Winter Days, near Flathead Lake, Montana

We are keeping the fires burning while our trees remain dormant. Fences are watched, repairs are made after our significant winds this winter season. Sometimes a small ermine shows its face or a raccoon checks out the compost. Our Tibetan Terriers keep the orchard free of intruding coyotes or bigger, wildlife cats. The bears are sleeping. Our orchard birds are fed and the dogs get long walks. The kitchen is busy, big winter meals are cozy and relaxing. It is our time for artwork and the finishing on our house. We host friends and visitors for dinners. Our temperatures have been high. Generally, they have hovered around 34 degrees F. Last night, Feb.1, 2020, at midnight, our temperature was 47 degrees F.

These are salad bags from my freezer.

During high summer season, I prepare these bags with, just picked fruit. We love salads in winter. Greens are piled high and this semi thawed, icy fruit is perfect with a nice sherry or lemon vinaigrette.

We must confess. For the first time, (after thirteen years of farming the Orchard), we have traveled for fun, this winter 2019-2020. Our Tibetan Terrier, Ali Baba, shows in AKC dog shows. He is handled by our friend, David Murray. We visited Ali in October, December, and January We visited Arizona, Florida, and California. We enjoy his AKC, dog, Tibetan Terrier campaign. Our passion for Tibetan Terriers created a cause for us to getaway. We prepare, now, for Westminster in New York City. We were very fortunate, last year Ali won his breed at Westminster. He has brought us Joy. Here are a few photos of our very unusual winter trips. First Time Ever! We had to learn how to use a suitcase again.

We look forward to communicating with everyone when our crops and trees begin their spring manifestations. Expecting a great 2020 season!