In Search of Snow... January "Walk in the Gardens" Challenge

It has been chillingly cold 

but still no measure-able snowfall in my gardens,

so we went to the mountains to find some.

A good excuse for a walk don't ya think?

Not much snow up there either. 

The ski resorts are making snow for their slopes.

But we did find snow, 

though not the deep fluffy stuff we played in last year. 

Click here

and here

and here.

(Oh we had such fun on last year's mountain get-a-way.)


This year was a different kind of fun...

though we did find some interesting pics to shoot during our stay...

things we might have missed if we hadn't gone for a walk or two.

 Winter Whites on the shady side of the road...

give the illusion of lots of snow,
though the sunny side is bare.

 But even a little snow brings Winter interest.

Snow and moss... and *lichen.

*an organism that is formed by the symbiotic association of a fungus and an alga 

and occurs as crusty patches or bushy growths on tree trunks, bare ground, etc.

 Tangled roots from an old tree.

 What creature lies within?

 Roots formed around rocks.

 Rocky outcropping 

gives the appearance of a petrified tree trunk.

Spring water running clear and cold.

 Ice castles for the Fairies to play in...

Can you see them? 

Neither can I but I know they're in there.

 Looking heaven-ward reveals berries for the birds 

and clear blue skies in the chilling 10°F air.

The birds were high in the trees this day,

but I could hear them singing their happy Sunshine Song.

 A mountain cemetery reflecting the twilight blues of the snow.
It was simply enchanting!


What treasures did you find on your January winter walk? 

Post about it, 
then add your link to the list below. 
"Walk in the Gardens" Challenge is hosted the first day of each month 
and the linky is up for a week.

I can't wait to see what you discover! 

Merry Christmas!

                     

May your Christmas be filled with joy 

and love

and peace.

Remember to join me the first of each month for my 

Walk in the Gardens Challenge.

Take time to get up from behind your computer and walk about in this beautiful world we live in. 

Capture images of your walk 

and then add your link to the list that will be here on January 1st.

We'll welcome the New Year with renewed energy!

My walk will be through snow scenes of Winter as I bundle up to stay warm. 

(Think of me holding my breath as I take each shot so as not to fog up the lense 

with my frozen breath.)

Naughty or Nice...

Several of my grand-kiddos discovered these little Elves 

making mischief in the Christmas tree bows.

Lively little characters with curious expressions

that captured a three, four and six year old's imagination.

"Grandma, you have Elves at your house, too?!"

Their bright eyes sparkled with absolute wonder.

Oh, they know all about Elves... 

"they watch to see if you're naughty"

the four year old exclaimed with conviction.

"We have one at our house, Mr. Glimpse,

and every morning he's in a different place." 

chimed in the 6 year old.

"Do your elves see us Grandma?" 

the three year old asked with concern.

Oh yes, they do! I wisely replied.

And I'm certain they will tell Mr. Glimpse 

all about your weekend with Grandma.

Love those little elves... they worked their magic.

 No naughty kids here.

We just welcomed our 16th grandbaby into our hearts.

Grandchildren are God's gift to tired old mothers who persevered.

                                       ~ One who did... me!

Sugar Frosted December "Walk in the Gardens" Challenge

A Sugar Frosted Morning in my gardens!

Rose leaves frosted to perfection!

Dainty little sugar cubes dancin' in the daisy foliage.

When the edge of your leaves and flower petals

appear as though they've been dipped in SUGAR

they have been touched by Rime Frost.

Rime Frost is ice formed when damp, icy winds 
blow through your gardens.

  

 

It only occurs when the temperatures are very low...

and it makes everything within it's touch...

sparkle!

But you'll only discover these beauties...

if you go out in the gardens and walk...

but be sure to grab a coat and gloves

cuz baby it's cold out there!

And as soon as the sunlight touches the frost...

 

 the magic will begin to fade.

Better look quick!

It's all melting fast! 

Letting Mother Nature do her thing in my gardens... 

and this morning was beautiful!

Join me for another  WALK in the GARDENS Challenge.

Maybe you're already walking each day,
or maybe you, too, need a little coaxing to get going.
It doesn't matter how far or how long you walk, just that you do it.

If you'd like to join me

publish your own post on what you discover during your walk
then link your blog name to the linky list below.

The first of each month I'll post and invite you to join in again.