Winterscapes: Picnic Postponed!

Brrrrrrr!  While we spend most of winter indoors, sometimes we forget about outdoor structures and what they look like under a foot of snow.  Therefore, today's photos feature picnic tables as they sit idle in local parks.  Be sure to notice how county workers took great care to assemble, stack and store all these heavy structures.  And, just as we eagerly await warmer weather, these tables will soon be returned to their usual places throughout the parks to celebrate summer with campers and other guests.

Recipe Stirs Memories

Recently I was looking through some old photos and this particular image caught my attention...for several reasons.  First, when it is cold outside, I like to bake these pumpkin bars complete with a tasty cream cheese frosting.  Second, immediately I thought of my maternal grandmother as she introduced me to the recipe.  As she aged and arthritis robbed her of the strength in her hands needed to bake and lift hot items from the oven, she loved the times I would spend in her kitchen making these bars for her.  Of course, she and I would sample the goods and then put most in her freezer so that she would have them to serve to guests.  Finally, the other thing I noticed about this photo is the dollop of batter that somehow got dropped and dried on this old cookbook.  It serves as reminder that on this page is a family favorite with a special connection to a very special woman.

Under The Bridge

When I ventured out on a nearby path that runs along the river, I intended to take several shots of the winter-white landscape; however, that plan changed when I walked under the bridge.  Obviously, I don't spend much time in this area of town and didn't think about what I might find as I looked up while standing under the vast concrete structure.  So, here's an up-close look at some of the graffiti that greeted me on my trek along the snow-covered riverbank.

Seeing My Shadow

Today's image is one of my favorites; however, like so many other pictures I take, it was unplanned.  As I was outside photographing ice and snow on the river, suddenly I noticed the unique scene my shadow created on a concrete wall beside me.  So, I turned in its direction and captured this neat shot.

"Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you."

                                                                                                 --Walt Whitman

Look Who's 40!

Don't freak out because, according to W.B. Pitkin, "Life begins at forty."

"You're not 40, you're eighteen with 22 years experience."

                                                                              --Unknown

Happy Birthday!

Introducing "DoeAnn & Buck"

This couple resides in an enclosure at a nearby county park where I often go in warm-weather months to get some shots of the landscape and colorful blooms.  Honestly, during most visits I quickly pass by their pen while noticing them relaxing in the tall grass or walking incessantly on a path inside the perimeter of the fence; however, during my most recent stop a few things were noticeably different.  First, it is winter and very few folks visit the park.  Second, as soon as these animals spotted me, they immediately moved in my direction and more or less stayed close for the remainder of the time I was there.  Hmmm...what a difference the cold weather and snow make!  Honestly, I have no background in animal science; however, if I were to hypothesize regarding the differences in their behavior, I would guess they were looking for food.  Along with their regular feed, during the summer these two supplement their diets with berries from nearby trees, munch on the grass and receive all sorts of "treats" from the many park guests.  Regardless, I sure enjoyed their company and plan to return soon!

Honey, I Burned the Eggs!

Even though we may want to scream, sometimes we just have to laugh at ourselves and all the silly mistakes we make.  For example, the eggs in today's photo are a result of me trying to multitask in order to complete numerous items on my daily to-do list; however, the lesson is that I often try to do too much and end up forgetting things that truly need my immediate attention.  Fortunately, I am happy to report that the eggs did not cause any damage but sure looked funny and made the house smell for a few days.  And, don't be too hard on yourself if your good intentions end up a bit off course...just laugh and try again tomorrow!