Friday, February 11, 2011

Blooming Friday Winter

Some time ago I discovered a wonderful Swedish blog Roses and Stuff  by Katarina. I must admit I'm a bit partial to blogs (and bloggers) in Sweden. My youngest son has lived in Sweden for the past year where he is serving a mission for our church. He will be there for another year before he returns home. As you might imagine, I miss this young man more than words can say but I am so happy for the opportunity he has been given to serve in such a beautiful country. Sweden is the land of many of our ancestors and I have been blessed to become familiar with this country and many of its beautiful people by visiting some of the blogs originating there.  Katarina's blog is one of those. 

Each Friday Katarina hosts Blommig Fredag 
or Blooming Friday. 

This week the theme is WINTER


Winter in This Grandmother's Garden


Here's my contribution for Blommig Fredag.

A collection of Winter scenes
as viewed through my camera lens 
describing all that's wonderful about Winter!

Now if it just wasn't so cold!

Thank you Katarina for hosting such a delightful meme.



Winter's magic wand adorns everything it touches 
with a sense of wonder and beauty.

Snowflakes Dancin' in the River

Branches Bowing to the Snow

Promise of Spring... waiting 

Forest Adorned in Winter Whites


Winter here is always a playground of fun!

Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland

Screamin' Fast!

One of Us Has to Move

Look Out Below!

Thanks Daddy

Snow Much Fun!




In our gardens, Winter often comes early... 
Early Snow... Leaves on Trees

Coral Bells Ringing

Early Snow Alyssum


And often returns with surprise visits...

Surprise Snow of May 2009

Dahlia Caught by the Surprise

Clematis Bud Not Sure if it's times to Open


But there is no doubt that Winter always brings beauty to everything it touches.

Winter's Beauty

Winter... it's a season we celebrate!




Monday, February 7, 2011

Mourning Doves in Winter

The Doves must like it here... they decided to stay through the Winter.


And we're having so much fun watching them!. 


They are Mourning Doves also called Western Turtle Doves. 
They are 11 to 13 inches in length which includes their 5-7 inch tail.
They are migratory birds and usually fly south for the Winter.
But sometimes they choose to overwinter.



We're so glad they did!
They provide our Winter entertainment,
though we only see them when the sun shines.


Can't blame them a bit...
that does look cold on their little feet.
Step lightly, dear.


They enjoy the seeds that the little birds drop from the feeder.
I guess you could call them 
The Clean-up Crew.


It is believed that they mate for life.
Such a sweet thought.



 The male assists in building their nest.
He's also a hands on kind of Dad 
and diligently helps incubate and feed their little ones.

.
They will always have a home in my gardens.


As long as they choose to stay.

We're hoping for babies this Spring!






Friday, February 4, 2011

Gotta Find Me Some HEAT!



Too many FrOsty CoLd mornings!


Gotta find me some H.E.A.T!




Soak it in, soak it in...



Ahhh... now I can face the day.


(Embracing Winter is beginning to wear thin.)