In honor of the new year, the ground has made a reappearance. Warm temperatures (actually quite balmy) and rain have melted almost all of the snow over the past couple of days. We actually drove all the way down our driveway last night, the first time that's been possible in weeks. This is good because losing weight is not one of my new year's resolutions, and all that hiking back and forth was burning way too many hard earned calories.

The chickens have also made a reappearance. They are full of pent up energy after hanging out in the coop for so long. It was quite amusing watching their antics this morning. They didn't walk anywhere, it was all running and bursts of flying-running. As soon as they'd all get to Spot A, one of them would take off running to Spot B and they'd all follow suit. Nothing productive was ever accomplished at Spot A or Spot B, but I guess this is how chickens get a workout. The guineas were working off their steam with lots of actual flying and loud squawking. I'm glad they're putting all that chicken feed to good use. Now, how about some egg laying?? :)

It looks like the upcoming week will be clear with temperatures above freezing in the daytime, so my gears are already turning, churning out scads of outdoor to-do lists. Now I just need to find a way to accomplish everything at home and fit in some gainful employment on the side - a venture that has suffered greatly the past few weeks due to travels, holidays, sickness and bad driving conditions. Therefore, my first new year's resolution should be to get off this computer right now and get some work done! I've already had a productive house cleaning morning, so I'm gonna strike while the iron's hot.

Happy New Year everyone!