IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS

Feeling grateful today for the little things...small gifts from a generous Mother Nature.

Clematis blooming around the driftwood on the front steps.

For sparkling webs in my little woods, and for not walking face-first into this one.

Blue Jay feather.

Rogue pumpkins in the clearing.

A bumper crop of pine cones for fall decorating and a friend to help me gather them.

A tiny bee making good use of the few remaining lilies.

A handful of beach glass from last night's pedal to the river.

Butterflies on my butterfly bush.

This.

Hope your week is filled with blessings, and the time to notice them. XO.

Happy Earth Day, blog friends...

WINTER BRIDGES

I am now completely obsessed with icy winter bridges, especially those I can walk beneath. I like to see the bones. Drove up to the bay last Sunday to take pictures of the ice, stopping for lunch at Kent Narrows, and fell in love with the bridge. It has a cathedral-like quality from down below.

I have been playing with these photos all week, and have printed some onto linen for stitching. Hoping to show you those in a day or two.

It was such a grey, frigid day, that I actually didn't expect to find anything too exciting, but these really captured my attention.

Made me wonder about the icy undersides of other bridges in our area, so first thing Monday morning, I was on my belly under the Choptank River (Malkus) Bridge with my camera.

Since Monday, both the Chesapeake and the Choptank have frozen completely over. Today, it was 60 degrees. A roller coaster, but I am trying to "make lemonade" of these record-breaking low temps when we have them.
Went bridge-spotting again today, and was very happy to find we could drive under the bridge in Sharptown.

I was charmed by this very old bridge in tiny Brookview, as well.

I suppose the stark winter landscape makes these old structures stand out. I'm noticing them more now that my eyes aren't dazzled by seasonal color.
Saw lots of snow geese today and there are rumors of more snow headed this way. We don't always have harsh winters but so far, this one has been a doozy!
If you're looking for something to do tonight while you're waiting for Downton Abbey to come on, and for that "sports thing" to be over, please do visit my lovely girl's photography blog. I am completely unbiased when I tell you that her photos are gorgeous! That's not just a mama talking. Here's the link www.kellycottingham.com XO.

CHOPTANK SUNSET

Well, this week has been a bit of a stinker, and I'm not a bit sorry it's over. Let's usher it out with some peaceful views of tonight's sunset over the Choptank River, while we look forward to better days ahead...

Wishing you a blissfully happy weekend. XO.

TUESDAY

I go down to the river when my heart is bruised, and take comfort in the solace that nature provides. Wishing peace and healing for everyone affected by yesterday's bombings and for all the rest of us, whose hearts are breaking for them.

THREE MORE DAYS

I am nearly there. My halls are decked...

Yes. That's my mister's actual childhood Teddy on the top shelf, right.

A gift from my sweetie when we were 20 years old. Please don't do the math. Also, a survivor of last year's Christmas tree debacle. I don't even want to talk about it.

And yes, this is my mister's actual little baby shoe. My MIL is  a saver!

Every little nook and cranny...dressed for the Holidays.

Yesterday, I baked. Five batches of English Toffee. Two batches of date balls. A pan of walnut Blondies.

But there is still a feast to prepare for my little gang, on Christmas Eve, and baking to do for a larger family gathering on Christmas Day, so I had many errands to run today. I went to WalMart twice. I know. But, I arrived home with just enough daylight to throw the groceries in the house, grab my girl, and our cameras, and head to the river. We had to act fast to catch the sunset on this, the shortest day of the year. It was worth it. Worth it to stand at the river's edge, and let the icy wind pin my ears back, and blow the stress away.

Reasons for joy: This little pair of salt and pepper shakers that my MIL sent this week...

And...both of our children will be home for Christmas!

Hope you had a minute to stop and let the cold winter wind blow through your hair. Christmas can make you crazy! XO.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

Well, I meant to get back here yesterday, I really did. But the Thanksgiving festivities went on until late in the evening, and I had just enough energy left to fall into bed.
We had a wonderful day. Great food, family around (and dogs under) the table, and a picture perfect fall day. We all moseyed down to the river, to watch the sunset, then wandered home again for dessert, and games. The "kids" (aged 8-30) played flashlight tag under the stars.
Hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving, as well.

Angel Biscuits are a family favorite at our holiday gatherings. Keeping little (and big) fingers out of them until dinner is always a challenge. I didn't realize until just now that someone had taken a bite out of one of the biscuits in this pic. We have to make 3-4 batches of these little lovelies to be sure everyone gets a take home bag.
I do have one more Thanksgiving quote, which I intended to post already, but family first, right? I'm a little disappointed that I didn't take more pics of the day, but I was too busy living it, and that can't be a bad thing.
"To give thanks in solitude is enough. Thanksgiving has wings and goes where it must go. Your prayer knows much more about it than you do." ~ Victor Hugo

My girl along the Choptank.

WALK WITH ME

Walk with me. I'll wait while you change your shoes...

I should have been doing a lot of other things. But, it's October 23rd and 77degrees. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you'll miss it. XO.