Winter garden...

My winter garden is just as full of delights as it is during the summer... if I only take time to look.

Frosted apples...

There is a Crab Apple tree in my front yard, planted years ago by someone I have never met. Under it's arching boughs I sprinkled some of my sister Dicy's ashes. In the spring a riotous garden of daffodils and tulips blooms there, beneath blossom laden branches. The fruit of the tree hangs on through the fall and into the winter. In late winter migrating flocks of Waxwings pass by and feast on the tiny apples, and in the spring the first Robin's to appear gorge on the fruit until the weather softens enough to provide them more dining options. The tree has a rosy glow in almost every light, and is beautiful no matter the season. Today a delicate morning snow dusted each branch and tiny apple. Frosting on the cake....

Reflections...

At the wane of the year I wax reflective. I like to think about the things in the past 365 days that went wonderfully well. And also on the losses, lessons and mistakes. As I grow older I recognize how swiftly time passes, and this gives me incentive to try to make some plans for the year ahead, so that I might make the most of those days that wing by on the calendar. Last year I made a list of things I wished to accomplish. Last night I checked, and though I failed miserably at a few of the things I desired to achieve, I had some impressive successes. And because life is delightful, there were some totally unexpected surprises. The sorts of things that make me wake up smiling, ready to see what else is in store. My new calendar is at the ready, a blank slate, full of the promise of joys I cannot yet even imagine. I am SO excited!

Ice on the Rocks...

Ice on the Rocks


Where the ocean retreats
before plummeting mercury
salt laced crystals form on granite
in glittering mica sheets

small boys in boots stomp along the
icy waters edge
creating crashing sounds that delight
beyond all expectation

ducks dabble at the shoreline
between glazed boulders and shaggy kelp
voicing quacking concerns
over the level of sound
of childish laughter and breaking
frozen water

copy write 12/08 Daryl Conner

Spirit of Christmas...

Even the pullet's were moved by the spirit of Christmas today... and gifted me with the JUMBO egg on the left. I betcha it's a double yolker, too! Just one of the thoughtful gifts I have received today! Merry Christmas!!

Anticipation...

Dazzle the poodle and Lilly the bad, bad boxer are looking out at the snow to see if they can spot Santa's sleigh!

Lilly is hoping her stocking will be stuffed with good things to chew on, Dazzle wants a toy that squeaks. Of course, if Santa did swoop in, they'd bark and throw such a fit poor Santa would have to be awfully brave to enter in.

From our home to yours, I hope all of your holiday wishes come true!

The best place to be on a very cold night...

On micro fibre sheets under a feather duvet. Yup. That is the best place to be. Tuck a warm human in on either side and it's time to take a rest after napping all day!