One morning early last week as I walked out my door...
this Red-shouldered Hawk landed on the gazebo.
My presence didn't phase him....he lingered near the bird feeder.
I captured several photos...before he flew off to a tree down the drive!
~all photos enlarge~
Later that day.....snow began to fall...
...never getting very deep...but...it was pretty for awhile.
At least...
the mood was set to unpack a few Christmas storage boxes.
The next day I had a visit with Alivia...
as she was "being" a teacher and reading several books to me...
I was busy sewing a seam on her "Build a Bear".....
and replacing its heart.
Early...just this past Sunday morning.....
a severe winter storm had arrived overnight.
As Herhusband went down the drive...
I took a few photos from the back porch.
The birds came swarming like bees...
they thought I was placing food there...like last year.
Naturally I had to comply...we do have a full winter's supply!
With winter snow the deer become attracted to the
sunflower seeds that may have fallen to the ground.
Off to the side is the more cautious one of the twins.
They and six others have been seen.....recently.
Hunting season is almost over.
Later Sunday evening...the snow was getting deep.
One son Rick... had been here awhile...when Steve came by...
with Dylan and Andrew...who immediately went into the woods!
The grandkids like pizza...that's one reason we have it often...
...but squash/pumpkin and lentil soups.....plus baked fish...
smashed potatoes and red pepper spaghetti are eaten too...
and in the freezer...
there's standby dessert treats...but just a few.
Today...
..."very early" this morning...the drive looked like this...
...and a flock of Goldfinch...
under the backyard feeder were very busy with seeds.
A few hours later I went out for a walk.
Dressed in layers...for it was extremely cold.
The raspberry vines sported cotton balls!
The field had evidence of a high volume of deer traffic.
Numerous tracks crisscrossing the field.
It was a little strange to see hickory nuts still clinging to the trees!
The bamboo in the field resembled a snow monster...
spitting snow...as I approached.
As I walked on...
looking back... presented a more peaceful view.
I took the path in the woods that circles behind the garden...
went in the north side...came out the south side!
Then it was down over the bridge and home!
There will be no resting.....on these snow covered benches!
Went inside.....where it was Warm!
Thanks for visiting!
~ ♥ ~
It was two years yesterday...that I made my first post...
...on December 12, 2008
72 comments:
What beautiful pictures of the snow, the birds, the Christmas festivities! Thank you so much for showing me what it looks like in your part of the world, Wanda.
...your woods are always beautiful, but in the snow, they are spectacular.
A lovely post, as always, Wanda. I especially love the shots of the red-shouldered hawk. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family.
Wanda,
Snow is so magical, turning everything lovely. Of course, your place looks lovely at any time, it seems to me! I especially liked pictures of your visitors--grandchildren and birds alike. You are so lucky to have children and grandchildren nearby. We will be leaving to see ours soon--and are hoping for snow up north! (Of course it's warm here--but that can provide magic sometimes too.)
Congratulations on your two years of blogging. It is quite a commitment--one I'm not nearly as diligent with as I wish I were. Yours is an inspiration to me!
Kay
i love all your photos but that hawk surely steals my heart. you captured him well. my daughter and i (while waiting for my husband to meet us for supper) saw four deer coming down the mountainside behind the restaurant. it was a precious sight. across the road we saw at least 50 turkey vultures. they were perched in the trees in front of the restaurant. some were flying back and forth. your snow shots are beautiful. hope all is well. have a great night.
congrats on your 2yrs blogging/ posting.
Such a pretty, peaceful post, Wanda.
I love all your photos, especially Alivia! She's so beautiful and getting so mature looking, it's nice to read that she still likes to pretend, and it was nice to see her friend from Build-A-Bear!
Your winter scenes are wonderful, they all look like scenes from Christmas cards! It's so hard to pick a favorite, but I think I like best the photo from you back porch of the snow-covered gate and the snow-covered bell. I also loved the 'raspberry cotton balls', and the 'peaceful monster'.
TWO YEARS! Congratulations! Beautiful blog! 'So happy that I wandered here to Wanda's Wonderland!
There are days when my visits here are a much-needed peaceful oasis.
Thank you.
Love to you,
Eileen
Congrats on two years! My 2 years was Dec 8th!! We started at the same time! When I get a few minutes, I'll go back and read your beginning. Thanks for the lovely walk. It's cold out there...thank goodness for the fireplace, for that's where I am - just long enough to warm up my tooties!! ...debbie
Your photos have left me speechless ...I have never seen anything like this ...this winter wonderland world. I love each and every one of your photos. Thank you so much for sharing you world. the birds, deer, the beauty of the snow ... gorgeous granddaughter and such wonderful looking food. Fabulous.
Congratulations on your second blogaversary.
Your snow laden trees are beautiful; a real winter wonderland.
☼ Sunny
Congratulations on your blogiversary! I always love your photos of the deer - they are so beautiful and so regal.
Congratulations on your two years.
the photos are wonderful so snowy and Christmassy looking. Something I will only ever see in others Photos, so thank you for yours.( I have seen lots of snow, but never at Christmas time and certainly not here where I live).
We began blogging almost the same time, when I began I never thought I would make such a loyal and wonderful friend. Your blog makes everyone feel so welcome, todays pictures are breath taking. I love the snow, it is magical. Grizz had a hawk on one of his post a well, they are a beautiful bird. The deer are wonderful Wanda, I am so glad the hunters didn't find them, they so add to your home as all the other birds, turtles and pets do. So happy to know Richard and the grandsons were over, those pizzas look so good, and Miss Alivia is beautiful. She is growing so fast, is she excited for Christmas? When is school done for the holidays? Am off to sleep now, take care my friend. Big hugs to Alivia......:-)
I enjoyed my winter winderland excursion with you and would have loved some of that soup ~ my favourite. How wonderful the hawk came to visit. Two years of blogging ~ we have all benefitted from your offerings and look forward to the next years.
Hi, Wanda, I sighed with contentment and amazement for beautiful winter wonderland.
Walking around in your beautiful woods bundled in the coat and finally heading for somewhere warm where loved ones wait..., what a blessing! Nara, where I live, is surrounded by mountains, so we have little snow though we are chilled to the bone. You could imagine how I'd be excited on snow days.
Congratulations on your two years of blogging. I'm happy to be part of this interaction.
Stay warm, and keep up heartwarming blogging, Wanda.
The hawk, the deer, the snow, the finches and that delicious food, this post was a real treat. As always! Happy blogoversary Wanda!
Wanda...you make Christmas planning look like a Hallmark card! Everything just looks so breathtaking! I can tell you are someone who takes time to smell the roses! Your photos are wonderful, you make even pizza look magical! I bet you are the best Grandma ever, bet those kiddos LOVE to come to your house...heck so would I!!!
Wanda, it is just gorgeous there in the winter too. you know those bamboo trees are gorgeous, and I love the beautiful red birds, we don't get anything like that here. Thanks for taking us on such a lovely walk. your christmas decorations look lovely, congratulations on your 2 years of posting. hugs my friend.
I love that centerpiece. It's just beautiful.
I love the hawk pictures, especially the face-on one.
I love Alivia reading to you.
I think I want your life.
Would you mind terribly?
Such a lovely, peaceful post, Wanda.
I love all your photos! Your world is filled with soft and still snow, pretty birds and friendly deer and various meals! Everything of yours beautifully stands out in the snow. It is absolutely magic for me in here.
I saw Alivia’s bear with smile. It is happy that its heart was safely replaced.
We have little snow in Nara Japan. Occasional first our snow is always exciting for everyone. Especially I love it when snow comes quietly during the night and I wake up to see a changed white world!
Please have a wonderful Christmas with your family,and stay warm!
With smile…..Tomoko
Happy Blogiversery! What breathtakingly beautiful photos! I sense such peace and serenity coming through all of them. I hope you have a joyous holiday season filled with peace and love!
xoxo,
Vicky
WANDA-
I so loved walking with you in your Winter-Wonder-land - the sights and stillness and softness of snow are so beautiful. And the food looked so delicious - I LOVE pizza :-) And I so love how your grandchildren are so close -
Love to you my friend
Gail
peace and hope.....
What beautiful pictures of your walk. But I especially love the close up view of the hawk. What a gorgeous bird.
Your world looks so white and wonderful. I can only imagine how cold it is. The year we lived in St Louis, I remember it got so cold and we had icy rain and massive snow storms. I do miss that because our winters are so short and nowhere near as cold.
Your world looks so white and wonderful. I can only imagine how cold it is. The year we lived in St Louis, I remember it got so cold and we had icy rain and massive snow storms. I do miss that because our winters are so short and nowhere near as cold.
Happy two year blogoversary!
I enjoyed spending a cold wintry day with you. The walk was refreshing.
Can it be two years since our friendship first blossomed? My 2 year anniversary was Nov 23. Your world there in OH now looks like mine here in CO! I like seeing all your birds and the deer, too. I just love the red cardinal against the snow. I bet Alivia and my Amanda would have fun playing school together - they could both be teachers and use Ben and Jack as students... When I see the Hawk, I think of your mother, Wanda - it does seem to be watching you closely with no fear.
Happy Blogaversary, Wanda!You almost make me appreciate winter. I love winter from your point of view! The photos bring warmth - even the ones of the snow. I need to get your attitude!
Love Alivia reading to you - so special and the flocks of bird looking to keep warm by filling themselves with seeds - so touching.
Hi Wanda! Was thinking about you for sometime and thought I should act on those feelings and drop by to say Hello and Merry Christmas to you and to your family... I have been very lax on my blog...will make sure I start it soon. I have missed you and your wonderful blogs....
WOW!! I am absolutely amazed!! BEAUTIFUL!!
Hi Wanda! Happy 2nd blog-birthday!
I'm so glad you started blogging and then I.
Your sweet life in Ohio blesses all of us. The animals big and small ~ God's beautiful creatures ~ are all around you. They must know they are among kind souls when they come close to your home and woods.
Wanda, I smiled when I saw your Christmas boxes! They are beautiful even before they are unpacked!
Where did you get such pretty storage boxes?
Your centerpiece is very nice. I like how you placed the rustic house in the center of the greens.
Again, I enjoyed coming here so much. Ending my day with your sweet music playlist and lovely photos is just right.
*Blessings to you always*
~Maria
I know that I am late Wanda but happy blogaversery! I love your photos, the Bamboo was just beautiful. And as usual your food made me hungry!!! I wish I could go for a walk with you, it looks just gorgeous! We'd have to bundle up of coarse!!
Love Di ♥
wow,I love that hawk picture!!my husband really liked the deer pics,he said we have a lot in common,I told him if we lived closer you and I would have been great friends...take care and loved all your pics..
Again another beautiful post. What a shot of the hawk!!!!And I loved the deer and the snow-laden trees and bushes. The first snow is beautiful and we all appreciate its beauty until about February!! As others have remarked I too cannot imagine your Christmas decorations so neatly and beautifully kept but then I have come to the conclusion that you do everything beautifully. The food always looks great and I wish I could be there to walk with you and eat your cooking!
Two years of beauty you have given the world. Lean back and feel a great sense of accomplishment and contribution to the world.
I am so glad that you made that frist step! It has been a year since I have been following you, maybe a little longer! I am so glad that I do...your blog brings such peace and beauty to mind. Thank you my friend! hugs and smiles...
What a lovely walk I took this morning, and such grand views of nature. Thanks for sharing your world. Again as always, you have lifted and warmed my heart. Congratulations on your 2 year blogaversary! Have a great day and Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
Congratulations on two years Wanda!
Please tell me how you make your pizza dough...it looks SO GOOD!
Love your Christmas storage boxes...that really IS an awesome photo...looks like it should be in a magazine!
I love the view you have from your large window.
Glad hunting season is almost over and "your" deer have survived! That one photo with Bambi by the feeder looks like it should be a postcard!
I know you are enjoying your family in this wonderful season...thanks for the little poem you left over a my place!! ❉
Your yard is a Winter wonderland.
Wanda, just stopped by to let you know that I'm thinking of you and your family.
Love and Prayers,
Eileen
Beautiful winter shots. I really like the photo of the hawk and the bamboo monster spitting snow. Congrats on two years of blogging. I started in January of '09, so not too long after you. I do always enjoy visiting with you!
Hello Wanda
I love your blog--your pictures are very peaceful and lovely. Do you share your recipes?
I am happy for your two year anniversary
Have a nice week-end!
Best
Tracy :)
Lovely visit with you again Wanda...some day I'll get to see cardinals...the deer like our bird feeders too so I bring them in at night...nice thing about the cold is it's soup season...I have a squash soup recipe that's really yummy, and healthy. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and great New Year!
Wanda, it all looks so Christmassy!! Happy Blogiversary; my 2nd is tomorrow, the 19th. I love seeing a new post of yours appear on my sidebar and thank you for your visits to mine!
Have a very Happy Christmas with the love of family around and a Happy New Year!
What a PATH you've made since that first post! You've introduced SO much beauty into my world. This post was no exception. Seeing it through your eyes is always uplifting and enriching.
Joy and peace to you and yours, Wanda. Merry Christmas!
Congrats on your bloggy anniversary!
This post is a perfect winter's day. I'm so envious of your experience with the hawk. Merry Christmas.
Congrats on your bloggy anniversary!
This post is a perfect winter's day. I'm so envious of your experience with the hawk. Merry Christmas.
Happy Anniversary on your blog, Wanda! I can't believe it has been over a year since I started mine. time flies to say the least. I smiled at your pizza pics as I am having a mid morning snack of pizza myself! Look at all your snow! Beautiful. Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season!
:)
Oh my, Wanda, this is so very beautiful, I do not know where to start.
May God grant you a peaceful and happy Christmas.
Ahhhhh...winter wonderland.♥ Congratulations for reaching your two year blog anniversary. You bring a lot of beauty to my world. Dee
Hello Wanda,
I am finally able to connect to see your blog. What a beautiful post! I just love the snow images and all the wild life around your home. Your family is so beautiful.
We are experiencing a different kind of Christmas this year so it is such a treat to be able to log in and see your December images.
Warm hugs from the Caribbean,
Lois
Good morning, Wanda!
I've just been catching up on your beautiful posts full of wonderful nature and scrumptious-looking temptations! It looks as if you're enjoying very much what Mother Nature has to offer.
I hope you and your family has a beautiful and meaningful Christmas!
XOXO
Susan
Love your pretty pictures of the snow, and especially of the deer and hawk. Enjoy the rest of the weekend,
Jane
All of this is just DELICIOUS...
Joey
How on earth did I miss this post. Bad Patti. I was starting to worry about you, came over to check on you and didn't recognize any of the pictures. Yep, I missed it.
Very belated Happy Blogaversary first off. I have so enjoyed your posts through atleast half of those two years.
That snow fall has me drooling. Just beautiful. The picture of the deer at the feeder is framable.
Wishing you and yours just the best Christmas ever and a delightful New Year.
Wanda, this is like a combination of Martha Stewart Living, Beautiful Home, National Geographic and I don't know what else!! Beautiful post - and lots of work for you to present it so very well.
Merry Christmas to you and yours - and all best wishes for the New Year.
xo
It took me a while to get here but I am sure glad i made it. You posts are always fun, interesting and I see something that is so different than what I normally see. Thank for sharing. No red cardnials here - if that's what they were/are.
God bless you, and Merry Christmas!
~Debra
Wanda, you and your family are in my prayers this Christmas.
Thinking of you lots.
Love and Prayers,
Eileen
Hi Wanda,
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!
☼ Sunny
Merry Christmas dear friend, keeping you, Richard and your family in my heart and prayers.
I am making my rounds wishing the best of the season to those I have grown so fond of and I just had to stop in for a visit.
Big Hugs to Alivia.....sending much love.....:-)Hugs
Fantastic hawk pictures. Others are lovely too. Happy holidays.
Merry Christmas to you and your family Wanda :)
So very, very beautiful, dear Wanda!! Just wanted to stop by to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!! Sending much love, Janine xo
*A blessed Christmas to you, Wanda*
God bless you always,
Love,
~Maria
I've walked through a winter wonderland.... Wanda's wonderland.
Beautiful....absolutely beattiful, Wanda.
Much love to you and your family.
Love,
Jackie
Gorgeous photos and warm sentiments. Just what I needed on this blustery winter day! Thanks.
These were beautiful pictures, Wanda. Especially all the snow shots are gorgeous.
I am wishing you a wonderful New Year, dearest Wanda xxxx
Always caring; hoping for an update one of these days. Meanwhile, know my prayers are for energy and strength, health and healing for Richard.
Happy New Year!
A very Happy and blessed New Year 2011 to you and your family Wanda :)
I just noticed on my sidebar that it's been two weeks since you posted and I thought, "It can't have only been two weeks", seems like a lifetime ago, and I can't believe how much has happened in your life in just two weeks.
I hope 2011 brings health and happiness to your home, Wanda. You are in my prayers, on my mind, and in my heart. Stay strong.
Love to you,
Eileen
Just looking again at the beautiful hawk, deer, snow, food and lovely granddaughter. They are all wonderful sights to behold.
I'm so glad to see you are taking a break and enjoying the after Holiday's to relax and remember!
Your Christmas boxes are so festive.
Your post is so lovely and peaceful.
And your blog always gives my heart a gentle smile.
Sending you warm wishes for a 2011 filled with everything you need, everything you love, everything you aspire to!
Wanda, I was so happy to see a comment from you. You have been on my mind so much.
I hope things are going well at home.
Love and Prayers,
Eileen
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