Perched too

I noticed Louis focused intently at something outside. Apparently, another critter made use of this massive fallen tree branch. Unlike the bird, I was not confident at all that I could open my sliding glass doors to get closer for a good shot. So, I took a really hard angle through my dirty glass doors and zoomed in as much as I could.

Christmas tree needles

Oh Christmas tree, thanks for a great season. Dried and browned, you served us well to the end. Let the wind spread your needles.

Perched

I woke up the other day and saw what I thought was a fallen tree in my neighbor's yard, peeking just over the fence into my yard. Upon further investigation, I saw that it was a massive branch from an even more massive tree. This little bird chilled camouflaged to other spying eyes. Getting close enough for a good photo was risky, but it paid off. Maybe it'll be the first resident in my bird house.

Madison and her tree

Poor Madison. She loves crushing presents, destroying ribbon, and playing in the branches. Soon her tree will be gone from the living room and she'll have to find other ways to make a mess.

Trellis with vine

This is another shot of the trellis my grandfather built.

Christmas Ornament

I'm just about ready for a couple days of non-stop eating and gift exchanging. Enjoy your time off and celebrate with friends and loved ones.

Longing for summer

Although Christmas is a few days away, the cold damp weather has me longing for warmer days of sun tanning, bike riding, and tennis. I'm sure Santa will bring me something to prepare me for the big thaw.

Trellis by Papa George

My grandfather George built this trellis I'm guessing long before I was born. Judging by the quality of his work, it'll still be standing long after I'm gone.

Curiosity

Madison checking out the camera as I try to get a good shot. Sometimes the unexpected makes for a good shot.

Ice fire

To me the growth in the background looks ablaze while this frozen branch looks on.

Cat's Cradle

These were touched with a bit of ice-nine.

Poem by Grant Hansen

Pushing through the painted wind
Floating toward my epitaph
My soul sees you and checks its mettle
All thoughts get tangled, then disappear

Ancient questions almost answered
Scribbled in my angel's blood
Each page a new feather
Each sentence a bit fainter

Treetops dance in violent winds
tell me when the end begins

I see time and fortune's fate
And obstacles that I can bend
Perhaps I've waited much too long
To push right through and risk it all

The spotlight's dim to all but me
I long for night to shine my way
Like tulips crumbling in summer's sin
I lose my head to too much light

To touch the pain of arrow tips
Smell the blood and take a sip

Painted faces with crooked brows
Fall backward into ideals
Why show me crystal skies
When I much prefer the ground

The sheep are sleeping counting lies
That truth just can't defend
Worlds collide to find me weeping
So hurt me if you must

Wind chimes numb till time rings on
And wonder what the cause brings on

Frozen berry

This berry is the lone survivor on this bush. Now it's securely frozen in time.

Birdhouse in Autumn

This is a little haven I set up for the birds in my backyard. I'm still waiting for its first resident.

Leaf in Autumn

This is the last leaf on the tree ... holding on till the winter chills forced him down.

Louis

Louis gives me his "good side."

Walkway for a king

Much like walking on rose petals, my backyard invited me into its world for a moment of peace.