Looking for Spring

As he looks in and sees greenery, is this bird wondering about spring? Is he longing for warmer weather, as I am?

Get Me Out of Here!

It snowed so hard overnight that I couldn't open the storm doors.
Thank goodness for sliding doors.

At this point, snow on the deck is as high as the handrail.

Even the bedroom balcony, which is under an overhang and usually doesn't get much snow, is pretty well covered.

I thought it might be fun to spend the winter here this year but this is not quite what I had in mind.

Snowing. Again.

It's been snowing all day today. Expected to snow every day for the next 4 days. Grumble, grumble. Six more days until I leave for Ecuador.

Snowy Pine

This is the majestic pine tree in front of the house. It's taller than the house, so maybe 25-30 feet high? It's one of my favorite things about this property. It's even more lovely decorated with snow and there's been plenty of that this winter.

Evergreens

I love the fact that no matter how gray it gets, there's always some green in the landscape.

Waiting for Spring

I can't tell if those little dots at the end of the twigs are signs of new growth. Could spring really be around the corner?

Making Tracks

She'd just been munching on that bit of brown grass at the top of the picture and is on her way to see what else she can find to nosh on.

Smart Birds

One very noticeable thing in the winter is the reduced variety of birds. These shots were taken in the fall.

Smart birds--they are someplace warmer these days. I'll be following their example in a couple of weeks when I leave for warmer shores.

Napping Bird

I was worried at first, when I saw this bird just sitting there with its eyes closed. I was afraid I might have to dispose of his frozen little carcass but after a few minutes it opened its eyes and took off. I am very glad that it was just taking a nap.

Beautiful Deer

I've been seeing deer around ever since I bought this place 8 years ago but I haven't normally spent winters here so it wasn't until a couple of months ago that I've had the opportunity to pay close attention. It became possible when I began feeding them regularly and they started congregating and spending longer periods of time in my backyard. Before then they would just pass through and I wouldn't have the chance to photograph them and, through the lens, see them as clearly as I have recently.

Now I'm beginning to recognize some of them and to see how truly beautiful they are. I know they are in their natural environment but I can't help but think how harsh winters can be and how they endure with such dignity and grace.

A Boy and His Dog

Taking a pensive walk on the snow covered lake.

Who's That Knocking On My Door?

Deer coming around reminded me of this visit from the resident groundhog last fall (he lives under the shed out back). He's been gradually getting more curious and bolder over the years. He first came up on the deck this past summer--I wonder what's next.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Flowers for everyone!

Photo taken at the Harry P. Leu Gardens in Florida, December 2009.

Bliss

Its face says it all!

(This was supposed to be my February 13th post but what with the birthday carousing I just missed it by a few minutes! So let's all pretend I didn't miss it and that my record of a picture a day still stands. Yes? Thank you very much.)

Hanging Out

My backyard has become a social club for the deer. They eat and then mill about, exchanging social pleasantries.

Metamorphosis

Today is my birthday, which made me think of these shots I took of a Monarch butterfly soon after it had emerged from its chrysalis. I feel that something like this happens to us all every few years. Whether it's a delightful transformation or a challenging one, it keeps life interesting.

Photos taken at the Harry P. Leu Gardens in Florida, December 2009.

Snowpocalypse 2010

It's been snowing for about 16 hours straight and it's actually been getting stronger as the day goes on. This picture was taken early this morning. There's a lot more snow right now--over two feet and counting.

I've decided to give up on being lumberjack woman for now--I've been keeping the entire circular driveway shoveled and clear. I've got company this weekend and I know from past experience that a certain little VW bug from NYC can't quite make it out of the driveway if it's icy. It's dark now and I was cold and wet from shoveling so I'll tackle it again tomorrow morning. Janette, all for you, babe--you know I care!

Starry Night

I debated posting this image because it's so dark, but I wanted to show what a starry sky we had last night. It was so lovely--I guess you just had to be there.

The Deer Blog

This is turning into a blog about deer! The same intrepid one that came up yesterday returned today. The look on her face as she looked at me through the glass! I could swear she was smiling and batting her eyelashes at me. Notice the shy one in the back, looking over her shoulder, pretending she doesn't see Saucy Deer flirting with me--how mortifying, she's thinking.


Apparently, I was too slow to respond and Saucy Deer started eating the seed right off the bird feeder.


Meanwhile, Shy Deer was looking at me, waiting patiently for me to do something. She's a small young one and bolts if I get too close. I tapped on the glass and Saucy Deer walked down the steps, throwing one last winsome look at me. I gave them extra extra corn.

So, where's my dinner?

This saucy deer just walked up the deck steps and straight to the door, to remind me that it was time for their dinner. Smart deer.

Figure Eights

The lake is one huge skating rink, right in my backyard. Hmmm, do I see ice skating in my future?

Al Fresco Dining

Just fed the deer--time to start thinking about what I'd like for dinner.

Walking on Ice

Saw a man walking way across the lake this morning. I don't think that's such a great idea...particularly doing it alone. I've seen too many movies where the ice breaks and then the body is found the next spring. Yeah, I'm a little morbid.

Sticking to the Plan

Alas, no picture taking again today. But to keep to my plan of a picture a day, here's my favorite fall picture of the lake, taken in October.

Are we there yet?

Winter does drag on, doesn't it? I'm not even motivated to take pictures today so, for a change of pace, here is my favorite summer picture of the lake. Can't wait...

Frozen Pipe

Apparently the outside faucet had started to drip, which caused the pipe to freeze (that's an icicle hanging there). The upside is that I noticed it before the pipe burst and flooded the house. The downside is, of course, the plumbing bill.