Still snowed in

Not in the mood for much photography today.  All I want to do is sit by the fire and get my new laptop (thanks, Santa!) set up.  Here are a couple of quick shots, however, both intended to show the power of the wind that is howling outside our house.  One is a scene of the snow drifts on our screened in porch and the other is an image of the abstract patterns the blowing snow has made on our driveway.  It didn't turn out exactly as I had imagined it, but since I froze getting the shot I decided to post it anyway.

Christmas joy

Merry Christmas!  George celebrated the first white Christmas of his life today and as you can see he's enjoying it.  We've had a beautiful snow, although it kept us from traveling to visit family.  The second photo is the assortment of presents George's mom gave me for Christmas.  Some of you have heard the stories of her "interesting" gifts and the tradition continues.  A "purse", two appliqued handkerchiefs, a crocheted coaster and a nail brush.  At least it wasn't another girdle!  Wishing everyone a joyful holiday!

Snow on the mountain

We woke to 6 inches of beautiful fresh snow this morning.  For a brief time before the upcoming high winds, the trees were covered.  On the way down the mountain, a sliver of sun and blue sky highlighted the fog shrouded valleys.

Tree in snow

We've had some beautiful snow today that unfortunately is turning into sleet and freezing rain.  Before we lost all the beauty, however, I found this tree starkly set against a field of snow.  After taking the original shot (that turned out to be black and white since there were no other colors present), I took a little artistic liberty and tried a few other effects with this simple subject.