Cold and Snowy Greetings!

Here I am returning from my walk to the mailbox.

Leon snapped this from our front door. It was soooo cold outside.

Just before the snow arrived, yet the temperatures had dropped, our pond was so beautiful on this winter's evening, as the designs formed on the ice. God's own painting, done in ice on a canvas of water. What a lovely masterpiece. A one-of-a-kind, never to be duplicated, nor recreated.

One another of our recent winter's days, I caught the sun's rays dancing across our icy pond, just about 30 minutes before sunset. It was bitter cold that day. I don't think the thermometer ever made it to 10. It's not easy to tell that by the stillness in the photo.

The winds were howling, the snow was blowing and the temperatures were in the single digits, as our "snowsock" added some patriotic color to our back yard. The lovely sights were our reward for enduring the bitter winter 2010 has brought us.

One more picture of the snow on the limbs of our ash tree that overhangs the pond. No birds in those houses this winter, but they serve as a reminder that spring will hopefully bring some new tenants. We do have multitudes of birds at our feeders, though, and they really are enjoying the feast of seed and suet, as well as water, when all other sources are frozen.

Two weeks of January are already behind us, and Spring is just around the corner! We have had a heat wave today--in the 40's and our snow is watering the earth. Winter offers a different landscape from all other seasons, and our trees and plants are hopefully being rejuvenated during their resting season. I too am blessed by this time of indoors activities, and the opportunity to plan and daydream about the upcoming days of family, friends, flowers, and green grass and leaves on trees. For now, just enjoy the beautiful sights of "winter", as our journey takes us into this new year.

Welcome 2010-Winter awaiting Spring

Winter, a time of beauty,

though bitter cold and blowing winds,

Disagree with our fragile skin.

Look closely, as you pass by the countryside, and all around scenes call out to become a photograph.

This sweet lighthouse is on Lake Springfield, and I took this picture from our car window as we drove to my sister's house for Christmas. I always look for this lighthouse, and try to snap a picture, if a big truck doesn't get between me view. The wind blowing the snow added to the background being muted and set the winter mood.

One can almost feel the falling snow, while joining the little female cardinal on a branch in our yard. Winter is certainly making itself known this year. It is a brisk 7 degrees, and going up to the teens by afternoon. I am daydreaming of Spring.

Our cat, Fluffy, spends most of his time napping on his blanket on the end of our couch. He is very spoiled, and super smart, for a cat!!! He looked at me as I was typing and wanted to be included in this blog posting, so here is his picture!

Now this picture of me was not taken today, as it is way toooo cold for me to be sitting outside, but I am doing some reading, and relaxing during this cold spell. The current read is "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. It was recommended by Leon's daughter, and so far is a very good book. The perfect way to spend a winter's day.

Soon and very soon you will find me checking for the daffodils to be popping up in the flower garden. These were last spring. The stand for the gazing ball is a pipe from Leon's Mom's yard in Radcliff. It makes the ideal holder and holds sentimental value.

Stay warm! Get out those Henry Fields catalogues and plan for Spring gardens, and check out a good book on these winter's days. Wishing you all a Blessed 2010!