A couple of weeks ago, I ran into a neighbor of mine at the grocery store. When I asked her how things were going, she replied, “It’s cold on the creek.”  Compared to recent winters, I guess that’s a fairly accurate statement. My brother Michael, who lives in Galax, arrived in this area in 1988. The first major snow storm occurred in October; the snow cover lasted all winter and a major ice storm hit in April. There was a time when that was the rule rather than the exception. I don’t intend to get into a discussion of the effects of global warming, greenhouse gases, etc,  etc. Those subjects are becoming just like opinions on religion and politics, and assholes too as the old saying goes:  everybody has one, but experience has taught me it’s best not to share mine in public.

Instead of complaining about the weather like I have in the recent past, I’m trying to embrace it and enjoy the things it has to offer. There are times when the scenic beauty of these ancient mountains can take your breath away. The observation of the natural world around our humble little cottage is fascinating.

As with the December storm, animal tracks are abundant. Though we haven’t seen the bear tracks yet (I guess they finally decided to hibernate), we have seen a plethora of deer, rabbit, birds, and the feral cat that seems to have adopted us.

As regular readers of this blog know, I keep bizarre hours. I sleep when I’m sleepy, and usually no more than 3 or 4 hours at a time. Naps are one of the benefits of retirement. I’m up before dawn most days so I have some interesting photo opportunities.  I just wish my abilities matched my opportunities.

One of my favorite things to do is watch the sun rise over Chestnut Ridge. Standing on the back deck in the bracing cold with a cup of coffee as dawn erupts is invigorating and an excellent way to start the day.

As I learn more about photography, and things like foreground shots and negative space, I realize what a treasure trove of opportunity awaits me just outside my doors. I’ll close out this post with a few more recent shots. Hope you enjoy them.

Oh, and one last thing. I can’t forget to include the most laid back member of our household in all this: