an early counter-cute

because we're headed east for a pediatric intensive program at swan lake resort i'm including a counter-cute (assuming calliope is back to work) and will find the outer path on the golf course for early am xc skiing. last year it was beautiful and hopefully if it doesn't get too warm we'll repeat. it is always good to find "koalaty time" away from work.

12 days of Christmas

it is time to take down the Christmas tree.... put away the ornaments and nutcrackers.... and pack up the nativity scene. we didn't find time to make more sculpy characters this year so LBJ, the narwhal, the Christmas snake, last year's beaver and their friends will have to wait until next year for more company..... now it's on to xc skiing, paddling and shoveling..... lots of shoveling....

weekly counter-cute23/ NYDay

with Calliope here for the New Year's break i'll include a counter-cute without comparison. our cat Schnitzel is lounging in front of the fire after opening her packages this Christmas and looking quite content. it was a busy day playing with bows and ribbon and discarded wrapping paper so she deserved a chance to relax...... and i'm ready too after all the work it took to get dressed on New Year's Day and take to the water below the dam for the first paddling trip of the year. it was only -20 F with the wind chill but toasty with almost all exposed skin covered.

weekly counter-cute22

it's so cold here i couldn't take any pictures, and thought these residents of cold country could impress more than me. in honor of nw taking the time to bring calliope home i've included members of the Adelie family (and the Gentoo tribe) with evidence of the only flying penguin recorded..... pretty impressive if i do say so.. oh, and a cute too!

season of the witch

Donovan, back in the sixties, wrote a song called Season of the Witch. it is appropriate for what i feel today. winter is a tough enough time with holidays without losing friends. this am i picked up the paper and found a friend's picture and obituary listed and added his name to two other classmates from high school that had died in the past week. three friends leaving at the same time.... it makes you stop and think about life more as you grow older, and consider how you can make the best of each day.... to see the beauty in everything and everyone..... and to decide how you can continue to make a difference in this world...... if only answers came easier.... we'll just say a prayer for those remaining and wish these three Godspeed in their next endeavors.

weekly counter-cute21

many would say that some animals aren't "cute" but even the pelican's parents would say he is the cutest thing in the world.... of course much cuter than "geese". it's raining on our Christmas parade this week, but it looks like a white Christmas ahead... the tree is up and decorated; the nutcrackers guard the mantel, and the nativity is assembled (complete with the Christmas Lyndon B. Johnson figure). Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night...

weekly counter-cute20

many cute things are hidden from the "normal" eye, but the watchful observer of nature finds them blending into those inbetween colors. like friend jp i'm finding that being quiet, and listening through the ringing in my ears, can take me further than the empty chatter...