I shot a squirrel

A few days ago, from my sewing room window I noticed this little "bump" on a tree branch across the driveway. I figured out it was a squirrel, and it must've been taking a nap, because it stayed just the same for such a long time. Finally I decided since it was still there, I had to go out and try to get a picture.

I must've woken it up, because by the time I got close enough for a shot that wasn't obscured by branches, it had sat up just a little.

I kept sneaking closer, taking shots along the way, because I knew it could disappear at any time.

I was surprised at how long it waited, watching me.

Then it decided it was time to depart.

It started scurrying away, hoping I didn't see it, I guess...

... and this is the last I did see:

They sure have a way of managing to stay on the opposite side of a tree from you! I gave up and went back to the house, knowing it was a waste of time to try and get any more shots.

One pretty bird...

... who was not camera shy...

... and one little squirrel...

... who did not know the camera was aimed at him.

Just soakin' up rays

What's this? A skunk?!

Nope.  Just Dots, napping in a nice sunny spot out of the wind.

This guy seemed to like the sunshine, too:

What a lovely "winter" we've been having. It barely qualifies as a winter! Sounds like we'll be getting a little of the wet, white stuff this afternoon, though. That's okay... we need the moisture.

Happy New Year?

We woke up to a white-Christmassy effect this morning to start out the New Year.  I'm not sure how happy anybody is with it.  It doesn't grab me a whole lot, but I guess it makes for pretty pictures.  I'm getting spoiled this winter, though, and I prefer the brown look.  I think we'll have that back in a few days, however, as the temperatures are forecast to get into the upper 40's again - YAY!!

(Click any photo for a much better look!)

The snow came down fast, heavy, and horizontally when it fell before midnight last night.  It was 34° at the time, so the snow kinda "splatted" when it hit the windows.  It left a rather bumpy layer on the ground.

I happened to see this little guy running across the snow:

He'd apparently been to the cornfield.... and was stocking up for winter?  He tried first to bury his corn, but I guess he decided the snow wasn't deep enough, so he changed his mind and started to eat it on the spot.

I don't know if he saw me at the window, or just decided the tree would be a better place for breakfast, but he left the husk (to the right of the tree), and ran up the tree.  He's perched just below the sun.

Here's a little better look:

(Click to enlarge.)

It's gotten very windy, and from where I sit, I can see snow blowing past the window occasionally.  I guess it's really winter now.  I don't mind (much).  So far it's been such a relief from the kind of winters we had the last two years, and there's warmth and melting in the very near future!

So whatever you're seeing out your own windows today, I hope you see the beauty in it.  And I hope 2012 brings you lots of blessings.  Don't get too busy 'doing' that you miss them!

Bright spots

The snow really melted fast last week - YAY!! But with the cloudiness, dirty snow, brown foliage and mud, it hasn't been too pretty out there.

However, I discovered a bright spot one morning. Can you see it?

Look a little closer...

I like the way he(she?) holds his tail up over his back. I wonder why they do that. Anybody know? Dale???

Yesterday I discovered some more bright spots. My tulips are coming up!

I did see one robin so far. Hopefully there will be more soon. I wonder how many times they'll get their tails snowed on before winter is finally over! Sounds like the first shot will start tonight. Yuck.