happy new 2011!

I VISITED THE DARLING Lawrences last night. Dave and Angie. They've been here a year, from the UK, to run a bed and breakfast, the Apple Country Inn. What a blast to compare views on the problems of both our countries.

snowfallin'

LOTSA FLAKES FALLING out there. I'm enjoying it from my picture window. It always makes me sleepy. Probably the quiet, muffled blanket of white, and the subconscious signal to just stay home by the fire. :B

the night visitor

Great Horned Owl (Bubo Virginianus)
LAST NIGHT I was startled by a very loud hoo hooing outside, and at first I thought it was kids goofing off. But it was the real thing. It was quiet, so Mr. Owl's hoot carried. I hadn't seen an owl up close. So I tiptoed to the walnut tree where I located the source of his 'hoo - hoooo hoo." He regarded me several times. I stayed very still. But he took off anyway after about 4 minutes. When Ophee and I went out for her nightly constitutional, I was 5 feet behind her, when the owl swept right over us at eye level, and fortunately I didn't have to duel him for my puppy. I think he was checking her out, and decided 14 lbs. might be just a bit much to deal with. Nevertheless, lesson learned, and quite a thrill....super silent and spooky, he was on us before I even knew it. And in a blink was gone.
Here is a photo of when I first spotted him/her (it was dark, so I had to retouch this in Pshop, but it's identical to the scene).

last night's snow

AT MIDNIGHT, I went out in the yard with Ophee, and I couldn't believe how light it was from the fallen snow. I took this photo of the little turret with the lights twinkling warmly. The photo doesn't do justice, but it was charming, even beautiful in the snow. Like coming upon a little warmly lit cabin in the forest.