Now, as the end beckons, it is the greyest time of the year.
But there is still a stark beauty in the forms of trees, hills and fields that we can see from the house.
The Red Tailed Hawk is busy... swooping over the big field every day and we can easily see the flash of its white and red as it flies.
Sometimes it seems as if the greens of spring will never return, but we know the earth lies dormant, simply waiting.
Nicholas
The other morning, before the big snow dump came, we walked in the field behind the house and were met with some spectacular ice crystals tucked away in small depressions amongst the grasses...
Today, though, the field is foot deep in snow, which makes walking difficult.
We hope to try out snow shoes sometime.
Mourning doves sit huddled in the cherry tree at the back of the house, puffed up against the cold and our resident crows sit perched at the tip of the tree, scanning the horizon like sentries.
Nicholas
The snow has all melted now, but two days ago Judy pointed out a light dusting of pink light on the snow beneath the Crab Apple tree just as the sun rose. It made a beautiful sight for a moment or two...
Now, our Christmas tree is decked out and looks fantastic...
It seems amazing that a year has passed so quickly, but here we are poised on the threshold of 2015 already.
Nicholas
