
    Surita

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  40. We are getting a winter wonderland right here as I type.I will be happy with my husband gets home.Your photos are lovely.I love the photo of your red barn.Looks magical with all the snow surrounding it.Have a great weekend.

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  41. Oh Laurie you are such a dear. You are too good to us for standing in the road at 9 am. Your home is gorgeous against the silhouette of trees. I laughed when I saw Maizie running towards you and laughed even more when you mentioned that piggy commercial. I crack up every time I see it.

    Thank you the wonderful visit.....also wonderful music!

    xx
    Carole

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  42. What a beautiful place... you won't mind if I pop over for a cup of tea and a chat...

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  43. I am fairly new to your blog. I found you through NaDa Farm..Marie. Your place is as fun and charming. Who doesn't love a Big Red Barn. Love ..Love Michigan. We have stayed in Saugatuck several times, as well as traveling all along your west coastline and back over thru Wisconsin. Love Lake Michigan. You are so lucky. Such peace and daily serenity your home must give you. You are blessed.

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  44. Laurie,
    I L O V E S N O W! Thank you for this refreshing post! Your photos are lovely. The one of the house with the tree to the left is "Christmas Card" perfect!!! Makes me want to break out in song..."He washed me white as SNOW!"
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  45. These photos are gorgeous~a different world from the one I live in here in Florida! Thank you so much for sharing. I just discovered you from Fridays Unfolded today~I love your blog!
    Angie

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  46. These are such great pictures. Thanks for the little bit of winter, since I live on a Caribbean island this is as close I get. :) And thanks for stopping by and commenting. I bet you have all kinds of cool finds in that barn.
    I am now your newest follower.

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  47. What a beautiful gift this morning Laurie, thank you!
    (and yes I can hear the pig squeal too!)

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  48. You are truly blessed! Thanks for sharing your photos and the lovely narrative! (ps..I got my Jeanne d'Arc Living magazine yesterday in the mail! I LOVE IT! Thanks for telling me about it and how to get it.) xo

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  49. I am a winter girl, so love snow. Your pictures are amazing. We got hit with 8" yesterday, and have been out taking photos because I love this time of year. I find winter time exhilarating, love the beauty of it all. Your Heaven's Walk is so beautiful. Don't you just love that pig,WEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

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  50. oh laurie, the barn. the barn! that color! it's the happiest. omg.

    love to you.

    michele

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  51. So Beautiful! Your home is picture perfect. A little bit of heaven. Thank you for taking the time to post your lovely home!

    xox Glad & Cel

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  52. Laurie, your home and grounds are beautiful. Love little Maize. She looks so happy! Your place truly is heavenly and I come to visit often!

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  53. Incredible shots ... Loved them all... !!

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  54. Such beautiful photos! You are definitely blessed to be living in such a beautiful home and area. The barn has grasped my heart...I grew up in upstate NY and New England with lots of wonderful barns but not many here by the ocean in southern California. I miss them!
    I especially love your love of nature and all our furry friends. Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos.

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  55. I LOVE LOVE this post. What a magnificent property and home you have. And I love the red barn so much. How wonderful to have deer come to your place as a sanctuary. Thank you for sharing these photos. Keep them coming!! XO

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  56. Absolutely beautiful:-)
    Thanks for stopping by, hugs Biljana

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  57. Beautiful pictures. By an accident I remove my blog so I hope you will join my new one www.snudden.blogspot.com

    Hugs
    Elna

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  58. A true winter wonderland! Just beautiful!

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  59. I forgot to mention how beautiful your grounds are. I have a small yard, but it's my yard. What camera do you use for your beautiful pictures and lens. I'm new to photography and learning more everyday. I think some have a knack for taking pictures, and you fall into this category. Thanks so much for sharing at Sunday's Best. I know I said this before, but I love your music. I how stay for hours to listen.

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  60. This photography of the red barn admist the snowy backdrop is truly touching and moving. andrea@townandprairie

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  61. Love this post. Love that barn. Such great pictures! Just lovely.

    Holly

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  62. OMG, I was hoping you told me you had one of the best camera's in the world, at the highest price one could pay, then I would know you were taking good picture because you could afford the best. But alas, you blew that theory, Oh by the way, does you husband know how lucky he is?

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  63. Your home is absolutely beautiful! I'm so envious. we've only had a dusting of snow this year, and I miss the beauty of it. Your photos look like they belong on a Christmas Card.

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  64. A lot of snow, Laurie... but your home looks so beautiful!! It's picture perfect in a winder wonderland... LOVE it!!!

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  65. So peaceful and calming. Love the quietness of the snow. We don't get enough of it here in Virginia.
    Mary Alice

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  66. The most beautiful part of your photos is how much you love and appreciate everything you have! I feel exactly the same way about my home, family and garden. So many people complain about the snow, but all I see is its beauty.

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  67. Absolutely beautiful! It feels like I'm right there with you! Thank you for sharing! Can you come share at my place on Wednesday with my group?
    Melody
    ChattyChics.com
    PS You could win a $5 Starbucks card!

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  68. What a beautiful place to live! Your are very lucky! Gorgeous pictures!

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  69. Hello Laurie,
    an absolute dream house you have, currently covered with a nice snow blanket! Very nice pictures of your pets, I love dogs. I have never been to the U.S. but it gives me a very nice impression. Thanks for sharing!
    regards, Angie

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  70. Beautiful pictures. While I'm partial to warm weather and thus happy to now be in Carolina after living most of my life in the Midwest, I do miss that feeling right after a fresh snow, when everything's blanketed in white.

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  71. Hi, I just found you through Knick of Time. Your lovely home is definitely Heavenly! I love how it looks among the freshly fallen snow. We finally received a wonderful snow storm like yours. It has snowed for a couple days now. We really did need it. I have loved our record breaking warm weather, but we'll be happy come Spring and Summer that we finally received a bit of moisture. There's nothing quite like fresh fallen snow. Love your beautiful blog. Now a new follower.
    Hugs,
    Jann

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  72. beautiful pictures makes me think so much about my childhood come visit me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

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  73. GREAT PICTURES, VERY PRETTY AND I LOVE THE RED BARN!

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  74. Beautiful photos!

    The look on your dogs face brought tears to my eyes! One of the best pet photos I've ever seen! <3

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  75. Well, thank you very much for your lovely hug - it's a pleasure leaving you comments - especially on such a gorgeous post like this. I do hope we get snow - perhaps you blow some this way!!

    Sarahx

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  76. Another magical post my friend just beautiful love catching up with you again. Hope you have a wonderful week.

    Always Wendy

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  77. Hi Laurie...yes you are so blessed my friend! What a sweet hubby you have...a true animal lover. I loved the pictures of your dog and the bird on the urn. I have never been in snow sadly..only a few times when I was in high school when we went on ski trips, a total of about 5 times! This is beautiful! Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment, you are so sweet! Thank you for sharing your beautiful world with us...
    xoxokathee

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  78. STUNNING photos, every one of them!! I also really like the last two photos. =^.^=

    Have a beautiful week!

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  79. Absolutely beautiful. Your photos are gorgeous and it is such a serene looking area. I had to laugh at your husband plowing a path for the deer. They are very lucky to have him!

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  80. Hi Laurie, I always love seeing the Beautiful photos from your home.... I keep picturing the missing Tree~
    I know I have asked before, but I forget (Older age I guess) Where in Michigan are you, I know I always talk to Debbie about meeting up with all the Michigan Bloggers one day ~ where is the place again that you all go for the Flea Market or Fair, think it starts with an "A" oh my mind, I think I have spent Too much time on Pinterest this evening...
    Have a Blessed & Beautiful week
    Cheryl

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  81. How absolutely breathtaking. You are blessed. I am your newest follower. I love others who take time to count thier blessings. I hope you will take time to visit with me and follow along too. Blessings and enjoy that wonderful homestead.

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  82. What a gorgeous home in a beautiful setting. I, too live in the country along with many little creatures (many who love to eat my roses and veggie garden) but wouldn't change it for anything!
    xox
    Nancy

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  83. Laurie, thank you for such a beautiful post. Not the just the pictures, the words, the music...so perfect...so heavenly :)
    Debbie

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  84. Michigan at it's best, your property is beautiful!

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  85. After your reply to my comment, I had to come back and see if I'd misread your post. But no...your level of 'hardly any snow' and mine are very different! Six inches would be a MAJOR snowfall in England!! We'd all be out playing in it until it melted away!!

    So funny that this is just a light flurry to you. ;-)

    Sarahx

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  86. Laurie, your home is so beautiful...and so is your blog! And thanks for visiting me at Cottage Charm Creations!

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  87. Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures! Love your home...this would be an absolute dream to live there...enjoy!

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  88. What beautiful property! Love the photo of the bird and the pics of the red barn against the white snow. It's breathtaking. Can't wait to see summer photos of your pond!

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  89. How beautiful your pictures are! I love the wintery beauty and that red barn against the snow! Perfection!
    blessings,
    karianne

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  90. Wow, I could imagine the beautiful quiet that comes with a fresh blanket of snow, and the peaceful image with the dove on your birdbath. I enjoyed this post so much and the heartfelt way you express your gratitude for everything. Thanks so much for sharing these with us. xo ~Lili

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  91. Love snow photos...there is something so quiet and serene about them. Beautiful pictures...beautiful sceanery, beautiful dog. Thanks for sharing!

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  92. The are GORGEOUS pictures!!!! I especially love the one with the bird. Lovely!

    Thanks for sharing this on the Take it on Tuesday blog hop so I would get the chance to see these!

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  93. I'm in love with your beautiful farmhouse. Makes me extra excited to move into my old farmhouse in a few weeks.

    Your photos are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.

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  94. Is your hubby's tractor a Farmall? I can't really tell very well in the picture. My hubby has a 1949 M.

    I also live in the peaceful woods, but in Northern Indiana. I don't have the pleasure of a very old beautiful red barn, but enjoy many of the same landscapes and God's creatures.

    I can't wait to see your catmint growing around your bird bath, I bet it will be stunning! I have some growing in a very dry sandy area that it just loves.

    Thanks for sharing your beautiful wintery landscape with us!

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  95. Laurie,
    Your lovely winter photos are being featured at Knick of Time Tuesday - the party goes live tonight.

    Blessings & thanks for sharing!
    Angie

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  96. the god is great artist to sculpting the picture

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Bless you and thank you for visiting! I read each of your comments and treasure them all. So, please make sure your settings will accept emails, or leave your email address so that I can reply! ♥ Laurie