Harsh Hand of Winter

Grey Squirrel scratching in the snow for a few sunflower seeds. I wonder what critters think about snow when they see it for the first time? I know critters don't think like we do but you have to wonder what they experience when they encounter snow covering their world. Life suddenly gets alot harder just to keep warm and find food.

 "In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer."
       Albert Camus (1913-1960): French Algerian Author, Philosopher, Journalist

Winter's Embrace

"And finally Winter, with its bitin', whinin' wind, and all the land will be mantled with snow."

         Roy Bean (1825-1903): Saloon-Keeper, Justice of the Peace

White Christmas in Dixie!!!!!

A white Christmas in North Mississippi! Wow! How special a Christmas has this turned out to be?

Took a spin on the Natchez Trace just to take it all in and took this shot along the way.

Hope everyone has the best Christmas ever and may we all remember why we celebrate this day! 

"There is nothing in the world more beautiful than the forest clothed to its very hollows in snow. It is the still ecasty of nature, wherein every spray, every blade of grass, every spire of reed, every intricacy of twig, is clad with radiance."

        William Sharp (1856-1905): Scotish Poet and Biographer

Seasons of Change

A Sugar Maple leaf in the midst of its seasonal change from green to yellow, orange and red. How beautiful the transition from one season to another.

"Live in each season as it  passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. Let them be your only diet drink and botanical medicines."
     Henry David Thoreau(1817-1862): American Author, Poet, Naturalist, Philosopher

Elk of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

What a thrill to see a huge bull Elk in the Cataloochee Valley at the north end of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The last native elk was killed in North Carolina in the late 1700's and in Tennessee elk bulged no more after the mid 1800's. Thanks to the efforts of a lot of people and organizations, the elk are here once again.

"Once again the bugle of the bull elk is heard across the mountains. With every heave of his great lungs, his breath glistening in the early morning light of a crisp fall day. And all is as it should be, as it once was."
            Randy J. Schultz

Whats Wrong with this Picture?

Just happened to walk by as these two were getting ready to run off with their owners car! Ha Ha! They let me know not to get too close!



"I've seen a look in dogs' eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed comtempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts."

   John Steinbeck (1902-1968): American Novelist and Writer

Contemplation!

Looking across the smokies from Newfound Gap. One of those places you just want to sit and take it all in for a while. 

It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the earth and in the contemplation of her beauties to know of wonder and humility.

Rachael Carson (1907-1964): American Nature Writer, Marine Biologist