Winter's Garden

This photo captures the cold of winter with the yearning of spring.

Photo by Terry C 2008

Valentine message to my friends & family

Essential Valentine

(You all know who you are!)

On Valentine's Day we think about those matchless people

who give extra meaning to our lives-

The very special few.

Without them, skies would turn gray;

things wouldn't be the same;

Life wouldn't be colorful; it would be a duller game.

And when I contemplate that group-

friends and family who are mine,

I appreciate and treasure you;

You're essential, valentine!

-By Joanna Fuchs

Nature's Valentine Heart

Valentine's Day

When we awake on Valentine morn

We think of the day when our love was born.

For the lucky ones it began many years ago

And thru the years it continued to grow.

Others have found love later and their hearts are light

They're still flying above high as a kite.

Whenever its arrival we're aboard for the ride

Our hearts are aglow with feelings of pride.

When that certain someone enters the room

The sun shines bright and removes any gloom.

On occasion our love is put to the test.

When the challenge is over we know they're the best.

Day in and day out with our true love at our side

We don't have to face obstacles alone with our love to guide.

Someone to cheer us when life gets us down

To remove all the clouds and push away the frowns.

Someone to listen when we need to talk

Or if we need some air to just take a walk.

Someone to call on, no task to deny

Someone we know on whom we can rely.

Someone we feel will forgive all our blunders

Without having to face a gale force of thunder.

Someone who understands a choice you make

Even if at the fork in the road the other they'd take.

Somone to just hold onto your hand

While you work out a decision on where you will land.

Someone to help you pick up the pieces of things gone awry

To start things over and not have to cry.

Someone to laugh at all of life's pleasures

Who doesn't always have to take measures.

A soul mate is much more than a passing fancy

They are someone who knows your thoughts and doesn't get antsy.

When the day is done your true love knows

You will be there waiting to reciprocate however the wind blows.

On this day our true love deserves a toast

They are behind us to catch us when we need them the most.

Elaine Cotroneo

The snow is still on the ground but the pond is defrosting and welcoming the ducks back.

Before long the pond will be filled once again with ducks, herons, turtles, and fish.

Surviving the winter

My tree's surviving its first winter (a true winter this year). It is a very cold and snowy one but the tree is doing well.

March 1 the area received 13 inches of snow. I pray my tree is still thriving. I won't be able to check on it for a couple of weeks.

Beach path

Footprints in the sand

Footprints and a trace of snow on the beach in January.

Homeward Bound

Should I?

A water dog Sierra isn't, but in January (one of the coldest days) she took a run directly into the freezing water. We were totally surprised.

Welcome to our summer house