Winter's Eagerness to Please

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?