Happy New Year

At the end of 2010,I will share a few of my favourite images,taken in the last week or so.

The first image is one of those happy surprises.

I had gone to a friends house and was pleased to see the birds feeding close to the deck.

I had not noticed this picture until I uploaded them to the computer.I would have preferred to have all of the wings on the picture,but I am still pleased with the out come.

Black-capped Chickadee on take-off.

The American Goldfinches have lost their bright colour,but are still quite charming in their muted plumage.

This picture was taken through my dining room window.

The Hairy Woodpecker wanted to get at the suet,but was a little disturbed by my presence.

This is not a particularly beautiful image,but I like the formation of crystals around the heated bird bath.

Finally,I leave you with a bouquet of roses.

These were given to me by a friend and I want to share them with all of you.

Your friendship means a lot to me.

As we enter this New Year here is a thought worth remembering:

When we know that God's hand is in everything,

we can leave everything in God's hand.


Wishing you a New Year filled with blessings and peace.

Frosty Beauty

Three days before Christmas I awoke to see a world of such beauty,it was breathtaking.

I could hardly wait to get finished with my bus route,so I could get out and capture some of this beauty.

I don't think these need any description,except to say that this is not snow,it is a heavy layer of hoar frost.

 All of the above pictures were taken right on my yard.

I have many more shots,similar to these.

The following picture was one of only a few I got today.

I had gone for a ride north of town,looking for something to photograph.

I saw this small flock of Grey Partridges.

Since I couldn't shoot from the car,I got out slowly,hoping they would stay put.

Of course birds have their own ideas and they all took off.

Unfortunately,all I captured was the tail ends,but I still like the picture.

It was great to get out of town and see even a few birds and a couple of deer.

Thought for today:

What better answers are there,

To prove God's holy being,

Than the wonders all around us,

That are ours just for the seeing.

Birds and Blessings

As I think about what to post,I am drawn in different directions.

I decided on posting some pictures taken about a year ago.

You will notice the photographers name on each one.

This picture was taken just west of town at Lake Minniwasta.

This is the road that leads to the back of the lake.

The way the weather looks outside right now,tomorrow could look almost like this.

It is snowing fairly hard.

Today the temperatures are quite mild,so no build up of frost on the windows.

I enjoy the fancy designs the frost makes.

Again,this was taken last year,but before long,as the temperatures drop,there will be more fancy windows again.

I appreciate the feeder Jake put up,right in front of the dining room window.

The window seldom ever is very clean,but that is a small price to pay for having the birds so close.

The Black-capped Chickadee is a favorite bird,showing up all year.

Last year we had this Yellow-shafted Flicker staying around,well into December.

Here there is just the glass between me and him.

Isn't he a handsome fellow?

Jake caught him at the suet feeder.

This was his favorite food.

Since I make my own suet,the pieces don't always fit into the feeder neatly,but the birds don't mind.

On another note.

Yesterday would have been Jake's birthday and I was dreading this day.

I have to say,that I have some of the best in-laws,because they got together and came over,taking me out for lunch and then spending the afternoon with me.

We had a wonderful time together.

I also had the opportunity to pass along some of Jake's collectables to his siblings.

I believe he would have smiled as he saw the pleasure this was giving the recipients,especially his two young nieces.

I had a thought for the day picked,but as I looked up,another one jumped out at me,so I will use it instead.

 Thought for today:

Rejoice though your heart is broken in two;

God seeks to bring forth a rich harvest in you.

Memories

Allow me to do a little reminiscing.

For today's post I have picked a few of Jake's old slide scans.

Jake was always looking for a new challenge,when it came to photography.

Night shots are a challenge,but one which Jake enjoyed.

Here are two shots taken in Calgary,Alberta.

I recognize the Calgary Tower in the first picture,but have no idea just where the next one is,except that it is Calgary.

This next picture is a partial Lunar eclipse.

I know that Jake took several eclipse shots over the years.

Of course,sunset pictures are always special.

I happen to like this one,but could have chosen any of a number of pictures.

Jake enjoyed taking pictures at sunset.

I look at these images and remember a man who loved life and had so much to share.

The final image is one of a comet.

This one was taken on a very cold night,I remember because I was right there with him.

I do not remember the name of this comet,but it was fairly easy to see and photograph.

As I spend time looking at these pictures,I have tears in my eyes.

Oh how I would love to go out and spend time taking pictures together with Jake.

This is now only a memory,but what a special memory it is.

I have always known that making good memories was important,but now I realize just how important it really is.

Take the time today to do that special something with the ones you love.You will never regret these moments.

The thought for today is a verse that has become very meaningful to me.

When you pass through the waters,I will be with you;and when you pass through the rivers,they will not sweep over you.

Isaiah 43:2

Christmas Wishes

Since it is now less than two weeks until Christmas,

I want to extend my wishes to all who read this blog.

This past year,or more correctly the past few months have been some of the most difficult I have ever had.

I have had to say good-bye to the dearest one on earth to me.

I know that Jake is now eternally rejoicing,but my home is empty and my heart is broken.

In spite of all this I can still say that God has been and still is good to me.

The friendships that I have found and the support of people both near and far is,to say the least,overwhelming.

My Christmas will be very different from any in the past.

Before Christmas,on the 19th,would have been Jake's birthday,and that may be a difficult day.

I trust that as God has led me thus far He will continue to give strength for each moment.

I wish for each of you a Christmas filled with joy and a time of making memories that last a lifetime.

Thought for today:

God doesn't give us what we can handle.

He helps us handle what we are given.

God Keeps His Promises

God's promises are ever true.

I need to remember this daily.

Today,as I was reading another blog,I wept with her and also for myself.It is not easy to keep on moving forward,when all that the heart wants to do is give up.

Tonight I was reminded of the words found in Jeremiah 29:11

11'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

God does have good plans for me

I do also want to stay true to the title of this blog.After all it is a Photo Blog,so therefore I need to keep on posting pictures.

On Saturday some friends of mine picked me up and we went out in search of pictures.

Here are just a few of the many pictures I took.

This is just beside the road and the snow has drifted over the edge.

 Here are my friends,busy getting more photos.
This picture was taken,just facing in the opposite direction from the first.

A close-up of the over hanging snow.

I noticed this design in the snow,not too far from my feet.
The wind created such unique patterns with the snow.

A little further down the road we found this abandoned farm.
The other side of the barn roof was in much worse shape.

I have told several people that God has angels everywhere,and most of them are in blue jeans.

I believe that the friends who took me out on Saturday were two of God's angels.

I needed this outing more than I can tell.

The fresh air cleansed the mind and doing what I enjoy,in the company of good friends was a refreshing break.

Having said that I would have loved to have Jake there,but that is not an option.

Thought for today:

God always gives enough strength for the next step.

Some Of My Decorations

Today I will share some of my Christmas decorations.

I have only one new one for this year,and that was made for me by my Granddaughter.

This picture and the reason it is special needs no explanation.

Each time I look at the above decoration,I get teary eyed.

OK,I cry,would be more correct.

Below is a picture of a wreath that has hung in my house since 1979.Steve made this in school when he was in grade one.

He thinks it is ugly,but I have to put it out each year.

By now,it just wouldn't feel right if I didn't hang it up.

This little ornament is one of several,with similar designs.

Since I like Cardinals,but don't see them around here,I enjoy this Cardinal.He may not be red,but is still quite charming.

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season

I got this one from Steve,many years ago,and it always has a place near the top of the tree.

It is a reminder to keep Christ in Christmas.

My tree is quite small,but it works in a house that is also not very large.

The tree has lost some of it's appeal this year.

Somehow it is no fun to sit and watch the lights all by myself.

I dare not let myself dwell on the emptiness of the house,especially at Christmas time.

I try to remember that God is in control and knows what is best for me.

I wanted to end with some thought about Christmas,but this one seemed to be the one I needed for today.

Thought for today:

Because God is with us,we need not fear what lies ahead.