Winter's Eagerness to Please

Monday, November 13, 2017

I must confess, I always look forward to the changing of the seasons, each one brings something I love, and that does include winter.  However, it does seem like 'ole Man Winter is a bully, pushing fall out of the way, and lingering long past spring's due welcome.

This year was no exception.  We were enjoying the most glorious Fall season with each day a delight to go out and explore the beauties Fall was offering up.  Then... Winter crashed the party, shoved Fall out the door, and settled in.

And to be honest, I wasn't happy about it.  In fact, the biggest problem was that we were not ready for this much snow.  Usually we get little bits of snow that don't stick for the first few weeks after Winter 's arrival.  But this snow.... it was a lot! And it settled in to stay!

Perhaps Winter sensed my discontent, I really don't know.  But I had to settle my differences with him when the sun came out, and Winter put a party on for the eyes and soul, so how could anyone stay upset with him for this show?  If you are skeptical and don't believe me... well then, just pour yourself a cup of hot tea or coffee... and see if the beauty of the following scenes change your mind ...

We woke early in the morning to this scene, before the sun's grand appearance.

These three were like children in a candy store, having fun playing in the snow.

The fir tree branches were weighted down with the load of the thick white blanket.

Pine needles topped with frothy white fluff. 

Snow covered roadways, frosted tree tops and misty fog...

Fall's splendor adorned in winter's best.

Fall's splendor littering the ground as the leaves skittered around gracefully on winter's blanket.
 
We visited the mountain lake just down the road from us as snow was gently falling. Serenity personified here!


Ripe red rosehips adorned with snow's early surprise. 

The pale beauty of the poisonous snowberry brightens with a touch of delicate snowflakes. 

The expectant stillness of the frosty morning
was broken by the noisy shrill of the train's whistle
as it crossed the tracks just as I reached the river. 

The old railroad bridge resplendent in the frosty morning sunlight. 

Two geese swam in the icy stillness of the river.

Remember the wild apple tree we found along the train tracks?

The apples we could not reach, and which have not yet fallen, hung covered in frosty snowflakes.

Train tracks yet untouched after the snowy blanket descended, except for the skitter of deer hooves. 

The train returned, this time coming the opposite direction after unhooking from the cars it was pulling. 

The bright reds of the train brought contrast to the whitened landscape.

Making its way down the train track, leaving the tracks untouched no more.
 
Cumbered with its light burden of snow, the old railroad bridge was thankful it remains needed. 

The maple tree, still decadent in its fall splendor, now covered with its wintry white surprise. 
 
The stately coniferous forest welcomed this traveler.

Could this reflection ever be more resplendent than on an icy morning?
 
Abandoned for many years, yet covered in sparkling snow and abundant light,
this old cabin sits perched on the banks of the lake,
a mournful shadow of better days,
yet beautiful in the sunshine moment of today. 

Sitting on this lake, the old abandoned cabin has its own perky view. 

Fall and winter each added their finest to this scene.
I did not see a momma and feared for this little one left to roam the woods alone. 
 
As the frosty day drew to a close, these horses grazed contentedly
while the purple hills behind them basked in the waning sunlight.

As the fog rose behind them, one bothered to look at me with unanswered questions in his gaze. 

The fog rose from the warmed ground, enveloping the horses in its grasp.

The weathered boards of this barn are gently highlighted
in the soft glows of the waning afternoon skies.
As evening shadows whispered gently, the serene riverbank scene was reflected in the still waters. 

I am not sure what the buildings are, but I think maybe an older church with a newer one beside it? 

And as the day drew to a close, the last light of the skies was reflected in the waters below. 

... and one just can't stay upset at Winter's early arrival 

after a day like today.  

Would you agree?



85 comments

  1. Oh wow...those photos are sure beautiful. I hope you are recovering well, keeping you in prayer, smiles.

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    1. Thank you Linda! Always appreciate your visits :)

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  2. Oh. My. Goodness. Gracious! Every photo is absolutely breathtaking and only improved by your very descriptive narrative. Thank you for sharing your surprise preview of your winter! Wonderful post, Marilyn!

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    1. It was truly breathtaking to see the sun and snow in such beauty :) Always thankful for your visits Debby!

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  3. You make winter appear so inviting, Marilyn. Beautiful photos!

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    1. It was truly breathtaking to see the sun and snow in such beauty :) Always thankful for your visits Marie!

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  4. It was quite shocking to get snow here, too, so early. We are traveling over Snoqualmie Pass on Thursday and we're hoping we chose the right snow tires. Beautiful photos of the snow in your area.

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    1. It was truly breathtaking to see the sun and snow in such beauty :) Always thankful for your visits Ellen!

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  5. Replies
    1. It was truly breathtaking to see the sun and snow in such beauty :) Always thankful for your visits Deanna!

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  6. Living in Texas where we don't get any snow, I love your snow pictures!! I know if I had to live in it I might not love it quite so much!!

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    1. It was truly breathtaking to see the sun and snow in such beauty :) Always thankful for your visits Mary!

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  7. Replies
    1. It was truly breathtaking to see the sun and snow in such beauty :) Always thankful for your visits Sandi!

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  8. Lovely photos I especially like the red leaves in the snow and the trains!
    I love wintertime as much as I love the fall.

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    1. It was truly breathtaking to see the sun and snow in such beauty :) Always thankful for your visits Annie!

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  9. Such purdy pictures! We can't wait for our first snow. Last year ours was at Thanksgiving!

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    1. It was truly breathtaking to see the sun and snow in such beauty :) Always thankful for your visits Regina!

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  10. I say Welcome Old Man Winter if he brings such beauty with him! LOVE all the pictures. The pups look so happy to frolic in the snow. I hope you can sit by the fire and read a good book. {{HUGS}}

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    1. It was truly breathtaking to see the sun and snow in such beauty :) Always thankful for your visits Gina!

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  11. Simply Stunning Marilyn! End of story. ;) One more thing...Winter is for sure beautiful all on its own. Okay, done.

    Have a great day!
    Hugs, Amy

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    1. It was truly breathtaking to see the sun and snow in such beauty :) Always thankful for your visits Amy!

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  12. Amazing beauty. Each scene had me going 'wow'.You captured the beauty of the early winter to perfection.

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    1. It was truly breathtaking to see the sun and snow in such beauty :) Always thankful for your visits Ruth!

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  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  14. Marilyn, these pictures made my heart sing - did you take them? Oh, I loved to see the snow, especially covering the red rose hips and the red train and the red leaves. And those horses! The deer is sweet, and such a special animal. I don't get to see the snow too much where I live, so I am enjoying these pictures very much.

    Wishing you happy November days. Thanks for the well wishes. This wasn't just the sniffles. It was one of the worst cold, sore throat, and cough I've had. I haven't been sick for a long time, but I guess it just caught up with me. Don't ya wonder where these nasty bugs come from? I'm feeling better, but still coughing. Enjoy your snow! Let me know when you post more of this white wonderland. : )

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    1. I hope you are feeling back to yourself Sherri! I hate having colds like that! We don't have much snow right now, but no doubt more will be coming soon! It was truly breathtaking to see the sun and snow in such beauty :) Always thankful for your visits Sherri!

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  15. Your photos are absolutely breath taking, Marilyn!
    You truly live in a wonderful part of the country, we must come for a visit in the motor home one of these days.
    Thank you for sharing your beauty with us ♡

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    1. Oh dear Debbie, I would love it so, to have you come and visit! It truly is an amazing part of the country, every season of the year! I continue to pray for your mother and trust that all is well with you dear friend! It was truly breathtaking to see the sun and snow in such beauty :) Always thankful for your visits Debbie!

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  16. Oh dear, sorry about shooing Ol' Man Winter you way, but I am not a fan of him. Mind you he does make your part of the world rather beautiful. Glorious photos of glorious scenes, lovely Marilyn.

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    1. It was truly breathtaking to see the sun and snow in such beauty :) Old man Winter can be a bully, but he certainly knows how to shine! Always thankful for your visits Kim, and look forward to the beautiful seasons in your world too!

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  17. Oh, these pictures!!!!! I think these are my favorite ones of yours yet!! Just so beautiful and pleasing to look at. I think my very favorite ones are the ones of the train and the horses. But, ALL of them are just amazing! You do such an amazing job, sweet friend. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful talents with us here. Sending much love and many hugs to you tonight!

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  18. These are so professional! Beauty all around, I thoroughly loved seeing these photo's. Thanks for sharing these with us, we rarely get snow in Central Georgia. Beautiful!

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  19. WOW!! Thanks for sharing your beautiful snowy photos, Marilyn. What gorgeous scenery with the fresh snow blanketing the landscape. We are still 'green' here although we may get some wet snow later in the week before it rains. I don't mind as our winter season is long enough. Have a blessed week. Pam

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  20. Oh my goodness!!! Such glorious beauty. I loved it all. A real treat for me sitting here in s.e. FL with bare feet, capri pants, short-sleeved top and the a.c. is on.

    Thank you for sharing God's fantastically, beautiful creation. My heart feels full.

    FlowerLady

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  21. Okay okay . . . even from a winter-hater like me I HAVE to admit these are some pretty spectacular scenes! I LOVE the train pictures - red is my favorite color so that really jumped out to me. You live in such a beautiful place to begin with - the wildlife and the trees and the lake . . . amazing. I usually DO have to grudgingly admit the FIRST snow is pretty but after that, I tend to be a grump haha! I try to continue walking our dog in the forest preserve even in the snow so I do try to look for the beauty even on those cold, snowy days. BUT, I much prefer a warm, sunny beach!

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  22. Seeing fall juxtaposed with snow fall was simply breathtaking, Marilyn. What gorgeous photos you took! Thank you for inspiring us all today to embrace every season in our lives.
    Blessings!

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  23. Marilyn, You just might turn me into a 'winter' fan after all! Your photos are incredibly gorgeous!!! Seriously. The one of the train bridge over the water...stunning!

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  24. Beautiful, beautiful photos, Marilyn. And your writing is poetic. Is there anything more stunning than the contrast of red against white snow? You really captured it with that red engine. Now I have to say that I would take that abandoned cabin in a heartbeat. Sitting right on the lake like that would be my dream come true. Wow! Why is it abandoned do you suppose? I so enjoyed this post. Just lovely. We have had little snow episodes, but it has melted right away. However, the mountaintops are now covered in snow and they are just gorgeous. I don't mind winter as much now that I'm not employed. I just hate having to drive on icy roads. Now I have a choice, for the most part. Stay warm and keep taking those gorgeous photos. You have a gift. Hugs, Nancy

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  25. What Glorious beauty of God that surrounds you. To live there one would sense God presences in such beauty, Worship would be easily be spoken out in such beauty. You my friend have been blessed to live in such a beautiful place. You need to submit some to a magazine. Stay Warm Hugs!

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  26. Great photos and wonderful descriptions! Do you mind me asking what make of camera you use?

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  27. Good morning Marilyn. Well, you AMOST made me enjoy winter with these absolutely stunning photos. We live in a beautiful part of the country and some of these shots took my breath away. You should have a book made with your photography. I have enjoyed the past few days of 30's and 40's when I could put the heavy winter coats away and just wear a sweater outside. Thank you again for the beauty you have shared with us.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  28. Oh my ... I'm not ready for this yet!

    But you've sure made it look all gorgeous and appealing, Marilyn. And I know it won't be long til I wake up one morning only to discover a blanket of white on all things gray.

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  29. Such magnificent pictures - they look like something out of a storybook!

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  30. Well, winter is truly beautiful there...but I don't care much for the snow and cold. I like it from inside at Christmas time...but I wish it would go away after that. lol Beautiful pictures! xo Diana

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  31. It all looks so lovely, but also very cold! It reminds me of visiting my daughter when she lived in Northern BC and had 6 months of snow.

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  32. Beautiful winter shots! I like snow, as long as I don't have to drive in it!

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  33. OH MY....SNOW! Bit too early for that here in Nashville TN...but I am hoping that we see a good one this yr. Beautiful pics.

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  34. Your photography is wonderful and captures the beauty all around you so well! Our snow melted off, but I hear there is more in the forecast. My oldest grandboys have more snow at their home than we get here so they have been enjoying sledding!

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  35. Every photo is a delight to the eyes... enjoy this beautiful season my friend :)

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  36. Breathtaking, my friend! I feel as though I stepped into a perfect winter wonderland {{smiles}}

    Thank you for sharing your amazing photos. We are supposed to get snow tomorrow and Friday. It will be our third or fourth snowfall this season.

    Much love to you!

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  37. So early for winter!
    Your photos are resplendent! You live in such a beautiful area. I'm glad you enjoy all the seasons, but you are correct. Winter was a bit of a bully this year. Enjoy my dear. I can remember snow storms over Thanksgiving in NE Missouri. I doubt we'll see even flurries until December. I do hope we get snow this year. Last year was truly a disappointment. I need the brilliant white after the holidays.

    Be blessed and warm!
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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  38. What a feast for the eyes! Gorgeous photos and I enjoyed each one! It is truly a winter wonderland!

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  39. Such gorgeous photos. I like the idea of Old Man Winter as a bully except that ours is a pussycat... it is still quite warm and sunny around here though we've been promised a bit of rain next week. Want to trade?
    Amalia
    xo

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  40. Your pictures are absolutely stunning! I find myself gasping at nature's beauty!

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  41. Absolutely gorgeous photos, you truly live in a beautiful area!! We had a bit of snow but nothing much, but you are reminding me it's time to get my studded tires on before a real snow dump comes!!

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  42. Your photos are so well done. I just love the train.
    Have a blessed Thanksgiving,
    Carla

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  43. Your photos should be in a beautiful magazine.
    I love winter as long as I can stay inside...I loved snow skiing and winter sports at one time...now my olden bones do better before a warm fire....

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  44. Hi Marilyn! Wow! Gorgeous photos!
    I remember when we lived in Spokane the snow would come to stay. I was cold.
    The dogs look super happy!
    Don't you LOVE that red tree?

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  45. You live in a postcard perfect little part of heaven! The photos show how crisp and clear (and cold!) it is there. I would love to visit your part of the country some day.

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  46. Oh my goodness Marilyn, what a world of beauty you've shared!!!! Each photo is a work of art, and I especially loved seeing those red leaves on the trees against the white. I hope that little deer makes it. Your photos of the scenes reflected in the water....what gloriousness of God's wonderful world. Bless you!

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  47. Such incredible beauty - each scene prettier than the last! Yes, it must be hard to stay upset with Old Man Winter when you are surrounded with this much loveliness! xx Karen

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  48. You casted spell over my sense with abundance of nature's beauty dear Marilyn!!!

    i agree with you each season has it's own unique beauty and one is lucky if has eye for it just like you my friend!

    Magical and so artistically captured views and even more you glorified them by putting your poetic thoughts along with them!!!

    World seem to experience crazy weather this year with sudden changes and moves.
    i just had my cup of tea and loveliness of your surroundings made my day:)

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  49. Good morning, Marilyn!

    What gorgeous pictures you have taken. They look like they could have been painted. You live in an exquisite place filled with beauty. :) Thank you for sharing the pictures. I always love looking through them...you are a wonderful photographer. :)

    Have a lovely day, friend!
    Love
    Ashley
    ashleysyarnworks.etsy.com
    creatingpreciousmoments.blogspot.com

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  50. Marilyn, you've captured the beauty of winter and made it look awfully tempting with your beautiful photography!

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  51. Wow! These are gorgeous; you could use them to make your Christmas cards. Or to promote tourists to visit Idaho:) I'm having a Give-A-Way, come on over and get your name in the hat.
    Connie :)

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  52. Your pictures are wonderful, love the train pictures and all the snow. Your descriptions are wonderful also.
    Thanks for stopping bye to say hello to me

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  53. The pictures are really pretty...but I still don't like winter, ha, ha. We've been really lucky with only a few snow squalls so far, and nothing stuck. But...it's in the coming forecast, finally. Ick. However, I enjoyed your pictures. :)

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  54. Wow, I cant believe how beautiful your pictures are! Wonderful photography! Nice to meet you. Leticia

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  55. Hi Marilyn! I can't believe how much that first photo captivated me. It's such a special moment! Thank you for sharing so many of your photos. We haven't had any snow that's 'stuck' around here, so your landscape looks beautiful to me.
    It is sad to see the big red-leafed tree encased in snow. Didn't even have a chance to drop those leaves! And I loved your description of winter shoving fall out the door. Sure looks like it too :)
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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  56. These are gorgeous shots, Marilyn! I hope you print and frame some of them - especially the red train coming through. Bits of red in the snow are so striking! The leaves, the rose hips, the apples - all wonderful! Our bit of snow disappeared the next day. I do hope we get more. It never lingers long here, so we don't get a chance to get tired of it. And I do find that snow brightens up the landscape and is a welcome change from dreary rain.

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  57. Such wonderful photos! I love the photos of the juxtaposition of red autumn leaved trees with snow. I often see young deer alone--I believe their mothers leave them in safe places so they can forage for food unencumbered and then come back to them later. I hope some of those frozen apples will fall from the tree for the deer--they love apples.

    Have a very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!

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  58. these pictures are ALL amazing! Love the train photos. How did you get in those spots to take them? Beautiful. Everyone is just stunning...love the old cabin too. Wish I could go there! I loved these pictures...makes me want to be there...for a little while, until I get too cold! LOL. Thank you for sharing these with us. Magnificent beauty. praise the Lord!!

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  59. Your photos are phenomenal! At first I thought your banner was the prettiest snow pic I've ever seen...until I saw the train! My husband and I both sat down and looked at your pics! The horses in the snow....the little deer! All just amazing! I'll go back and look again. You need to have a photo book made with these! (and send me a copy! heehee) Stay warm! Hugs from the mts of NC, Diane

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  60. Oh dear Marilyn... I meant to comment sooner but have been sick.... so am now finally getting back to "my" blogs! I love your stunning pictures.... as everyone else said, you live in such a magical and wonderful area of our country. It reminded me of all the snow pictures I've taken over the years, in various places I've lived! I can relate to your wonderful lake and river views.. and the reflections from the hills and trees... love the cabin of course... and on a lake? how heavenly would that be... also my dream too (same as Nancy at Joyful Cottage).... to live on water would be absolute Heaven. Even with the gorgeous pictures, I really am not of a mind to want much snow here! I've lived IN it for so many years, and pretty much had my fill of it. Lived in Sheridan, WY for 2 years and I swear, there was snow on the ground half of the year... but it WAS stunning and beautiful. And of course, now that I"m retired and don't HAVE to drive to work in it, I should like it more and not mind it as much. I wanted to say, I love your "winter" header... just stunning.. had to show my hubby. Also the lake view with the snow covered grasses in the foreground.. just awesome. You have an eye for taking the perfect photograph! Will you be home in this gorgeous white stuff for Thanksgiving? Take care dear friend... Marilyn

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  61. Oh my goodness!! So beautiful. How lucky you are to live in such a beautiful place!

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  62. Yes, these photos are magazine worthy for sure!!! Wishing you many blessings this Thanksgiving week!

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  63. Marilyn these are fabulous. I don't like winter but I can appreciate it's beauty when I see photo's like these. My very favorite was the red leaves on the ground but all of them were quite lovely.

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  64. Nice! Thanks for sharing ~ a treat. How Lovely is God Handiwork and your appreciate! God Bless. :)

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  65. Marilyn,
    Wow, winter has arrived indeed where you are! I too love the changing of the seasons though extreme cold bothers me especially in the evening. But new fallen snow is so beautiful! I do hope for w white Christmas every year. Sometimes we get one, other times we don't. No snow for us yet, it was 50 degrees yesterday. Your mountain views are amazing! I do hope to see them one day! Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving in your little snow globe paradise! xx

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  66. Wow Marilyn, I feel like I just looked through a gorgeous coffee table book. Stunning photos, capturing the best part of winter.

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  67. Marvelous photos! It's just breathtaking the nature there! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  68. Hopped over from a blog that featured you as the winner of a giveaway. She said you had beautiful photos, but when I saw them I was blown away by your beautiful blog.

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  69. Your photos and captions are beautiful as always!

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  70. It was truly breathtaking to see the sun and snow in such beauty :) Always thankful for your visits Teri!

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Your comments are blessings to me, and I appreciate each and every one, they are precious to me! I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my blog... this is what makes blogging worthwhile! Have a blessed day!

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