Winter Art

Ah yes, the dismal days of winter are setting in.

But it does not have to be that way.

Get outside and stack some wood.......

And my favorite.....

New Year's Day

Another glorious, but cold, day in Olympia, Washington. I could NOT stay indoors. But unlike yesterday, Today I put on sunscreen.

Imagine, sunscreen in January in Washington!

Our early morning walk was on the Chehalis Western Trail, where my friend, Linda, and I came upon a ruby-crowned kinglet feeding on the side of the trail. The bird was frantically looking for food in the frozen foliage and did not care that we were so close to it. I tried to get photos, but the little guy was moving too fast.


This is what he looks like when not on the hunt.


At the ponds today, the hole in the ice was much smaller. I gather the Bufflehead ducks must have moved elsewhere to swim and dive.

A great view of the Olympics from the Trail.


When I returned home from walking the Chehalis Western Trail, another friend, Maxine, called wanting to go for a walk. Why not? It was such a beautiful day! Lunch was outside sitting in the sunshine soaking up some vitamin D. A picnic in January!

We decided on a beach walk from Burfoot Park. Check out the Olympics this time!


A blue heron was fishing along the shore.


We met Kitty out in her handmade kayak. Kayaking in January, another winter time miracle!



What a fabulous start to the New Year and an incredible January winter day in Olympia, Washington!

Snow Sculptures

Occasionally, we get snow in Olympia, Washington. This is day two of the winter wonderland.

This morning I looked outside and found my garden sculptures wearing white coats.










One more day of snow in the forecast :-)

Winter Wonderland

Recently I traveled with my good friend Elaine to Leavenworth, Washington.

I had heard of this charming village of Leavenworth, a Bavarian getaway in the heart of Washington State at the base of 8,000 foot high Cascade Mountains, but had not been there. During the months of December and January the entire town is jeweled with lights and covered with snow. It was enchanting!

One morning we explored the Waterfront Park where the trails wind along the Wenatchee River and through quiet riverbank forests. Here I am.....



Cold and hungry we happened upon the Gingerbread House at the edge of town.

Too perfect!

Another adventure while in Leavenworth was skiing at Stevens Pass. A cold but sunny day........a rare treat in the middle of winter in Washington.



Leavenworth is truly a winter wonderland.