The 4 Seasons of 2014

Winter

Spring

In Iowa we are fortunate to experience winter, spring, summer and fall.  Well, honestly, during the long, cold and snowy winter, I don't feel so fortunate but rather captive to this often harsh display of inclement weather.  Nevertheless, as we look back on 2014, enjoy a view from each of Iowa's four seasons.

Summer

Fall

Popular Dolls

As you may know, any item related to the movie Frozen is very popular and this holiday season many Christmas gifts featured a character from that well-known film.  Featured in today's photo is a tiny tot with two of her favorite gifts -- Elsa and Anna dolls.  And, from what I heard from parents of young children, these dolls were sought after by many but not readily available; hence, you can understand what outrageous prices might have been paid for this pair with the supply being low and the demand so high.

Busy Beavers

Well, no shots of the thick, furry creatures but rather proof that they remain active despite the cool temperatures.  While wandering along the river that passes through our town, I easily spotted the work of these large rodents as tree trunks were on their sides after being gnawed to a point by the beavers' powerful front teeth.  For these semi-aquatic and mostly nocturnal animals, the wood is used to construct dams, canals and lodges (their homes).  

Lost in Lights

"Bethany:  Is your house on fire, Clark?"

"Clark:  No, Aunt Bethany, those are the Christmas lights."

                                                 --National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Feliz Navidad

A Parody for Christmas Eve

                       

Enjoy this take on "A Visit from St. Nicholas" -- that familiar poem by Clement Clarke Moore that we have all known since childhood.  And from me to all of you far and near, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night."

We'll Take It!

                    

Here in Iowa the price of a gallon of gasoline hasn't been this low for a very long time.  Just two days ago while in Dubuque I spotted this amount and snapped the picture as proof.  Honestly, as the owners of two trucks, my husband and I are thrilled for a break at the pump.  A little gift, even though it may be short lived, for us all to enjoy just in time for the holidays.

Lights at Night

"When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the 

simplest things -- not the great occasions --

give off the greatest glow of happiness."

                                 --Bob Hope

A Holiday Welcome

"At Christmas, all roads lead home."

                                   --Marjorie Holmes

A Sea of Color

Strolling through the aisles of a local greenhouse is a feast for the eyes as the poinsettias are in full bloom and stunningly beautiful in so many varieties.  Even if you don't intend to make a purchase, the vivid colors of the large leaves will instantly brighten your day.  Honestly, if you live in the Manchester area, I highly recommend paying a visit to this local producer just to enjoy the remarkable collection of these popular holiday houseplants.

Ahhhhhhh

Need a break from the craziness associated with the holidays?  This photo allows you to get lost in a dreamy summer evening at dusk.  A delightful pause in your hectic schedule -- ahhhhh....breathe....

And, for those that want to know, the photo is of West Lake Okoboji looking to the lake from the public docks in Arnold's Park.  

Birthday wishes

A special happy birthday to my wonderful husband.  

Truly, to know him is to love him.  

Many happy returns.

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy,

they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."

                                          --Marcel Proust

Lights at Night

"Christmas is a necessity.

There has to be at least one day of the year

to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves."

                                    --Eric Sevareid

The Tree

"The Christmas tree is a symbol of love, not money.  

There's a kind of glory to them when they're all lit up that exceeds 

anything all the money in the world could buy."

                                    --Andy Rooney

Gotta Take a Selfie

"N = S/h"

"Scientists have announced a new unit to accurately measure narcissism:

the Selfie per hour."

                                                      --Unknown

Holiday Show Opens

Last week I posted information regarding the opening reception for the ART @ YOUR LIBRARY Holiday Art Exhibit at the Dubuque Carnegie-Stout Public Library.  These images share a few of the scenes from that night plus serve as a reminder that this show is open now through the end of the year.  Stop in during any of the library's regular business hours to see numerous pieces of sculpture, glassware, paintings, photography and more.  The library is easy to find in downtown Dubuque at 360 West 11th Street.  Check it out.

Photo Recognized

November Rain by Stephanie Funke

In a recent online art exhibit with an "open" theme, November Rain earned the special merit designation.  To see many other outstanding entries, visit the following site:   http://www.lightspacetime.com/open-art-exhibition-october-2014/

Lights at Night

"It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air."

                                              --W.T. Ellis

Pretty in Pink

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, 

everything is softer and more beautiful."

                                                    --Norman Vincent Peale

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Jackpot!  Whenever I see a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak I feel like I won the lottery.  If you have been fortunate enough to spot one, I am sure you won't soon forget its strikingly bold colors and brilliant red chevron.  Unlike the males, the female counterparts are brown with dark streaks on the breast and white stripes on the head.  Because they easily blend in with their surroundings, noticing the female may be much more challenging than identifying the male.

Holiday Humor

                           

A couple days ago I saw this item ( a wall hanging ) advertised in a Black Friday ad, and, since I laughed and laughed, I decided to take a photo and share it with all of you.  Hope it makes you chuckle.

Holiday Show to Open

When:  Friday, December 5

5:30-7:30 pm

Where:  Dubuque Carnegie-Stout Public Library

360 West 11th Street

Dubuque, IA

Plan to attend!

Trio

"As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart."

                                                                                          Proverbs 27:19