The Last Hurrah

As much as we whine and groan about the cold, the snow, the roads, the bitter cold, wind, wind chills, heating bills and bitter, numbing cold, there are certain facets of beauty that only winter can bring.

Yesterday morning, we had dense fog, and a drop in temperature. These are a collection from a combination of a drive in the country and a walk around the farm.

 

 

I wonder what kind of bird brawl was going on here? Or maybe just some mini attempts at snow angels?

Winter 2013, you were all right. Thanks for the final performance. Take a bow.

Birdfeeders

Today was a snow day, so I was able to recruit some help for topping off the bird feeders.

  

Less than 48 hours ago, these were in use, in nice, warm weather. Ah, Iowa. 

 

Our task accomplished, Elizabeth started the task of trailblazing. I took the easier job of snapping some photos. 

 

Below you will see one of our many resident squirrels. 

 

And an appreciative nuthatch, who wasted no time in resuming his lunch once the feeders were filled. 

Not mentioning any names ...

 Time to change the header, so the above is placed here for posterity.

 

There are a few people in my house who really don't care for spiders, no matter how photogenic they are.  One in particular, because one fateful day in the autumn, a veritable Shelob left an indelible physical impression on someone who dwells under the same roof as I. I won't mention any names.

 

This is one of the drum majors for the past marching band season, but she does not live in my house. This was their victory lap, their last performance after earning a Division I rating at the State Marching Band  Competition. They are a hard core bunch, playing in the rain both at State and this particular night, like it was nothing. Someone who lives in our house played alto sax for marching band this past year. I won't mention any names.

 Lastly, someone in this house is over 40, and even though her hands look much older than that, she still knows how to rock an awesome manicure.

 We won't mention any names.

Autumn Portraits

Before the weather got cold, while all the splendid color was still around, I was privileged to be asked by Andy's brother Aaron and his wife Alisia for a mini session before they went out for the evening.

It seems that wherever they are, laughter is inevitable. 

They are pretty good neighbors, also. Just having them close by, as well as Andy's other brother Ryan and his wife Jodi and their family, and him mom and dad ... we are in a blessed location. In the event of a zombie apocalypse, we are pretty well covered out here. 

Here is one of our neighbors who isn't actually related to Andy.  Brandy and Layla are our next door neighbors, and happened to be arriving home one evening during a spectacular sunset. Brandy agreed to let me photograph the lovely Layla to harness the spectacular light of the moment.

The leaves are all gone now, and now we await the first snowfall. Fall is way too fleeting.

Yellow River State Park

This past weekend, we took up trip up north to scout out a campground for our upcoming family mini vacation. 

Yellow River State Park is very rugged, hilly, and loaded with trees. We were fortunate enough to catch the tail end of the peak leaf color. 

Lots of trails, plenty of rugged beauty. You really get a feeling of undisturbed nature, like the park is a precious, well-kept secret. 

 

I spotted this lil critter on a sapling as we drove past, on our final swing through the park for the day; Andy was brave enough to hop a ravine and photograph it. I wasn't sure what it was going to do if it lost its grip on that sapling. I knew I was going to flee, whether it was chasing me or not. It was a lot of fun, though, watching it use its tail and claws to cling to that sapling. 

Falling for Fall

 

Some of the best things about a Fall Festival are the Pumpkins

 Such Variety. I love the warty pumpkins. They are so unappetizing, but so varied in texture and color.

 Indian corn. Autumn jewels.

The next photo goes in for posterity, since the banner has been changed to reflect the season.

So long to summer

This past year has been something else. You just never know what life will throw at you. A year ago, I was preparing for a major surgery. I'm so grateful for the healing I've had, and the past year I've had, all the new opportunities and adventures.  Now, my little pal Coral is battling Leukemia. I crocheted these hats and some flower accessories to cover her little head as she lost her hair to the chemotherapy. I am confident that she will pull through, but if you are reading this, you sure can tuck in a prayer or two for her. She is a brave, smart girl who will have a lot to offer the world when she grows up.

We have a lot of Queen Anne's Lace growing out here. I love it. I just know that flowers like these are what first inspired some woman in history to take up a small hook and fine thread to create beautiful, dainty embellishments for her home.

To be sure, it was a long, hot, dry summer. Emily participated in Municipal Band, performing every Thursday night in Central Park in our little nearby town, among the most talented musical mentors in the area. This was one of the few storms we had, just moments before the final scheduled performance of the year was suddenly brought to a halt by the still welcomed rain.

Emily had her first experience at the fair, showing a couple of our young does. Pictured with Emily is our affectionate little doe Sissy, named for another Sissy that we had, and miss.