Winter Wonderland

The first full week of January in Ironton has been COLD.  We have had below average temperatures with nothing higher than about 18F (that's about -7C for my Canadian readers) and usually with a wind so it has never even got close to feeling like the actual air temperature.  But, being January in Minnesota, this is pretty much expected.  We haven't been able to venture outside much, and now both kids have pretty good colds, so we won't get out much in the next few days until they are feeling better. 

We received rain and then a good 6 inches of snow on December 30 so it has been extremely pretty outside.  The ice and snow covered branches are beautiful right now and the winds haven't been strong enough to knock much off.  I am struck by all the picture worthy scenes when I am driving:  willows weeping under the weight of the snow; dark pines and spruce boughs sharply contrasting with their snowy burden; picturesque snowed-in trails, all shadowy blue in the weak sunlight.  We went for a drive on New Year's Day and here are some of the sights:

Snowy roadside scenes, January 1, 2011

On January 2 the sun was shining and I took some photos of our yard from the comfortable side of the window.



Love the blue shadows on the snow!



Some sun, but not much warmth



When we did get out that day, at least the sun made it feel a bit better.  The kids played for a while, digging our snow fort and climbing the big snow piles in our yard.

       Jonathan, happy to be outside, even it is cold!

Sarah's snow angel



Frosty little cheeks!

I cannot remember what Sarah was crying about, but Mom wanted a picture taken anyway.  Yes, I know I have a tag still on my hat; it was a Christmas present and I was trying to decide if I liked the size.  A bit of the "mad trapper" look I suppose but it was warm!

Rob took a walk later that day on our property and this shows the snow down our trail.

On January 1st I always start a new year list of bird sightings.  On our drive we got a wonderful view of some Pine Grosbeaks, something I don't think I have seen while in Minnesota.  They do regularly occur here in the winter, I just haven't gone out to search for them.  I would really love to get a spotting scope and get into digi-scoping photography of birds.  For now, you'll have to believe me that those little specks ARE Pine Grosbeaks.



And we start a new "yard list" for the birds we see only in or flying over our property.  Last year's list had 53 species; in 2009 we had 58.  I am hopeful I will be able to bird a little more during spring migration to get this year's number over 60.  Starting off the 2011 yard list was a great look at our ever-present Pileated Woodpecker, attacking his favourite snag.

So it may be cold but I am thankful for the beauty of nature and experiencing this winter wonderland.