Winter At It's Best

Winter! Some folks love it and some are at the other end of the spectrum.

I can't say that I love the bitter cold, but whether I like it or not, it is what we get at this time of year.

So, in an effort to accentuate the positive,I am showing you some of the beauty of winter.

The wind whips the show around and with it creates some stunning patterns.

 I love seeing a field covered in varying patterns, all  created by the wind.

When the conditions are just right a fresh snowfall covers the trees and turns them into a photographers dream scene.

The wind is a powerful force, and it takes those tiny snowflakes and turns them into lovely sculptures.

Each of these sculptures is beautiful and yet each one so unique. These were found in a roadside ditch.

When the temperatures drop and hover around -34 Celsius, or -29 F. and the atmospheric conditions are just right, we get to witness this kind of phenomenon.

 This is a display of sundogs at their best.

Alright, we had better get back inside where it is toasty warm.Perhaps I could get you a cup of tea or coffee, or even hot chocolate.

Something to Think About as you enjoy that warm beverage:


You can’t light a candle to show others the way,without feeling the warmth of that bright little ray.

As Seen On A Winter Day

Today, January 29,2019, is a bitterly cold day so cold in fact, that schools are all closed in the area.

It was about -33 Celsius this morning, together with a light wind, that made it feel like -47 Celsius.

No matter how you look at that, it is just plain cold. 

Even during the harsh winter months there is beauty to be seen.

This first picture is often what I see in the morning, as the golden light of the rising sun filters through  the evergreen boughs. It makes me stop and take a second look every time.It is such a lovely sight.

An old tree, with each branch outlined by a layer of fresh white snow, is simply a thing of beauty.

When the conditions are right, the trees bear a beautiful layer of soft snow.This is better than any decorations seen on a Christmas tree.

Seeds that clung to the branches through the winter, now are adorned with caps of white snow.

The beauty and diversity of the sky never ceases to amaze me. On this particular evening the clouds put on a beautiful display of pattern.The setting sun added to the scene.

Closing Thought:

Today’s forecast

God Reigns

And the Son Shines.

Goodnight World

I have one more post of older pictures.

Today, I share with you a set of sunset pictures. These are from different days and different locations.

This first shot has some snow in it so it is a winter scene.

I realize that all of today's pictures are taken either in fall or early spring.

Each sunset has a unique beauty. I love how the colors can vary so much.

One evening as I was waiting for the sun to set,I saw this puddle in the ditch. There was no wind so the reflections were perfect.

It is not unusual at sunset, to have every cloud highlighted with that pink color. Sometimes this can happen after the sun is no longer visible, but it's rays still hit these clouds.

Lake Minniwasta is one of my favourite place to be at to watch the sunset. This was one of those evening when there were just the right amount of clouds to give a perfect scene.

Closing Thought:

Lord, I look out into the vastness of the heavens

 and I see the grandeur of Your infinite power,

 yet You look at me from heaven

 and see someone You know, love, 

and care about. 

Thank You that You find value in me.

Dreaming Of Warm Summer Days

Come with me as we find some summer warmth. I do like winter, but I also find that it is a good time to look back at the summer that is past, even as I look forward to the one that is coming. 

An old abandoned railroad track curves gently into the trees and out of sight. Hmm,I wonder what is just around the bend? A careful look will reveal a bird sitting on the right rail, just before the bend.I believe it was a Red-Tailed Hawk. This will have to wait for another day, because today I take you to Lake Minniwasta, located just a mile from my home.

 Green grass and trees in full leaf means that it is summertime. This lake may not be very large, but it does have some beautiful views.

A walk along the trail which goes to the far end of the lake gives some more lovely views over the lake. This is the kind of sky which adds beauty to almost any picture.

A short drive west of the lake, a totally different view can be seen.This was an evening of calm and beauty. That warm light that happens just before sunset, bathes the area in rich color.

The daylight fades as the sun sets in the west.This is yet another location not too far from my home. Each sunset is unique and each one has some special beauty about it.

Closing Thought:

There’s a wonder to life.Pursue it.

Hunt for it.Your goal is not to live long; it’s to live.

Simple Beauty

I continue into this new year with pictures from a warmer season.

Today I will feature a couple of sky scenes and some spring foliage.

I enjoy watching the ever changing sky. It may be grey and overcast, as it is today, or it may have some beautiful clouds as in this picture.

Thunderstorms may be looming on the horizon, but they are as gorgeous as can be.Those massive clouds hold a special attraction to me.I am already anticipating scenes like this which I hope to capture this coming summer.

From the massive thunderheads to the intricate detail of that early spring growth. As the new leaves unfurl, they carry such delicate beauty. The colors are fresh and new.

Hope, expectation and promise, are all wrapped up in these new leaves.

As I noted before, the colors are vibrant and fresh in that new growth. Just looking at these images makes me long for spring and those first signs of new life.

Closing Thought:

Praise God! Praise You, Lord, for the wonder of the earth You created.

A New Year A New Day

While the world outside my window is blanketed with a layer of new white snow,I thought it would be a good idea to enjoy a walk through a summer flower garden.

The words I have added to each picture were found on the internet.

Each day has a promise to brighten up the day, but first you must allow the sun to come your way.

Put aside your troubles, don’t let them get you down, think positive, be determined, smile instead of frown.

Get not caught up in your troubles,’n learn to deal with strife.

Allow yourself the freedom to enjoy His gifts of life.

Stop to smell the roses as you travel on your way.

Remember God is with you each minute of every day.

Summer's Colors in January

January 2019 and a new year is underway. It is my desire to fill this month with color.

Often I hear folks say that they feel down after Christmas, so I want to bring some color and memories of summer to this place.

Geraniums,I never used to like them, but recently they have grown and bloomed well for me, so they are fast becoming a favourite for my planters.I focused on the buds here. They remind me of small rosebuds.

I have the use of a lens ball and it can give some interesting results.

I had one container of sunflowers last summer. They brightened a corner of my garden. No, I didn't get any seeds from them, they died off before ever producing any seeds.

Once again, I used the lens ball for a different effect. Notice that the image in the ball is always upside down.

One more cheery Geranium. This time the focus is on those bright flowers. 

Closing Thought:

Life is full of Beautiful Things

….soft sunrise,cool winds,

pretty flowers,quiet moments,

love and laughter and good friends like you.