More snow pictures

These pictures are from the same Christmas night snowfall. I just can't get over how beautiful the branches of the trees look with snow covering every inch.

Christmas snow

Snow started falling last night, just as we were finishing dinner. This is the scene we woke up to; it was still coming down this morning! Everything is so peaceful and quiet and lovely when it snows.

Immediately we refilled the bird feeders. At one point we had 3 bluebirds on this feeder at the same time, which is unusual because they are very territorial. But when it's this cold, I guess rules can be bent!

Happy Holidays

Went holiday food shopping yesterday and marveled at all the beautiful fresh vegetables, and of course the chocolates, breads, ribbon-tied gift bags, and the impressive line at the meat counter. So many people out and about with visiting family and friends, and last-minute shopping. I like to see the decorations and cheery little white lights that appear this time of year, and I love getting together with my family to celebrate the season. Happy Holidays!

Firewood

With all the cold weather we've been having (snow predicted for tonight!), we've been going through a lot of wood on the fire. This is a close-up shot of a red oak log we had in the queue. The variations in color were so pretty, it was a shame to burn it. And just in case we do wake up to a wintry mix in the morning, we're preparing "land of nod" cinnamon buns tonight--yum!

GCT holiday lights

Each year in Grand Central Terminal during the holidays there's a light show and music every 30 minutes; I took this picture a couple of years ago. Most people move through this space so quickly on their way to somewhere else, but I like to stop and admire the beautiful architecture, especially when highlighted by festive holiday lights.

First snow

We had our first snow fall last night. It wasn't much, but it was enough to make a thin layer and in North Carolina, that's exciting! The white snow on the bare tree branches is really pretty. And the birds are already all over the bird feeder which I love to watch.

Amazing nature

Nature is truly awe inspiring. This little bug is no more than 1/4 of an inch wide, but look at how colorful and intricate his markings are. He even has different textures; the green part looks like the skin of a lime. He could have easily gone unnoticed, but thankfully I spied him and was able to snap his photo before he moved on.

Robin water cooler

Yesterday I noticed several robins congregating in the bird bath. I figured they were having their morning catch-up by "the water cooler" before going about their day. I wonder what a robin's to-do list looks like? Probably something like: (1) find a worm, (2) eat the worm, (3) repeat. I've been thinking about drawing a bird series, and I will definitely have to include the social robin.

North Carolina passion

Today we met Sarah, one-half of the dynamic team behind Raleigh Denim, where every pair of jeans is made by hand and signed, and over 90% of materials are locally sourced. It was so wonderful to meet the owner of an NC-based, homegrown business and to get a sense of the passion she has for what she does. Their week-old storefront is very inviting and looks right into the workshop where staff stay busy cutting and sewing. Sarah was very gracious with her time and inspiring to talk to, for which I'm most appreciative.

Holiday Bazaar

Just got home from the Holiday Bazaar at the Temple Emanuel in Greensboro. Two friends came and joined me, and it was so great to catch up with them--not to mention this friend is one of my biggest fans so she was telling people all about my calendar and how much she loves it. Also, a special thank-you to the Bazaar organizer, Louise, for putting on such a lovely event.

Calves in winter coats

I have been waiting for the cows to be put back in this pasture, having watched them run and frolic last fall until they were rotated out in January. Today I walked outside and there they were, staring at me as though I were the curiosity--which I guess I was, from their perspective! The little one on the left can't be more than 2 weeks old, and he has the thickest, fluffiest winter coat already on. He was just too cute.

This evening

I thought I should start uploading photos to my site since almost daily I see something outside that inspires me. This evening the sky was gorgeous, with the sunlight scorching the clouds. And the tree with no leaves, and the chill in the air, tell me it's fall--my favorite season.