We Got Snow!

Here I am, taking pictures on our deck of our snow and the birds. It is a winter-wonderland, and will probably be snow-covered for another month now. But it did warm up today into the 40's.

Here is one of the sights from the deck. There was a wren on the feeder, a cardinal in the pine and a junco on the snow under the tree. It is hard to tell where the pond begins. Today we did see a neat sight, although I was not fast enough with the camera, but a raccoon was walking across the pond on the ice/snow.

This is the road to our house. We made it out today and are computing at Barnes and Noble. The last time we went out (2 days ago) we had to leave the car way up the driveway and Leon shovelled it out yesterday. Hopefully tonight will be easier getting back home.

Our spoiled cat, Fluffy, looking at me as though to say, "why are we out in this?" He has his paw raised and is considering throwing a snowball at me.

Just in case you are wondering, "How much snow did we get???" The ruler is stuck in the snow on top of the table on our deck, and it showed 11". That is plenty for this winter. We are thankful for electricity and no more ice than we got. We had that last year. Stay warm on your journey through these winter months.

January sightings

The Bluebird of Happiness---Oh, the joy to see these little guys in winter when there is so little color, and their appearance is so unexpected. Earlier this week Leon looked out our kitchen window and said look at all the bluebirds. Of course we hurried to get our camera and check it out, as there were about 10 of them perched around the edge of our birdbath, drinking water. Then the next afternoon we were on our way to town and in our holly tree beside the drive was a similar number of these little blue birds. They resembled ornaments as they were all in the branches. Leon, was on the side of the car beside the holly tree, so I got out our camera and he shot this photo.

I have been wanting to take some pictures of snow for a winter shot, and this is all the snow we have had, about 1 inch total all winter, which is nice, except for photo opportunities. Somehow, I am afraid that I will have the chance to take more snow pictures before spring arrives, and really I am looking forward to seeing those daffodils and tulips. Winter is not my favorite season, yet it holds some distinct characteristics that other months do not include, like zero temperatures, snow and ice and the spark of hope--as the next season is "Spring"! I think that is why I was so happy to see the bluebirds, they reminded me of warmer months.

Till next time---enjoy the seasons and the journey.

Eagles, Swans and Pelicans

Today we went to the SIPS-Eagle Outing at Alton, IL. It was a very windy day, but great to get outside after a couple days of zero temperatures and staying indoors most of the time. We did see some eagles, and had a great time attempting to photograph them. This one was about to catch his lunch. He did get a large fish, and sat in his "fishing spot" for some time nimbling on it.

We found this group of trumpeter swans on Teal Pond. There was one little area of water that was not frozen, so this was THE place to be if you were a swan, goose, or duck. We enjoyed their beauty and the chance to take their picture.

We then made it over to the locks and found millions of sea gulls and some pelicans. If you look in the lower right corner you will see one of the pelicans. It was a beautiful sight. A great day of photography, and now we are at Barnes and Noble, relaxing! Hope you enjoyed our journey to the Eagle Outing and are staying warm. God bless you one and all.

From Generation to Generation

Aunt Evelyn in her youth

Three of Aunt Evelyn's Great-Grandchildren

We were blessed by attending the memorial services of Leon's Aunt Evelyn last week. While we we were there, we took several pictures and will be sharing them with family. As I was going through the photos, I came across the picture above of three of her great-grandchildren waiting in line to take flowers and put in a vase on the altar during their Grandma's funeral. It was such a beautiful thing to see all the sweet faces and when I saw the resemblance to Aunt Evelyn's sweet face, I wanted to share it with all of you. Look closely and I think you will agree. From generation to generation--her looks and sweet spirit are passed down, as was witnessed by so many friends and family over the years. To have known her was to love her.

Squirrel Hunting

This little squirrel is so adorable! But not when he is in your BASEMENT! Actually, he is not the one in our basement, but looks identical to him!

When we returned home from Kentucky Thursday evening, we noticed right away that there was someone/something in our basement rearranging various items. Soon we spotted that the flue covering was off of the chimney and there were little suetty paw prints in some places. Yes, it was easy to deduct that we had a little furry critter in the basement. The next morning I saw the little guy, and he looked like the above picture, (which I did not take, but just wanted to post so you could visualize our guest.)

Yesterday we tried a few techniques to remove the squirrel, from opening the basement window, and Leon sitting quietly for about 3 hours watching to see if he left, and even practicing with his pellet gun, but it's not easy in the basement around the aquarium, furnace, computer, washer and dryer, etc. So last evening we did not hear him, but about noon today I heard him running around down there, so we called a neighbor and borrowed this trap to try to catch him.

Below is a picture of the feast we prepared for him to have at his "going back outside party".

Hickory nuts, sunflower seed, shelled corn and peanut butter! Yum Yum

Hopefully by the next posting our squirrel is back outside where he belongs.

Outdoor Christmas Lights Contest at SIPS

This is the photo I submitted for our January SIPS contest last night. I was pleased to have got first place in the contest. It was a difficult assignment for me, as I struggle with night shots. I read some articles and found that the best time for capturing outdoor lighting is right at sunset, and that by setting the white balace to "tungsten" it takes out the excess yellow from the lighting. So the photo club produced the desired effect. It got me to study techniques, and then get out and shoot pictures which I probably would not have taken. I have much to learn, and am thankful for the photo club and members who make it so educational.