The Turn of the Year

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

Ice and Snow...

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

Christmas Season

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

Thanksgiving and Snow

We've had about six inches of snow the last few days, but yesterday evening, a glorious golden light spread about it all, highlighting the bird seat that was overloaded with snow, rather than seed.

And the garden chairs...

Misty of course loves it all and begs to be let out into the white.
We so grateful at this time for all of our family and friends here in the US and those in the UK...
Another Arctic blast is promised next week.
Nicholas

Glorious Light

Fall colors are almost gone... but some beautiful golden leaves have hung on at the far side of the meadow.

And, then, this morning we were treated to a spectacular pink dawn with this gorgeous light across the hills lasting for ten minutes...

 Meanwhile, two crows perched on an old cherry tree, just waiting...

 Misty our fabulous Golden loves the garden to bits... literally digging every time she can, but sometimes she just sits as if butter wouldn't melt...

Nicholas

The passage of time

I spotted this beautiful seed head in the field behind our house this afternoon.

It was a remarkable sight, tucked away amongst the fading and browning Golden Rod.
A few seconds later, two white tailed deer bobbed away, their white tails flashing against the field of brown.
Yesterday evening, we had a spectacular sunset and the warmest of southern breezes. We were able to sit out on the patio and watch the sun go down in its majestic way.

Glorious!
Nicholas

Spectacular Fall

The reds this fall have been amazing. 
We walked by Dryden Lake on Sunday in glorious sunshine without a cloud in the sky. A cormorant stood motionless on a log for the best part of half an hour as we walked by.

And then we came across a collection of sugar maples, glowing like jewels.

Today, though it has rained all morning, and, I suspect, the colors will have gone soon.
Our garden is taking shape, with two fourteen foot river birches having been planted out front... as has a Red Bud Maple tree and a stand of Nine Bark trees and shrubs.
Hot warm air from the Gulf is everywhere.
Nicholas