Mix a little foolishness with your prudence: It's good to be silly at the right moment. Horace
This photo was taken on the morning after our first big snowstorm of the season. Through the buttermilk sky the sun lit up the snow. I had never seen a two story gazebo before I moved to Minnesota either.
Observe the official Minnesota winter grill: a fresh wreath entwined with an electrical cord to plug in an engine heater. Festive yet functional. Today's temp w/wind chill has been around -14 degrees. As I post it is -1. The old timers say this is much like the way winters used to be up north. . .
Fast forward three months or so and Minnesota is hit with some record breaking snow falls earlier than usual. Yesterday's blizzard of 21 inches made everybody [with the exception of the Macy's delivery guys across the street] and virtually everything come to a screeching halt for the day.
From the comfort of my kitchen I caught Dave up to his knees in still-falling snow, refilling the feeders for the brave, and hungry. He does seem a little short on one end. . .
Finding the beauty in each season isn't really very hard, and for this I'm grateful.
Saturday last we 'received' over 6 inches of snow in one day which ushered in this whole winter in Minnesota thing in style. I took this photo Wednesday morning when the crunchy snow was sun-washed. Due to freezing day temps since Saturday, the lakes are starting to freeze too. Soon the less stalwart water fowl will leave us for several months. 
There is a fragile beauty in the sky and on the morning snow now. More beautiful skies to be seen @ Skywatch Friday.
In our California travels I stopped at a wayside farm stand in Carmel Valley which belonged to the organic gardening company Earthbound Farms. [the posters above are from their nifty site] These two gorgeous varieties of Passion Flower were growing around the place and since I had just come from November in Minnesota, they seemed to call even louder to me.
So, since I find myself inhabiting that strange place between home and where one has traveled, I offer these beauties for both memes, Today's Flowers and Ruby Tuesday.
Gotta love creatures so small yet so smart--see more at Camera Critters a meme for animal lovers everywhere.
Our breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean along California Highway 1 on the Monterey Peninsula. When the fog cleared and the sun came out that morning, one of Pebble Beach's greens became visible [lower left]. The tide was rolling in with its waves crashing. Perfection!
Walking in the September woods I came to a fork in the road and was surprised by this beauty just feet in front of me. The expression on his face matched what he saw in mine, I'm sure. 
In typical deer fashion, I'm learning, his curiosity delayed his departure...much to my delight. 
Some sky views in our new abode: Above is the same path I walk each week but now emblazoned by autumn. Below is the view of the lake from our apartment, looking past our neighbor's deck to Lake Owasso and a cloudy September day.
When I just can't open another packed box, I remember that there is a truth to be found whenever I randomly look up at the sky.
Rest? Camaraderie? Harmony? At any rate, these three birds have the right idea.
Its not goodbye just a brief interlude. . .
for all involved, our move is only about three blocks away. Very soon I'll be UN-packing all these boxes. But, wow, what a trade off.
Be back soon. Will miss your visits. . .send all good wishes anyway!
