Autumn Meets Winter

Some of the remnants of autumn staunchly stood their ground, while others lay intertwined just below the surface of the winter ice.

“Winter, come rest your soul on autumn’s weary head.  Twirl, shimmer, soften before tucking fall to bed.” ~Angie Weiland-Crosby

Icy Feet and Frosty Knees

The trees and animals weren’t the only ones with icy feet, but we still enjoyed walking around and seeing the frozen lake and cypress trees during the latest arctic blast.

“January brings the snow, makes our feet and fingers glow.”  ~Sara Coleridge

Draped in ice

The trees and plants along Reelfoot Lake were once again covered in glistening ice this past weekend.  The beautiful detail and artistry in the rows of hanging ice structures made it look as if the trees were covered in fancy gowns of intricate lace.  Icicles tucked among the plants along the bank reminded me of musical notes written like a song along the ground.  Ice has a way of making everything look magical.

“God is as great in minuteness as He is in magnitude.”  ~Unknown

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

In search of the Sandhill Cranes

After spotting three Sandhill Cranes on farmland near our house, I was curious to find out why the cranes were in the area.   I did an online search and discovered that “Hop-in Refuge”, located not far from us in West Tennessee, is a wintering home to several thousand Sandhill Cranes each year.  Used as farmland during the summer, it is then flooded to provide habitat for birdlife during the winter months.  I was excited to go on a road trip in search of the Sandhill Cranes.  We found that though the refuge is closed during the months of November thru February, there are plenty of cranes to see dotting the farmland in the surrounding area.

“Blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventures.”  ~Unknown