Snow Cones?

Perhaps frozen shish kabobs?  Either way, cattails are definitely not a plant you would think of consuming but did you know you can actually eat Cattails?  Who Knew?  'They' always say "don't knock it until you've tried it" but I think I'll pass ...

Serenity

It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it. 

~John Burroughs

"Crisp winter air," ... huh!  Lucky for us it's still AUTUMN!  Who knew?  That's okay ... Autumn scenes like this will forever take precedence over high rises, asphalt and billboards in any season!  In my humble opinion, there is nothing prettier than the prairie!  

Have a great weekend everyone!    

Brisk Morning

I love mornings like this!  There is a beautiful yet mysterious tone covering the landscape!  (Now if only the windchill hadn't been so brisk ... my fingers didn't last long snapping images, even with hand warmers!)

Handsome Lad

A good snapshot stops a moment from running away.  

~Eudora Welty

Taking the hounds out for their morning run is forever an adventure!  I am always amazed at the beauty that surrounds us and I am thankful for those creatures that grace us with their presence and spirit!   A lesson I learned a long time ago ... don't leave home without your camera!

Footprint Artwork!

Take nothing but pictures.
Leave nothing but footprints.
Kill nothing but time.
~Motto of the Baltimore Grotto

I'm not sure what wonderful creature left these footprints behind but it's wonderful artwork in the snow!

Snowy Stubble

Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons. 

~Jim Bishop

Even snow covered, yes, the golds of Autumn can still be found!  

Sunday Fun

There's no better way to finish off a weekend than with the neighbours, kids, toboggans and snowmobiles ... oh and hot chocolate!

On the Road

Today was a 'Hockey' day!  We didn't have far to go, which was nice and although the boy's team played a very tough team and lost their game, they had fun!  

Winter Branches in the Fall

Although stark and naked once their leaves are gone, yes, even on those cold, grey days, trees provide beauty!  Have a great weekend everyone!

The Colours of ... Winter

The breakdown of our seasons would appear to be like this:  Spring 4 months, Summer 1 1/2 months, Fall 1 1/2 months and Winter 5 months.  However, Spring can seem to last for only 3 months and Winter 6 months!  LOL!  So, despite the fact that it's 'Fall,' Winter is here and the challenge for the next 5 months is to photograph this colour palette everyday!  Hmm ... I must admit, I do like the colours! ... The temperatures, perhaps not always so much!

I See You ...

... And you see me!

The boys and I spotted 'Mama' deer on our way back to the yard this afternoon.  She was with a small herd that scattered at the sight of us but 'Mama' stuck around just long enough to check us out.  It was another crisp, cold day and as I post this image the temperature is currently sitting at -22C with a bit of a breeze!  Get the woolies on!  

Brr ...

Snow + -16C + Wind = Brrrrrr ....

Autumn Remains ...

Hanging on to all of their golden glory ... there are a few leaves that remain!

Sparkles

 The snow is sparkling like a million little suns. 

~Lama Willa Miller

The snow stopped and the sun returned ... a glorious day to spend with family!  

IGLOO at Night!

The boys worked so hard yesterday trying to get as much of their Igloo done before the temperature dropped and the fresh snow arrived!  Well ... I'd say they did a pretty darn good job!  They have some work to do on the front but if you ask me, this little scene is just begging for an evening snowshoe, finished off with a cup of hot chocolate nestled in this warm, cozy igloo!

Frozen Droplets ...

As predicted, the snow returned today!  Heavy and wet, eventually the snow began to freeze and stick as the day rolled on.  

Melting Away ...

Yes, the beautiful 'above' freezing temperatures have certainly reduced are snow levels over the past couple of days!  No worries ... there is more on the way!  A heavy snow fall warning is in the forecast!  YEAH!!!  (I think!)  LOL!

Igloo Making 101

With the above freezing temperatures, the boys decided to take advantage of the 'melting snow' after school!  Nothing works better for building igloo blocks than wet snow that compacts well! 

 

The boys worked until the sun went down and have a great start to their 'Winter Igloo!'  With any luck ... another day or two of warm temperatures ... I think they'll have their igloo complete!   

Afternoon Glow

The Chinook has rolled in and beneath the arch of the clouds the sun gave a beautiful late-afternoon glow.  The snow is melting!!!  Yes, a bonus of living east of the Rockies ... we do enjoy some mild temps thanks to those beautiful chinooks!  It sounds like we will get to enjoy some above freezing temperatures for a few days!  

Not Forgotten

Although we were unable to attend a Remembrance Day Service this year, as the sun set, we as a family certainly took the time to think of those that have given their lives for our freedoms today. May we always remember and thank the service men and women of the past and in present times for the sacrifices they've made and continue to make.

Morning Rays

Nothing says "Sunday Morning" like a cup of hot coffee and a good game of Chinese Checkers while soaking up the morning sun's rays!  

A Valley of Snow

Headed out to our boys hockey game and crossing the Red Deer River Valley!  It's always so picturesque ... even when blanketed in snow!  

Those Winter Chores

Since the snow's arrival, the winter feeding chores have begun and with 2 young lads wanting to grow their own cow herds, they get to help!  It's great having their assistance but I've noticed over the years that the cab of the tractor seems to be getting smaller!  Hmm ... the hazards of 'growing boys!'  Have a great weekend everyone!

November Jay

My Blue Jays have remained but the sunshine disappeared and was replaced by some light snow flurries.  If this 'snow thing' keeps up, I might actually have to get in the mood for the holidays!  

Autumn's Winter Wonderland

Just a quick snap while out checking cows this morning!  It was 'cool' but we certainly enjoyed another beautiful, frost twinkling day!  I'll enjoy the sun and soak up as much Vitamin D as I can ... our days are getting much too short!

Rimmed in Frost

  

There is nothing quite like a morning painted with hoar frost to make the snowy arrival of winter 'okay!'  No matter how often one sees a hoar frost rimmed landscape, its always magical and always breathtaking!

The One That Didn't Fly Away ...

Mr. Magpie ... you really don't migrate south for the winter?  Would I miss your antics if you were gone?  Hmm ... I guess one will never know.  

Unofficially WINTER!

Winter dies into the spring, 

to be born again in the autumn.

~Terri Guillemets

It's not often the 'Weatherman' is right (at least we don't give the Weatherman that kind of credit), however, it would appear they forecasted this snow storm bang on!  I'm not sure how much snow we ended up receiving in the end since much of it arrived horizontally thanks to the blustery wind.  I would guess it was close to 20cm, give or take a few centimetres.  Despite the calendar stating the season is still officially 'Autumn,' it looks like 'Winter' is here to stay ... unofficially!  

Run Gypsy Run!

Yes, Gypsy, along with the cows and other horses were running for cover this evening as the snow began to 'stick!'  The winter storm forecasted has arrived and the weatherman has posted a snowfall warning stating we are supposed to receive up to 25cm (10 inches) of snow!  Hmm ... I have a feeling 'winter' is here to stay!  

Golden Brown

The days may not be so bright and balmy—yet the quiet and melancholy that linger around them is fraught with glory. Over everything connected with autumn there lingers some golden spell—some unseen influence that penetrates the soul with its mysterious power. 

~Northern Advocate

Golden brown hues are what remain but for how much longer?  A heavy snowfall warning is in the forecast for the weekend and this time I suspect the snow will stay!  Have a great weekend everyone!