I had plenty of things that needed doing at home, but a dose of fresh air to clear out the mental cobwebs and some time with a good friend took precedence. Wisely so, in my opinion.









I'm reminded of the following phrase from Anne of Green Gables: "scope for imagination".
 

I find that, for me, it makes a difference to look for the sunshine in any given week and to share some of it here. It reminds me that wintertime is my friend.

Do I hear some groaning in the background from those in my part of the hemisphere, or perhaps a chuckle from New Zealand and Australian readers who are in the midst of their summer? Work with me! Let's enjoy some pleasures of the season, whether the sun is in the sky or your heart.

Warm woolies, long underwear, mittens, tuques and hoods have a place in my world. Unlike chickadees, not all of us can get along with nothing but a fine display of feathers and a jaunty black cap for warmth.






I belong to a monthly hiking group. While exploring outdoors this week, we spotted rabbit and snowshoe hare tracks, those of a mink . . .

I was watching a documentary last evening. It was called Life Below Zero and was about the attitudinal differences among the citizens of different countries in the northern parts of the world; some celebrate winter, others (Canadians) gripe about it more than in the past.




While on a walk together, a friend mentioned her intention to embrace winter, to get out and enjoy the season. I like that idea very much. The clouds may have rolled in, but we started off with a brilliant blue sky covering the dark trees and fresh, white snow. A ribbon of running creek held everything together; it was a frosty gift of an afternoon.




Speaking of gifts, one arrived from Fiona of Raindrops and Daisies . I was the fortunate winner of her recent giveaway.



Fiona was a bit concerned when the beautiful gramophone tree ornament seemed to be taking its time on the trek from Ireland to Canada, but arrive it did, on December 24th, just in time for Christmas. Guess who I'll be thinking of each year as I hang it.

I can just imagine charming, old songs spinning on this instrument. An episode of Downton Abbey included a scene where the gramophone played Look for the Silver Lining. 





I've surmised that Fiona is the type of person who pays attention to details and spreads a bit of sunshine. I had made a passing comment, in a blog post, about liking tea towels. Fiona mentioned that in her card and decided to send this gorgeous flock of birds my way. Completely generous, completely unexpected, completed appreciated.   

If you aren't familiar with the Raindrops and Daisies blog, you can find it here. Fiona has a Green Day meme on Fridays that may interest you, either as a reader or participant. I know she'll make you welcome.





There are many gifts of winter: scenic beauty, cozy interiors, frothy hot beverages, pots of simmering soup, walks in the woods, and more. As well, the kindness of visitors to this blog and my Facebook page add a touch of warmth to chilly days.

In addition to needing to know more about birds, there are days when I wish I had a snazzy camera and knew how to use it. The blur factor does kick in with my "point and shoot". I didn't want to get closer to this little one lest it fly away.

The meteorologists were predicting a big snowstorm last night, but it didn't quite happen. Remember when you were a child, those of you in northern parts, and a "snow day" would shut down the schools? Such excitement!

I felt a bit of disappointment over the big build-up and then finding just a little snow, followed by rain. I'm not sure why I was deflated, as it would have meant more to shovel. Truth be told, my young neighbour was out first and cleared the sidewalk in front of my house so I only had the driveway. He claims he needs more exercise. I maintain he's very thoughtful.







The mourning doves must be fans of Longfellow; they just carry on, have a little lunch, get on with the day. I'd better put this rambling to an end and do the same!

 
 I have a teeny-tiny giveaway. You may click here to view it and enter, if you wish.
I could use a dose of sunlight. Click for a look at last week's post and details on how to participate!