Resilience

Today I'm noticing the natural world sometimes behaves in unexpected ways.  This succulent I potted in warmer days has lived through at least one freeze so far.  Looking closely, a fine peachfuzz may be helping this resilient plant adapt -- at least for a while.  Efficient gardeners would have pulled these up already in favor of hardier stock, but I'd rather watch and see what happens.

Checking in on my sweet potato surprise, I see progress.  The heart-shaped shoots are like a valentine.

Changing Light

It was 36 degrees this morning, 66 this afternoon in the dead of winter!  The creek is crystal clear after being washed by the deluge last week.

The little fish think it's springtime and have emerged from their cavern, flitting about in the sunshine. It'll be cold again tomorrow, but they are adaptable.  They've been in this spot long before we got here.

The light changes quickly and the moment is gone.  A metaphor for life, it's best savored with full knowledge of its fleeting nature.

A Front Row Seat

Waterfront property, even Snake Creek -- a natural tributary in my backyard, provides a rare glimpse of our untamed world's mercurial moods.  I took this photo during a brief pause in yesterday's deluge, when the energetic, burgeoning flow was momentarily drenched in sunshine. 

A Better Mule

I found a good use for my (Oprah's) fabulous Vanilla Bourbon Cherries.  Topped off also with a hefty sprig of mint~mmm

On the Other Hand: Fresh Hair Dye

Momentous events are all around -- every channel, every interaction.  We all have our own points of view.  The strength of some opinions is startling.  From experience, I know the pendulum will continue to swing.  All that really matters are our individual stories.  I have opinions, but I withdraw.

What I see on the screen is a town that still feels like home all these years later.  How did I not understand at the time what an amazing life I was living, riding the bus, struggling to make ends meet, but with riches beyond compare.

Feeling a little younger thinking of those days, I dye my hair to match.  

A Fresh Perspective

When we look up, our view is different and it seems that anything is possible.

Serendipity of Neglect

What a fun surprise from my forgotten sweet potato!  I'm enjoying how the color scheme of the sprouts mirrors the oil painting in the background.  A few new sprouts started on the other side too.  It's the little things . . .

After the Thaw

It's a balmy 72F today, in the dead of winter.

Raccoons have been here since the ice and snow,

--and whitetail deer.  This one was pretty big, based upon the depth of the prints.

Down in the creek, I lose track of time.

The Wookey Hole in Winter

Last time Dad was here we walked down to the creek.  I'd cleaned it up a little and added a table and a couple of chairs.  I pointed out where the water had washed away the bank under a tangle of tree roots.  He told me the resulting cavern is called a "Wookey Hole".  I don't know the origin of the term, but it's an excellent place for the fish to hide from the racoons, foxes and coyotes.