Waiting for the Snow Storm

It has been a snowy winter so far. We have received about 15 inches since the beginning of December. We are due for 10 inches tonight and tomorrow and expect two more snow storms in the next seven days. I have to pick up my son from college in Duluth this weekend and hope to make the 9 hour round trip during a break in the weather.





We finished decorating our Christmas tree tonight. Christmas cards are started and most of the shopping is completed. We are looking forward to visits from family soon to come.

I wish many happy and memorable days ahead for you and the ones your love as the new year approaches. Happy Holidays! - Chris

What the Dog Saw

The Queen Anne's Lace has been replaced by Golden Rod
Grasses are turning from green to gray. The indentation in the grass was left by a deer after a nights sleep. You can see these all over the farm and the deer paths that meander into the woods.
There is a small amount of color in the woods, soon to be brilliant with yellows, browns and oranges
A shot of my favorite tree before it loses it's leaves for the season.
Jack finds a cool resting spot at the end of our walk.

Walking in Nature

Sometimes living in the peaceful countryside can be deafening. There are some many different layers of sound to be heard. My hydrangea bush is covered with honey bees and there wings beat with industrious buzzing. I can hear a cicada infrequently over the singing of the tree frogs and crickets. Jack and I go for a walk and he sends all the grasshoppers and cricket running for cover in the tall grasses. Sometimes we are invaders, other times we are accepted as part of the natural flow. Today while out walking I spied a doe sleeping down in the woods along the creek bed. I sent her silent thoughts of admiration as we passed by and she watched me pass without alarm. I can smell a fox or a skunk somewhere nearby. I hope to see a fox and wish that Jack does not find out it is a skunk.