I found beauty in my back-backyard today. This is where my family has camped on Sunnybook Farm.
Just two quick views of the farm on a cloudy day.
There are no other human footprints but mine in this section of the yard. Most footprints around belong to the cats, maybe a few came from raccoons or opossums.
Nature surrounds me.
Copyright 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved
Usually, I get up looking for a bright sunrise. If I’m lucky I can snap a colorful photo to post on Facebook.
The first days of January 2021 have been foggy/cloudy meaning no pretty sunrise photos.
Daughter Rebecca said I should take a photo today just the same. Instead I took these two short videos.
The frost covered everything so walking was slippery. I took my time as I do every time I go outside during the winter.
Today make sure you watch your step as you enjoy the view of the frosty landscape.
Copyright 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved
Sunny stopped before going into the backdoor. He had sensed something and looked up.
So did I.
This is what we saw.
Luckily, I had my phone in my pocket and could take these photos.
The third photo wasn’t worth saving as it only had part of the eagle’s wing as it flew away.
Seeing a bald eagle on Sunnybook Farm always seems magical–unless it is looking for a chicken dinner.
Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved
This 2017 video starts with a library in Anchorage Alaska where you can really check out bones, mounted animals, and other preserved bits and pieces from wildlife.
I can see a teacher checking out native animals to display for his/her students, bringing nature into the classroom.
I can also see writers checking out the same conserved beasts and setting one up in his/her office as inspiration.
In this short video, you’ll see a snowy owl. I imagine that J K Rowling could have had that sitting in her office as she wrote about Hedwig.
I know libraries are more than books. Years ago, I checked out artwork to put on my walls before I filled my walls with my paintings and family photos. I have been in a library that offers patrons large cooking pots and tools for canning. They also had games and jigsaw puzzles to check out, too.
If I lived close to that Anchorage, Alaska library, I know I would be checking out interesting animal artifacts. If not for inspiration, I’d love having them around just to look and wonder at.
Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved
It’s always a good show each spring and fall when Canada geese fly through the sky. One day, when a few flocks merged and flew over Seymour, people came out of shops and homes to watch.
Everyone had their heads craned skyward as the geese honked past. I was amazed at how many people came outside. They were quite a sight, too.
Here’s my video of a column I wrote in 1981.
Things really don’t change.
Sometimes I’m stuck in the kitchen waiting for something to finish baking when there’s a sight to see outside. Foos can get burnt when this happens.
I’ve been taking photos of sunsets. The shortened time to this daily event can catch me off guard. I almost missed one this week because it came so soon, or at least seemed to come early. My seat by the kitchen window doesn’t always mean I’m attentive to what is happening outside.
May you experience the beauty of the changing seasons today.
Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved