So Much for Balmy...

To survive in these here parts you better love the change of seasons. And the change back, and the change ahead, and the change again, and... Case in point, that balmy weather in early November, of which I spoke in my previous post was followed by this:

 

I took this picture the morning I left home for a week in Florida. While I was gone the snow melted and Tom finished clearing the last of the fallen leaves from the lawn. He took advantage of fair weather preparing for winter -- not a day too soon. I returned to typically chilly fall weather. Then it got colder, and rained, and the wind blew, bringing in a winter storm, which dumped a foot of snow on us. I'm wishing I could go back to Florida. It's especially nice to leave for warm climes when you're leaving snow behind.

While down south with my friend, Nadine, we enjoyed temps in the 70's and 80's. We sat out on the lanai in our jammies and watched the sunrise in the mornings. In the evenings while we were getting dinner ready, Mom and Dad made sure the sun got itself set good and proper. They occupied their rockers and took in the peaceful, beautiful sunset...as is their daily habit. What a nice routine, don't you think?

Nadine and I had the after-dark shift in the rockers, or the hot tub, or out walking -- some nights all three. Sitting, soaking, or walking, we marveled at the full moon, the lead up to it, and the couple of days after, and the warm weather. Simply gorgeous. Even the cloudy nights were stunning.

"The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;

where morning dawns, where evening fades,

you call forth songs of joy." Psalm 65:8

I have no night time pictures, but here are some photos of the flowers, shrubs, trees, yard, and the showy visitors we enjoyed.

 

 

Gorgeous birds, these Sand Hill Cranes, absolutely gorgeous.

Aha! Here's the real attraction.

A bird feeder. And I am a bird, am I not?

Because you are nice enough to feed me, I'll let you take my picture close up.

I took these pictures last week a thousand miles south of here. Today, at home, we're shoveling snow. Such extremes!