My Favourite Images of 2012

Choosing my favourite images within a year is actually more difficult than one might think.  Every image has been snapped with the hopes of capturing an emotion, a story and a memory!  Taking a photo everyday is certainly interesting.  Not every photo is great nor do they necessarily strike an emotion with everyone.  However, each photo has become a journal for not only myself but for my family.  Although we have strong emotional ties to the images, I hope over the course of 2012, there have been images that have struck a chord with you.  2012 seemed to FLY rather quickly and since the world did not end and 2013 is knocking on our doors, I wish each of you a very healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!  The world is becoming an ever so hectic, crazy place.  Take the time to notice the world around you and stop and 'smell the roses!'

Cheers Everyone!

In Search for Olive

It's been a few months since we've seen our lil' Olive.  In fact, the last time I spotted her was back in October.  The boys and I were hopeful when we spotted this young Great Horned Owl this morning but alas, it was too small and it's wings were too perfect!  Yes, Olive is much bigger and has her 'special' wing which makes it much easier to pick her out from an owl crowd!  This was likely the young owlet we spotted in the spring.

On a side note, the Canadian Geographic has recently published an article on the 2013 Solar Max.  To my surprise and delight, I was contacted by one of their editors, who requested the use of a couple of my aurora photos for a slideshow demonstrating some of the best aurora photos by Canadian Geographic Community Club members!  Wow, what an honour to be able to share them.  If you get a chance, check out their article and slideshow!

Bobsleigh or Skeleton?

With the weather being warmer, the boys have certainly spent much more time outdoors and today was no exception!  After a morning snowshoe, they hit the hill with their new 'crazy carpet's' that Santa left under the tree for them.  When that wasn't enough of a thrill, they decided to take their chances on their slide with them!!  OMG!  Who needs Canada Olympic Park when you can turn your slide into a run for Bobsleigh or Skeleton?

Snowshoeing Anyone?

Well, Christmas is over and indulging on leftovers has begun!  Haha!  And with such indulgences comes the need to get outside and inhale some fresh air!  The weather is finally starting to warm up a bit, so late this afternoon, the boys and I took our snowshoes out for a spin!  If you've never tried snowshoeing and get the chance, give it a go!  Trust me ... you will love it!  

Merry Christmas!

There are two little boys snuggled in their beds with 'sugarplums,' trucks and lego dancing in their heads!  And with that, I think we are going to have a very early morning!  I hope you are all surrounded by friends and family and enjoy the festive season!  From Our home to yours ... Merry Christmas Everyone!

And Snow It Did!

When I said "Let it Snow" ... snow it did!  I think we ended up with almost 8 inches of the white stuff!  The roads were heavy heading over to Grandma and Grandpa's for an early Christmas dinner today and the snow is 'squeaky' tonight!  It is -29C without the wind!  Thank goodness there is only a slight breeze!

A Snowy Day

Ooops!  I've been MIA!  Sorry!  I still haven't been able to shake this darn cold and these past two weeks have been absolutely crazy!  I'm definitely not ready for Christmas but it is going to arrive whether I am ready or not.  So with that in mind, I turned on the Christmas tunes, plugged away at some much needed house cleaning and watched it snow!  There is nothing prettier than watching big snow flakes float to the ground and since winter officially arrived yesterday, I say "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow ..."

Early December Sunrise

Brrr .... It was -22C this am when I quickly snapped these but the sun is now up and it's now a balmy -20.5C!  Haha!  Yes, the snow might be a bit on the 'squeaky' side but there is no wind and the snow is certainly glistening!  Hard to believe we are enjoying the final two days of 'Autumn' ... Winter officially arrives on Friday!

Winter Baldy

Wow!  It's been a few days since I posted and since I can't claim I won the lottery or was whisked away on a exotic holiday, I will fess up that I was curled up into a ball with Clara the cat nestled in on my lap.  I had a box of tissues on hand, throat lozenges and my trusty 'Neo Citran' to assist in curing my nasty chest and sinus cold!  UGH!  Yes, I fell victim to one of the nasty winter bugs that seem to be floating around these days.  However, I did manage to drag myself out of my pj's yesterday and head to town to get some much needed Christmas shopping done and while sitting in the passenger seat, I managed to capture this beauty swoop past and head for a different fence post!  Not the best ... I would have LOVED to have stopped and sat for a few minutes but we were along a busy road and we were on a shopping mission!  Perhaps another day!

A Winter Wedding!

I must apologize, I did miss a couple of posts!  Tis' the BUSY season!  However, it's always a good busy, especially when you can participate in capturing a few special moments for a newly wed couple!  Tying the not on the 12th day of the 12th month, in the year 2012 and at 12:00 noon, this beautiful couple had a pretty perfect day!  Lorelyn's wish was for fresh snow and hoar frost and for the most part, the weather man delivered! The temperature was a bit chilly at -15C but I don't know if the love birds even noticed the cold!  Congratulations Lorelyn and Conlee!  Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness!

Busy Birds

Always a flurry of activity and chatter, the Redpolls were certainly dashing and darting about today.  The temperature reached -4C and was certainly much warmer!  Not only does warmer temperatures put a smile on our faces and an extra skip in our step but it appears to add 'flutter' to the wings of the Redpolls!

Winter Wonderland

Winter came down to our home one night
Quietly pirouetting in on silvery-toed 

slippers of snow,
And we, we were children once again.
~Bill Morgan, Jr.

Winter has certainly arrived on more than one night, pirouetting on silver-toed slippers of snow.  In fact, with what seems like daily doses of fog, flurries and hoar frost, the prairie is certainly a glistening 'winter wonderland!'  Have a wonderful week everyone!