Polar Vortex

We learned a new phrase in the weather this year and we finally got out of those bitter cold temperatures. I was able to get out in the woods for a 2 1/2 hour walk this week.  It was so nice to spend time out in nature and soak up some of the wonderful rays of sunlight. I had been walking with my Mom's Lunch group at an indoor track because of the extreme cold. It has been rejuvenating to be able to get out and spend time in the woods. They are calling for another polar vortex to descend upon us next week so I had better plan on another hike early in the week. Hope the New Year is treating you as well as it is me. We have started to book our adventures for this year. I am being very optimistic that we will have an early spring so we can get on the road again. Oh, only 7 more weeks till our granddaughter  arrives!!!  :o}

Frost crystals in the early morning light

Mr. Cardinal trying to keep warm

Looks like an outdoor scene

Ms. Downy Woodpecker waiting for her turn at the suet

Chrystal necklace

Ms. Cardinal braving the winds for a treat

This squirrel found a peanut buried in the snow

The suns twinkle on the frost crystals

A one legged Dark-eyed Junco

 

A little spring fever between black and grey squirrel!

A Walk In The Woods

Reflections at the pond

Muskrat lodges

Bear face in the wood of a tree

Golden leaves and shadows

Looks like a sheet of glass

Mr. Downy enjoying the warm weather

Tree of many faces. How many can you see?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

 I wish all of you a happy, healthy and exciting New Year. 

May 2014 be the best we have ever experienced and I wish you

 memorable adventures out in mother nature and all her beauty.

OH BABY, it's cold outside.

We have rung in the new year and the weather has brought us some of the coldest temperatures we have had in years. But even with this bitter cold there is always something positive that comes from it. I grabbed my camera and took some interesting frost pictures as well as some of the birds all puffed out trying to keep warm.

Ice crystals at sunrise on the storm door

 

A closer look at some of them

Ice crystals and frost after sunrise

Ice crystals on the garage window in late morning

Almost looks like the moon in the background

Natures forest and skyline

 

A squirrel playing peek-a-boo

Dark eyed junco with ice on her back

A yellow finch powder puff.....

A house finch is lecturing the junco on just who's perch this is

Ms. Cardinal with a frosty back in this frigid cold

Mr. Cardinal with frost tips

Fri
8 am

 Temp. -23°C

Feels like -30

This sets a new record for this day, Brrrrrrr

MERRY CHRISTMAS

The big day has arrived and I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I hope Santa has stopped by and delivered lots of love and special family time to all of you.

Ice Looks Nice, But........

After Fridays & Saturdays rain and above freezing temperatures it all changed Saturday evening and the ice started to gather on everything. When we awoke on Sunday it was a beautiful winter wonderland. Everything was coated in a heavy layer of ice and the large trees on the street were starting to succumb to the weight. One by one they started to droop and come crashing down. The noise and destruction lasted for several hours until almost all the trees on our side of the street were either totally down or had major damage. There were a couple of vehicles that sustained damage but for the most part people were able to move their cars before the trees came down. This will be a week-end that will last in our memories for a long time.. The street will look much different this summer without all those large trees shading us. Even the birds were being a little more social with each other as they got some nourishment to keep them warm through this very wet and icy time.

Memories of the December Ice Storm

First Snow Storm This Season

On Saturday December 14th we received the the first measurable amount of snow from the storm that was going to effect us this week-end. By the time it was over we had about 15cm of light fluffy snow. The squirrels were wondering how far they were going to have to dig to get the sunflower seeds that the birds drop for them.

This tail comes in handy for keeping the snow off my back

I know there's food under here somewhere.....

Looking for some food to keep me warm

Burr.....   it's windy & snowy out here

 

A sunny morning after the storm

There's nothing like some fresh flakes for breakfast!