Birds at our feeders

More amaryllis pix

Snowfall and Amaryllis

This is our first experience with amaryllis. It has been so interesting to watch them grow. Today with the first real snowfall, the first has fully bloomed.

Fall nine times, get up ten

Happy 2010!

“You shall not go out with haste...for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” Isaiah 52.12

“ As we go forth into the coming year, let it not be in the haste of impetuous, forgetful delight, nor with the quickness of impulsive thoughtlessness. But let us go out with the patient power of knowing that the God of Israel will go before us. Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible things for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ.
“ Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him.”
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest, December 31.

Enormous bird eating a dove in back yard

I could not get clear images, and I can't tell what sort of hawk this is. It had bands on its tail, no reddish color that I could see, white spots on its back which is unlike any hawk picture in my bird guide. I vote for northern harrier. But I really do not know.

The ominous thing is that the little dog next door disappeared last night. I see that the great horned owl could possibly be a culprit in that sad story. We still hope the dog will turn up.

Thanksgiving Day

Late sweet gum leaves

I am thankful for the bright peace of this day

the sense of comfort and being wrapped in God's love

and the sense that my brother is near

for the joy of cooking

for Mother's companionship

so many blessings

Late Color

Besides Red Sunset Maples and Bradford Pears, there are some burning bushes still with leaves and the scarlet oaks now have their lovely deep maroon reds. The sweet gums are wonderful. Tri-color from yellow to purple, and they even have some greens left making a fourth color. Most trees are now bare.