Our temperatures climbed into the 20’s today, making it much more enjoyable to be outside. I headed out for a walk in the woods this afternoon. All was quiet except for the sound of my boots breaking through the snow. Occasionally the wind would kick up and rustle the remaining oak leaves that have stiffened in the cold and still cling to the trees. As we’re in the northern part of the United States, north of the 45th parallel of north latitude, the sun still hangs low in the sky even near noon, resulting in lovely shadows that stretch across the landscape. With snow covering the ground, these shadows create patterns and designs that are soft and seem to dance in the wind. It was a beautiful show that was put on for me as I stood in the relative quiet to soak up the available sun.
Wisconsin
Looking forward to the new year
One year closes and another opens, much like the sunset that closes out each day and the sunrise the starts the following day. Today marks the close of 2017 – a year filled with adventures, travels, and events that I truly couldn’t have envisioned or seen ahead to back on January 1st. And as I look forward to 2018, I see a horizon with brightness and color, new adventures and things that I can’t foresee right now. But I’m ready to step out through that sunrise and embrace all that lies ahead. Happy new year to all of you, and I hope you continue along with me in the new year.
The delicate side of winter
Winter can be cold, blowing, bitter, and rough. But there is also a uniquely delicate side to this season. The snow can fall quietly and softly, and it can alight on the most delicate of surfaces, gracing them with its white coating. These bee balm seed heads seemed to cup and receive the snow as it came down, holding onto it in the center. Without the weight of a wet snow, the stems stayed upright and beautiful – proud of their place in the winter wonderland around.
Ice along the St. Croix River
Winter made its comeback this week with colder temperatures and snow. The St. Croix River, which creates the border between northern Wisconsin and Minnesota was showing the results of the weather change. Just last week the river was flowing freely, cascading southward to join up with the Mississippi River. This week was another story. The shoreline was filled with thin and uneven ice pushed up against the banks, yet the river flowed freely in the middle, carrying smaller sections of ice with the current. If the cold temperatures continue the river will freeze completely and will remain frozen until the warmer temps of spring.
A full moonrise reflection
The sun had just set, and the twilight was slowly diminishing. On the opposite shore of the lake, the full moon rose quietly. It gracefully cleared the trees and its light sent a column of brightness across the ice. The weather has been unusually warm so the ice was not solid and clear. The moon’s light showed the imperfections of the ice, along with the leaves that have been embedded during the colder nights. It was a beautiful study of light, patterns, hardness and softness.
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