winter landscapes thrill my soul

in the dooryard

One wonders how many critters pass through that we do not know about.  

Usually when I look out while fixing dinner I see a few small birds.

In the mornings we have squirrels, and turkeys in addition to the birds.

Feeder is definitely trolling in others besides those we intended to feed.

Hard to miss an owl sitting right out there waiting for dinner.
Oh my how exciting to have this beautiful guest 20 feet from the house
sitting there checking out the neighborhood!

Small birds and squirrels suddenly were not in evidence.

Owl returned the following night.  
I could see its shape on top of the pole.

Has it been coming in nightly?

One does wonder what we don't see.
The chance crossing of paths.
Had I not looked out we would have missed this treat.

How does that bird perch on that little pipe?

and today midday in the snow and sleet our friend sat above the chickadees
who were all coming into the feeder to eat.

the camper I would have

If you are going on the road do it in style.....really in style......

ying and yang

Spring and Winter

this is the time of year where weather swings back and forth.

A little snow, a little melting.

Hard for those of us that are ready for it to lean towards spring

only to be met with more shoveling.

Patience, All Good Things In Time.

And we live in Maine

AND

Maine has long winters.

screen porch plus....

Like this concept of porch and arbor.  Flat roof defintely has to go...

melting

retirement

In a video interview with Harriet "mimi" Rogers I saw this morning 

the subject of retirement came up.  

Mimi said retirement was enjoying life and she enjoyed.  

She had not retired, didn't retire, but totally enjoyed. 

I have rewatched this video twice today. 

Mimi was content in her skin, happy with life and an individual for sure. 

 Imagine being born and dying in the same house 84 years later. 

 We should all learn from Mimi to live and enjoy life.

photos

I am trying to get photos organized better 

in anticipation of a photo CD pkg Fundamentals of photograpy I have bought. 

 I enjoyed a book by this photographer Joel Sartore on taking pictures of family.  

He is National Georgraphic and that is big,

 but he explains well without talking down 

and he has a sense of humor.  So these CDs shall arrive in a week or so.

By then perhaps my pictures will be in better order

And I have other me improvments on my agenda.

spring albeit inside....

This beauty is hardy and can live outside after a year in.

I love the concept

Not sure I could put it outside

Maybe in the dome

We shall have to see how

the bonsai, the hydrangea, the chestnuts

have fared in this bitter cold winter.

Weeping pussy willow which may grant your wish if asked.

One is to ask their wish and tie a knot in a branch

When the wish is granted one unties the knot.