Stampin! with Jaydee

Hi Everyone.  Happy Friday.

I hope you all had a truly wonderful Christmas and managed to have quality time with friends and family.  Lou and I had a quiet day and just enjoyed time together.  It was wonderful.

Today was the first day that I got into my stamping space to play around.  I actually made two cards.  Considering it has been a couple of weeks since I actually made anything, it felt good to actually get my hands inky.

However, I don't have a card to share with you tonight.  I wanted to share a few snow photos with you.

I really do love winter here.  This winter has been especially gorgeous.  The snow is fairly deep on the ground considering we haven't reached January yet.  Want to see how much we have had?  Look at the snow collecting on the drum table and on the herb garden

Most of the snow that has fallen has been the soft, fluffy kind.  So far we have been spared the wet, heavy stuff.  So, it still looks so pretty.

It was snowing on Christmas Day evening... so I decided to do what I have loved doing since I was a child.  Getting MY footfalls in the snow first.  It was easy doing that on the driveway, as Lou had shoveled earlier that morning.

There really is something magical about being out in the snow when no-one else is around.  It was pretty late at night, so the street was quiet and the snow totally dulled any sounds from neighboring roads.  I felt like a kid going out and walking through the snow.  I was tempted to make snow angels but thought that if anyone saw me they might think I was having a heart attack ... considering most people of my age aren't out making snow angels!  Drat... when did I reach the age where I considered how silly I would look doing "childish" things?!

Tonight, I walked past my study and saw the most amazing sunset.  It was gorgeous.  It stretched for as far as the eye could see.  It was truly awesome!  It even lit up the wetland on the other side of the house.  I stood out on the front porch for about 10 minutes just watching the colors intensify.

I also love the fact that we have these crisp, clear days where the sky is incredibly blue and the sun shines so bright that the snow glistens.

I also love the way it collects on the outdoor decorations.

Of course, it provides a perfect foreground to the decorations on the front porch, too.  This photo is for AS :-)

I still love Barnaby and Braxton and the tree that we bought last year.  The Mason jars are a great way to greet visitors on the steps and the angel is just perfect.

I also love that some of the shrubs in the wetland turn a gorgeous bronze color in winter and add a great touch of color.  They are the perfect backdrop to the deer in the distance and our new shooting stars light up the entrance to the woodland.

I hope you enjoyed the photos, as much as I enjoyed taking them.  People are always surprised when they ask me what is my favorite season in the mid-west and I say, without hesitation, "winter!"  It truly is incredible!

Thank you to Rach, Kelly, Chris R, Jeanne, Ruth Ann, Marge, Elaine, Colleen B, Marina, Loll, Sara, Cam, Bonnie, Pat, Joyce, Terri, and Sandy for their comments on my card and wishes for the season.  Your comments and your visits really do mean a great deal to me and it is always a thrill to check out comments every day.

Warm hugs and prayers for those of you who need a little lift tonight, especially at this time of year.  I'll be back tomorrow with a card.  Yes... a card! :-)

Hugs

Jaydee