Yay!!! It's Winter!

Today is the Winter Solstice which marks the beginning of our winter in the northern hemisphere. Meaning today is the shortest day in the year, but after today the days will start getting longer. If the days started getting sunnier that would be wonderful, but here in the Northeast we know that's probably just wishful thinking. 

Last week we got our first significant snowfall and below zero temperatures (-5), but it warmed up a couple of days ago and so some of that snow melted. 

We still have snow on the ground now, but it's melted significantly.  And then in the next few days the weather report is calling for a "winter mix". I just love that. It's either going to rain/snow/sleet or it could be rain that turns to ice or maybe snow. Who knows! I just like that temperature readout in the car when you're on the road so that when the roads are wet and your thermometer is reading below 32 it's time to get off the road and quick because that's when you could have black ice and you probably can't even see it or know it's there. That's why it's called black ice. It actually just looks like the roads are wet, but it's actually ice. So be careful out there if you're going to be traveling over the weekend for the Christmas holidays.

I really don't mind winter. Not that I spend a lot of time outside in it, but I do like watching the birds at the feeders, and going for rides to get some nice landscape and wildlife photos. And I also really like a winter storm. And I like it even better when I'm in the house and watching it snow and blow from my windows. That's when you can get some awesome photographs of the storms. 

Two Turtle Doves (not really - they're Mourning Doves)

Pileated Woodpecker (female) eating poison ivy berries

I'm sure many of you are rushing to get ready for the holidays. Remember to take time for yourself and to reflect on all your blessings. It's so easy to get caught up in all the preparations, I know I've done that myself.

Just remember the reason for the Season ~

Merry Christmas 

and Happy Holidays to all !

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