A Real, True Winter

We see the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets around here in the winter. My first inclination is to rush to my phone camera to take a photo. I can never capture the true color and feeling of the sky because I am not a photographer. I don't know why I feel the need to preserve and share the sunrises and sunsets. Two weeks ago I felt compelled to text our neighbor to look at the sky beyond her house, it was so beautiful. Steve and I do find each other from different parts of the house to come and see the sky. On these last couple of days I have held back from grabbing my phone. I thought I should slow down and stop rushing to the phone. It felt good to be still and just stand at the window and appreciate the sky. So this photo is from last week. But, hey! Y'all need to go to your windows!

Sunrise

 Today's forecast calls for the second snowfall in a week. Both come with minor snow accumulations of three or four inches. The ice and sleet are what has made a real mess of driveways and back roads. Schools were closed all week, businesses were closed or delayed, and people are grumbling. I have kept quiet about it because I love it. I understand why not everybody does, but it feels "right" to me for it to be this way. This is a real winter.

Steve has been putting out seed for the birds again. We see many more Mourning Doves this year. I suppose they must be from the two broods that hatched in our yard last summer. They huddle together under the patio table and rest in a plump bundle. I noticed that the Basil plants were rustling with movement the other day. The plants that I neglected to pull up last fall are providing tons of seeds for the little birds. From now on, I will leave all the Basil that goes to seed for the birds.