An Afternoon's Adventure in the Snow

Yesterday afternoon some friends came over for lunch followed by a walk in the snow. It was cold, and almost dark when we arrived at one of our favorite walking spots. No one else was there, but we could see that someone had been there before us, and left footsteps for us to follow in the snow. It was hard work, but good exercise which warmed us as it grew darker.

The scenes were breathtaking which ever way we looked.

The morning had been clear and sparkling, but as evening approached so did the edge of the storm front which brought today's fresh layer of snow. We could see a bit of sunset color before clouds and darkness completely filled the sky.

Little plants held onto their snow collection carefully.

Snow collected on the Queen Ann's Lace like a regal hair style from the 1960's.

Snow stunted fence lines contrasted againt a winter blanket of white.

A lone man in red parka wades along his own path.

The pond was frozen and covered so that you could not tell that it was there, except for the Cattails which braved winter cold to point upward to the hilltop monument honoring pioneers who had once lived in this area and lived through winter cold without modern heaters or insulated walls. They were hardy and courageous, but unfortunately did not survive the natives displeasure of the white man's diseases.

Walk on a Winter Morn

This is the first morning it hasn't snowed since it started on Saturday. People up in the mountains have a couple feet of snow. We might have 5 inches. The kids have been playing and enjoying the snow enough for all of us. And I even found something good about the snow. I really love it's beauty. This morning it was about 1 degree just before the sun rose for a crisp and sparkling blue day. After morning worship I decided that I needed to get outside to enjoy the snow it the best light of the day. We bundled up in warm layers and set out to discover the delights of the season.

The cats had been out before us making tracks in the glittery whiteness. We followed the tracks through the garden, and then out to the road. Come enjoy with us some of what we saw along the way.

The Sumac tree is one of the most festive in the yard, each red clump of seeds dressed in a soft white coat.
Pine boughs nestled together in a snowy white quilt.

The neighbor's albino yard moose was the best looking I'd ever seen him. I can almost imagine him sticking his head in and searching for a mouthful of tastiness.
Grasses attired in winter white caplets seemed ready for a caroling throughout the neighborhood
Even though the temperatures bit at our scarf wrapped noses, everything seemed so fresh and alive. The air was so clean smelling and invigorating. We walked briskly from scene to scene and soon our blood was pumping warm. What a wonderful walk on a winter morn.

Winter Wildflower Walk

I had a wonderful time out searching for the remains of more wildflowers on a chilly winter morning. I took my camera so you can see what I found.

Goldenrod - Golden yellow in the summer

Wild Sunflowers - So cheery on hot July days

At this time of year the birds have already eaten all the seeds.

A single rosehip

Sagebrush - it really is kind of pretty though in the warm light

Yarrow - Grows hardily where other flower perish quickly

Black-eyed Susan - A favorite flower. I even like the distinctive seed head.

Unidentified composite - I'd love to know what this one is called.

Star thistle - A noxious weed to some, but it does have it's beauties,
for those looking for wonder.

Wouldn't it be fun to make a journal of wildflower through the seasons in our individual areas.