Wednesday, January 12, 2011

More Snow in the South

It's always news when snow hits the South.  Whether we get a lot or a little, the effects are usually the same.  Schools close, businesses open late, church services aren't held, and there are a bunch of wrecks.  While all that is the same time after time, the sights to behold are as different as the snowflakes themselves.


This is what our street looked like when I went out for the paper.  Our paper carriers, bless their hearts, are dedicated to service.  I shudder to think of all they have to deal with just to deliver our morning newspaper each day.

We went for a short walk yesterday, about an hour before dark, to snap a few pictures of our latest snow event.  This was one of the "little" ones, only measuring an inch, so landscape photos were not so special. 


However Man and Nature joined forces to make these interesting spots on the pavement.  I'd seen an oil delivery truck in the neighborhood earlier, and wondered if it had a leak.  The oil, mixed with the melting snow, created a rainbow effect on the street.  Don't they look like eyes?

This neighborhood has a number of small lakes or ponds, and was actually named for one of the lakes.  That lake, though, has long since been drained and houses built in it's place.  Bummer, I know.


Anyway here is one of the larger lakes, and Mother Nature made some interesting designs in the ice.  There are round patches where the ice looks thinner and appears to be cracking from the center outward.  I think maybe these lakes are fed from underground springs, and maybe the comparatively warmer water is causing these spots.  Anyone have an idea?


On another lake, three ducks were swimming on the unfrozen part of the lake.  The overflow runs down a large cement pipe at the edge of the lake, which you'll see in the next picture.



Here is an interesting fellow.  I don't know what kind of duck he is, but he didn't seem to mind me snapping a few shots.  In this one he even turned to look over his back at me...or maybe he was just settling down for a nap.  Notice the water running over the pipe.

At this point my hands were numb, the light was fading and it was time to head home and make dinner.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Quote of the Week

May you have warmth in your igloo, oil in your lamp, and peace in your heart.
 - Eskimo proverb
On the surface this is like a New Year's toast to one's physical comfort and peace in the new year.  By taking a deeper look at it, this is what I came away with.  If home is where the heart is, then to have warmth in your home you must have warmth in your heart.  The light of the lamp is representative of the light of your life, and if you have peace in your heart, then you have peace in your home as well.

In other words: Home is where the heart is, so let there be warmth in your heart, a light in your life, and peace in your home.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Orbit Interrupted

On a daily flight around the sun, I paused to consider what would happen if all remaining flights were canceled, and we were stuck in this moment in time forever.  Doing exactly what we're doing now.   A scary thought, don't you think.  Let this be a reminder to do what you enjoy. Happy New Year!

 Written for Friday Flash 55

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

It's Sophie's Choice

It looks like Sophie has found a new place to catch up on her beauty sleep, or maybe she's planning to help me with the laundry.   What do you think?



She was just starting to get down when I snapped the picture.  
I guess I spoiled her nap. 

Monday, January 3, 2011

Quote of the Week

We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't.  - Frank A. Clark


It's always nice to gather with those of like mind.  We feel understood and validated.  However, sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone, to stretch our minds and reach a new level of understanding.


This is our Comfort Zone