No More Snow

The rain melted all the snow, but it's still really cold, as evidenced by the dove all puffed up against the cold. The little dove stayed there for about two hours today. I think that it's almost colder when the rain chills the air than when it's snowing. Tomorrow, however, we're expecting snow, so the woodlands in the second picture will probably be covered with snow by tomorrow night.

The little dove is all puffed up against the cold. He rested here by the shrub in the front of my house for about two hours. His little friend is hidden behind him.

The snow has melted from the woodland area, but the water is still somewhat frozen. Coyotes live here, and I can hear them howling at night.

Idelia's Skating Sampler 1908

I am working on Clara's Skating Sampler 1891 by The Sampler Girl. Since I don't have anyone in my family named Clara, I am going to personalize it with my Grandmother Idelia's name. My grandmother was born in 1891, so I am going to use the date 1908. I think she could have skated with her sweetheart at the age of seventeen. I unfortunately never had an opportunity to know my maternal grandmother. She died before my mother got married. My mother told me a great deal about my grandmother however, and I feel that I know her. I have always felt a strong connection with her since I was young. I don't really resemble Grandmother Idelia in looks, but I hope I have at least some of her inner strength and fortitude.

This sampler is stiched on 32 ct. Antique Ivory Belfast Linen. It calls for Gentle Arts and Crescent Colors. I hope to have my sampler finished by the end of next week.

Deer, Sweet Deer

It's difficult to believe that I live in a suburb of a large city. These pictures are of deer who are quite tame. They live in a forest preserve, and people feed them. They come out close to the cars because they know they are going to get fed. I just loved watching them today and took some pictures of them. I am going to go buy some deer feed and feed them this week on my way home from work. I am lucky to be able to see them so close. Aren't they beautiful?

Freezing Fog

Today was an odd day, weather wise. In the morning the shrubs and trees were coated with a snowy ice. It was quite lovely. In the afternoon a heavy fog set in. I had to go on a short trip to take my son back to college, and the weather was remarkable. The weather forecast on the way back home said "freezing fog." I found that an unusual forecast and one that I have never heard of.

The snowy ice coats the shrub and the tree. The ice stayed on the shrubs and trees all day.

The fog created incredible scenes as we were driving along the highway. I was actually the passenger, so I was able to take the pictures. This was still in the afternoon.

Dasher looks outside at the interesting weather, while Jessie Rose decides to rest by the fireplace.

Potpourri of Pictures

Everything seems to be settling down after the holidays. I finally have my Christmas decorations taken down, except for the ones that I will probably find on a shelf about a month later. The snow is still covering the ground, but the weather is supposed to be in the twenties this week. I have a few pictures that are just an assortment: Winter, an oddity, and some decorations in a favorite neighboring town.

I took this picture of a snowy forest preserve on my way home from work on Thursday.

I'm not sure why the Remax hot air balloon was in the street behind my house, but I thought it was interesting.

This picture and the following picture are decorations in a park in one of my favorite neighboring towns. I like the way the lights sparkle in the night time.

 

Jessie Rose Hides

Jessie Rose decides to hide in the artificial Poinsettia Plant. I've heard varying stories of whether or not real Poinsettia Plants are poisonous to cats, but even though recent articles have indicated that they're not harmful to cats, I prefer not to take the chance: artificial ones will do for fun as Jessie Rose will testify.

"I can't believe you can see me in here."

Happy New Year's Day