Happy Winter Solstice

Beautiful day here in mid-Michigan. Today is the first official day of winter. The day will be short and the night long.

Canadian Geese enjoying the sun on the Maple River

But for now, the sun is shining brightly. I cannot ask for a better day, especially for this time of year.

Happy Winter Solstice, my friends.

Until next time…peace

Silver Bells in the City

Over this past weekend, I attended the annual event, Silver Bells in the City which held at our state’s capitol in Lansing, Michigan. The event marks the start of the Christmas season with a tree lighting ceremony. And, yes, being in Michigan, the weather is cold for this event. But I absolutely love the light parade, tree lighting, and fireworks over the capitol.

Sometimes, braving the cold is a necessity. I find singing Christmas carols with complete strangers while standing in the middle of the street a great way to start the holidays.

Is there an annual event in your area to celebrate the Christmas season? I would love to hear about it.

Until next time…peace

 

The Silence of Winter at Sunset

Yes, I know it is not officially winter. But the mid-Michigan weather suggests otherwise. We have been experiencing frigid temperatures. Anyone who follows this blog knows I love sunsets (and sunrises). So I still think the caption is fitting.

Have a wonderful day.

How’s the weather in your area?

Until next…peace

Polar Vortex to Ice

Last week was freezing here in mid-Michigan. The Polar Vortex gave us unbelievably frigid temperatures. Along with biting cold, the bone-chilling wind chills made me want to stay indoors. Then, we had a brief warm up to almost fifty degrees. And, now…well…we have ice everywhere. I am afraid to ask what Mother Nature has in store for us next.

 

I just know he (or she) is telling me, “Excuse me can you fill your bird feeders? So I can sit out here, eat, and drive your dogs insane.”

I took extra care on keeping my feeders full. I had numerous winged visitors and a few furry ones.

I think the bird was giving me the evil eye because I was interrupting lunch. Notice the thin layer of ice on the branches?

Even though, I generally do not mind winter. I mean, the changing seasons is why I enjoy Michigan. But, I must admit, I am looking forward to Spring.

Until next time..peace

 

Merry Christmas!

“Snow was falling,
so much like stars
filling the dark trees
that one could easily imagine
its reason for being was nothing more
than prettiness.”
― Mary Oliver

 

We don’t have much snow in mid-Michigan right now. I was really hoping for a white Christmas. I am sure the snow will arrive soon enough.

For those who are celebrating today….Merry Christmas!

Until next time…peace