I had to open more space for Deezel this morning. He's using my snowshoe trail more and more as the snow gets deeper and deeper.
We went through the woods. I actually spotted a few special images to photograph later when we make a second loop. There's the rock where the snow has been sculpted out to the bare ground and rises slightly for a lip. Also, an oak leaf has been wrapped around a branch and is stuck there with a little snow stuck to it. The birch tree with the woodpecker holes was adorned with some snow this morning; it may be gone by afternoon. A beech bush still has its apricot colored leaves attached. They were folded in half this morning, no longer looking like leaves.


birch tree a few days ago

 Small clumps of snow stuck to my poles. Each fell from the poles and rolled down the snowy slopes as I moved the pole from in back of me to in front of me. Each left a delicate, barely perceptible trail in the feathery, white surface. Each grew a bit I'm sure, but immeasurably with only a quick look. I knew they would fall apart if I tried to hold one of these magically made snowballs.

January snows

This is my January collection of photos...

pine tree

snowy day pics

Yesterday was too cold for an extended time outside. But the day before, I took countless pictures. Here are a couple:
I'll create a link to additional photos from school later today.

bird bath in garden #1                                                             1/23/11

We're heading out shortly for a quick trip along the trail.

January's beauty

It's a beautiful winter day - the snow is about 12" deep so the ground's surface is stunningly smooth. The sun shine reflects off the whiteness and leaves blue grey shadows.
Yesterday morning the nearly full moon set after I had a chance to admire it through the black delicate branches in front of the pale blue grey sky.  A pale pink tint warmed the  horizon. I did a small colored pencil drawing of the scene.

Deezel and I got out late for snowshoeing through the woods. It was cold, silent and refreshing. The river is frozen, but there are no fishing shacks. Deezel gets nervous when he hears the ice crack along the shore; it is' a disconcerting sound. We are far from the shore, not near the shifting, tidal ice.
The sunset was stunning -vividly pink along the western horizon and different shades of pink on the  each of the clouds.
I'll get some photos today and post them tomorrow.
My valentines are looking good. I cut a new stamp this morning for a musical note to add a tiny detail.

lovely snow- animal traces and blue sky

Got some lovely pics yesterday, January 17, in the wooded area behind our property. The sky was incredible. Peaceful day in honor of the man of peace...

I assume these are impressions from a hawk on maybe an owl. I saw  a redtail perched in a tree being hastled by crows earlier in the day.

The branches are the knot weed, which can be invasive , but has its lovely moments also. The  snow is on the roof of the screenhouse.

windy walk

Well, it's January 3 already and back to school for me tomorrow. We're having a lovely sunny day, but with cold blustery winds. I took my inhaler for the walk.Thankfully, just covering my mouth at certain times helped greatly. Our snow has melted away or has become patches of ice, making the backyard hard and dangerous for puppy playing.
I'm enjoying the sparkles from my disco ball in the sun porch - pale square freckles in the corner by the front door.

Today's new Haiku:
         warm sunny spots glow
 filled with cats who snore gently
           dream of chases won