Tracks in the snow

It’s fun to spot animal tracks in the new fallen snow.  Wildlife is all around us, but we don’t always get the chance to see it.  Footprints in the snow share a story of their presence and activity.

“The future lies before you, like a field of fallen snow;
Be careful how you tread it, for every step will show.”
~Unknown

Surrounded by snow and ice

After a wintry cold spell, we once again visited Reelfoot Lake this past weekend and were amazed by the beautiful ice and snow formations surrounding the cypress trees.

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently?  And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, ‘Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.'”  ~Lewis Carroll (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland)

A bright spot

This past week, West Tennessee has experienced  sleet, snow and extremely cold temperatures, which have rendered many homebound.  One of the things I have enjoyed during this time has been watching a flock of cardinals that have been visiting the feeders.  Their activity and beauty have been a bright spot in some bitterly cold and icy days.

“Even dark days have a bright spot.  Make it your goal to find it.”  ~Lisa Petty

Brown Thrasher

I spotted this Brown Thrasher in my backyard early last summer.  He picked up a few sunflower seeds under the feeder and then headed to the birdbath for a quick dip.  The large yellow eyes and downcurved bill, which gave him a grumpy look before his bath, added a certain charm when he was wet.

“Create your own style.  Let it be unique for yourself and identifiable for others.”  ~Anna Wintour

Supermoon going down

These pictures were taken on the morning of January 2, 2018 as the sun was rising and the full moon was setting in the western sky.

“When one starts thinking of the full moon as a common sight that will come again to one’s eyes ad-infinitum, the value of life is diminished and life goes by uncherished.”  ~Roman Payne

Checking to see if the coast is clear

We startled this little squirrel as it was searching for food at the base of a tree in a state park.  It frantically scampered up the tree trunk and hid on the other side.  As we continued walking, I looked back and caught it peeking out to see if the coast was all clear.

“When I die of heart failure the next time you frighten me like that, you can put that on my gravestone — ‘I didn’t mean to startle her.'”  ~Patricia Briggs

Side by side

While driving along the Mississippi levee, we spotted these two eagles sitting contently together in the trees.

“Contentment is a state of the heart, unaffected by outward circumstances.”  ~Crystal Paine