HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM MY HOME TO YOURS

HAPPY 2015!

As we ushered in the New Year here in beautiful Lake Arrowhead a velvety blanket of snow had fallen.

I love when the holidays also include snow, it just seems so much more festive.

But truth be told I am usually exhausted come New Year’s Eve and seldom celebrate anywhere else but here at home.

So, as we do most years, Brad and I tucked in by the fire and enjoyed a peaceful New Year’s Eve in the comfort and warmth of home. In the morning I woke to find the bright morning sun glistening on the snow and went outside to capture some photos of our home blanketed in white.

The air was crisp and cold yet the birds were singing in the trees.  However, they will have to wait for spring to come drink from my fountain again, as they love to do.

It will be some time before we dine alfresco again…

or have a picnic on the log stumps in the back yard.

Yet, the snow doesn’t seem to bother the creatures that live in our forest. I can’t help but think how resilient the forest animals are. How do they manage to survive without the comforts we enjoy in the warmth and protection of our homes? They carry on despite the conditions, and evidence of their exploration can be found in the form of their footprints embedded in the snow all around my home. Are these the footprints of a Stellar’s Jay that drinks from my birdbath, now frozen into ice?

And are these the prints of the coyotes that have a den nearby? Look how closely they walked, side-by-side.

Then there are the unmistakable footprints of our dog Charlie, who completely lacks any form of resilience to the weather, as evidenced by his footprints that quickly bring him right back where he started; inside!

But it was this footprint in my frontyard that evoked both excitement and trepidation. Had a baby bear come calling last night? I’m not sure. What do those footprints look like to you?

I love living in this beautiful winter wonderland, shared with creatures of all kinds. You should come visit sometime.

So here’s wishing you a Happy New Year from my home to yours.

CHEERS!

Thanks for dropping in!  Do please leave a comment below.  I’d love to hear from you!

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All opinions expressed in this post are my own.   Unless otherwise credited, all photos are the original property of Celia Becker @ www.AfterOrangeCounty.com and may not be reproduced without specific permission.