New Snow and arrival of Western Bluebirds

Maybe an inch of new snow fell overnight. Up at first light with 15 elk in the yard gathered around the salt lick we set out for the deer. Neighbor called and wolves were in his pasture making the Buffalo very nervous. Elk staying close to the ranch houses, most likely feeling safer there.

The day has warmed with the sun sliding in and out of the clouds but still it is only 30 degrees. And, we saw our first Western bluebird pair checking out the birdhouses -- too early if this weather holds --no bugs.

Have been chasing the cowbirds away from the finch sunflower feeder all morning.

I have spent the morning looking at recipes for cakes and sourdough -- feeling the need for the process of baking. Found a great looking book, Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day, perfect for my often busy schedule -- so order into Amazon. Now I just need to come up with the best Starter.

My Mind is a jumble

Thoughts are scrambled and sluggish this morning after a restless night. Sophie was the one who was restless and woke me several times to lift her on and off the bed. Should have just taken her outside because this morning I saw the elk herd (64 count) gathered in the pasture, no wonder she was wakeful.

Read my new Marchella Hazen cookbook before falling asleep last night. So happily dreamt of pastas, and chocolate ganache topped moist cakes all through the night. Can't wait to try her simple, easy red pasta sauce. Simple as simmering a can of best quality tomatoes with an onion only peeled and split, not chopped, for about 45 minutes, then a swish of butter and ready for dressing the pasta of my choice.

Think maybe the best way to start the day is with a list of ILove .....and end the day with I am Thankful for ....

Today some items on my Love List would be...

• To cook. Love standing in front of the stove stirring a pot of Risotto to the perfect creamy finish.
• The teachings of Eckhart Tolle that with such simple clarity lead to learning to love and appreciate all that is, just as it is.
• The smell of spring that brings the pomise of renewal.
• The gift of constant curiosity and eagerness to learn new things.