On overcast winter days, I appreciate the quiet simplicity of the landscape. Soon enough, vibrant color will return and leaves will burst forth from every twig.
For now, the underlying structure is revealed, with a beauty of its own.
When I slow down enough, the flow of a single branch is wonderful.
It’s hard to believe how many nests were hidden in summer.
And it’s too cold for the mosquitoes and ticks. Plenty to appreciate.
David Fisher, Carving Explorations 
Out in the open space near us I always enjoy looking at the shapes of the trees revealed by winter against the sky. They all have such distinctive postures and lines.
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Yep, Kalia, and I’m trying to get better at recognizing species from a distance by their particular patterns. I like the way you put it — their postures. Fortunately, I need a lot more practice.
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Poetic.
Thank you, Dave. That was just what I needed.
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Hope you’re having a good winter up there, Eric.
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“And it’s too cold for the mosquitoes and ticks.” I am grateful for that as well. Same goes for the alligators!
I am also grateful you posted that sketch. The peace of the natural world… unmatched.
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Alligators! Well that puts mosquitoes in perspective, Scott.
I did see a sign of critters waking from winter dormancy on a walk just this afternoon. Piles of fresh earth on top of the snow, from the digging of a real groundhog (not that overgrown hamster they keep in the Library in Punxsutawney).
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It’s difficult to get out with a camera when it’s -20 here in NW Wisconsin, still it I enjoy searching for the the things you can’t see in the summer.
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I just have a little point-and-shoot camera in my pocket on walks, but you’re right, John, at -20 you’d better be able to point and shoot with chopper mittens on. Not much below +10 here this winter, yet. You guys are so lucky.
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No snow, no ice, but on the wet cloudy days, the colors of bark and moss are so much more saturated. As you’ve said, there’s always something wonderful in the woods.
We just need to look for it and appreciate it.
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That’s a good observation with the bark and moss, Jed. Every type of day has it’s rewards.
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That overgrown hamster Drew a very high card when it comes to employment!
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drew
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