Snow White

We've had lots of snow fall. 38 inches just in January. Yesterday we woke to a snow that was so beautiful. It left every surface delicately dusted with white. It was just an inch or two, the perfect amount if you have to shovel and I do. It would have been perfect for snowballs!
This is the path across the lawn to the neighbors that we keep open just for the mail man.

You know it's cold when......

Your car doors have frozen shut.

The snow squeaks under your tires.
Snow stays on the trees.

All the cats were on the bed or under the covers waaaay before the alarm went off.

We had a cold morning of -10 degrees this morning.
The good thing about today: All the cars started and the sun shone bright.
And tomorrow they say a heat wave of 20 degrees!

Yup, it's winter!

cat nest

the newest fur child, now 5 in total

take me to your tuna

Silk Farm walk about

I took a hike at our local Audubon Center on Saturday.
I just needed to get out and enjoy the sun.

Waiting for it's summer resident blue birds to return.

The sun was warm on my back and the shadows stretched out across the field
as it moved lower in the sky.

At the bottom of this large white pine were the remains of some squirrel's lunch. I wonder just how many pine cones there were when he started?

It may be hard to see unless you click on the picture for a larger view; this maple leaf is frozen in the ice. There was a unique ice dam where the ground water had frozen and thawed and made a wonderful icy cascade as it was trying to reach Turkey pond.

Lumbering along to work.

My commute to and from is a bit longer than it used to be but the time goes by quickly enough. I'm traveling in the opposite direction of most, out of the city. It's highway driving and the NHDOT does a great job keeping the roads clear of snow and ice. This winter we have gotten off easy without much of the white stuff. Bad for the ski areas but easier on those who shovel it. February is half over and already it seems like spring is not so far away. I was excited last night to walk out to my car in the day light. The days are stretching out and what a difference just a few extra minutes of day light can make to one's spirit.

Sailing on a winter's morning

The morning sun was shining on it and had to stop.

I pulled into a field across the road where they have been logging. A thought ran through my mind "will I be able to back out of here?" I pulled in. This fence post was handy by to rest my little camera on.
My camera is one of those small, fit in my purse types with an auto-focus (ick!) but it's what I have so lots of blurry shots get tossed and a few make it here to show and tell. We have an old fashioned 35mm camera with a good telephoto lens but waiting for the development and lugging a heavy camera is too frustrating....more than having some blurred shots.

More unique roof art.

You should be able to get a pretty good look at this rowboat if you click on the photo.

Some folks are really into picking out the right weather vane.
There is one I pass that is a monkey...I wonder what the story is behind that one?

Opossum siting...my first.

As I was leaving work yesterday in a snow squall I saw what at first I thought was a cat. I slowed as so not to frighten it and to my surprise it was an opossum making its way along the road. He kept on moving along and I put the car in reverse so I might snap a shot or two. He wasn't too concern with me but seemed to be on a bee-line to somewhere.

I did a bit of research and found they are North America's only marsupial (female has a pouch) mammal. And they eat anything, "natures little sanitation engineers".

I've been meaning to stop and capture some of the wonderfully odd, yet beautiful pieces of art that I pass in my wanderings.

A light dusting makes it seem a bit magical.

January is here.

"January opens
The box of the year
And brings out days
That are bright and clear
And brings out days
That are cold and grey
And shouts, "Come see
What I brought today!"
- Leland B. Jacobs, January

Outside my window...light snow

In the afternoon the sun tries to break through the clouds.

X marks the spot

It was a really neat thing to see this fog just hovering over the iced over lake. You'll be able to see the snow tipped trees when you click on the images.
Skywatch Friday: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Rafts parked on the frozen lake.

Fresh snow had fallen during the night,
fog floated above the lake's surface.

Jack's path to the brook.

Jack is out everyday and the first stop is always the brook for a very cold drink. Jack is 13 years old and we decided he deserved a shoveled path so he wouldn't have to bunny hop through the snow for his daily drink.

I have proof!! Red Bellied visits again.

Now that I know this woodpecker is around I've noticed his call and quick hammer sounds when I'm out in the yard. So I waited and waited and finally with camera in hand and window cracked open I was successful in getting his picture.
He investigate the suet but seemed more interested in the bugs that may be in the tree. I'm still just thrilled to have a new bird in the neighborhood.

Downy and Hairy

These two look similar but different sizes. The Downy on the left is smaller (5-7") and has a small thin beak. the Hairy is 7-10" and the bill is as long as his head. They were very busy at the feeders.

Red Sqwirl has his own spot.

He's just so dare cute.

Activity in the woods

The work of a Pileated Woodpecker in the hemlock.

Some creature has wondered through.

A moment in time

What a spectacular sight I came upon this morning. A huge flock of Cedar Waxwings, maybe 75 to 80 birds. They were engaged in foraging rose hips and wild cherries. I watched as they flutter in and out of the scrub in large groups gobbling down the berries.