I saw one!!! I really did!

Isn't she beautiful! I am 59 years old and have finally seen my first snowy owl!! Funny thing is that she was only about 5 minutes from my house! I probably wouldn't have noticed her but I knew that they were in this area and saw people below the telephone pole looking up at her. Snowy owls come into our area in the winter for the hunting. Then move back to the artic in the spring. One of the people there said that they saw 3 yesterday in that area. We drove around, but this was the only one we saw. But Hey, I will take one over none. I went back today but none were to be found. I was hoping that I could get a shot of one against the bright blue sky.

Here she is on top of a hotel. Great place to perch while looking for prey! We saw her swoop a few times. She had something on the ground, but couldn't see what she caught.

Another shot of her keeping an eye out for supper. When we saw her it was later in the day. Gloomy day and starting to lose the light. These owls hunt in the day time. So we were doubly lucky to even see her.
I have a request. A couple I know are having a rough time the last few days. Their pupster is very sick. Actually he is dying. They have been by his side as he goes from this life into the next. I haven't heard anything today so he may have passed away by now. Please pray for them as it is hitting them very hard. As you know. Some of consider our fur, feathered, gilled friends as family. We grieve just as hard for them as our human family. Thank you for any thoughts and prayers that you give to them. I have gone through this many times myself and it is very devestating.
Thank you for reading my blog and I hope that your New Year brings you joy and happiness. Also strength for the times when you need it. Hugs, Teresa

Merry Christmas

I just wanted to jump on here fast to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. As we all get ready for the day I hope we all take a moment to remember what is important in our lives. ( or by the time you read this to take a moment to reflect on how wonderful the day was). We are very lucky to still have mom here with us to celebrate another holiday. It is almost a year since learning that she has cancer. We know that she is terminal, but we are very grateful for each day that she is still here. Day by day, I have learned strength from her, especially in the last year. I hope if I ever have to deal with such an awful illness that I have the strength she has shown. Faith in God that she has.
There will be 29+ people here today. I say plus as the count seems to grow by one or two each day. My sister said that she will bring the shoehorn! Chicken and stuffing are in the oven now. Everyone brings part of the meal. Except for the main items we don't plan the rest. So I don't know for sure what wonderful surprises we will be feasting on. Works for us!
Dark, dreary day today. No snow. It has all melted off. Just wet dirty dog feet each time the dogs come in. But there won't be any travel worries, at least around here.
Please remember the less fortuate. The ones who can't afford to eat this well or to be with family. The ones suffering from illnesses of the mind or body. All who are without hope that things will get better. We are truely blessed.
Our wishes for you are that you have a very Merry Christmas with family and friends. If you can't be with family I hope that your day is still wonderful. Merry Christmas from our home to yours. Hugs, Teresa

My Blog is open again!

I was having trouble with my blog. I think everything is fine now. Thank you for the comments and suggestions that some of you gave me.

Isn't this beautiful! Another picture from the Green Bay Botanical Garden Festival Of Lights.

Do not open my blog at this time---Highjacked?

Green Bay Botanical Garden Festival Of Lights

This is the outside of the 70 foot long caterpillar.

Trees, trees everywhere!

The dragon in the gazebo

How would you like to come upon this little spider?

Huge woodpecker!

So very colorful!

It was so nice to be able to stand next to this burn barrel! The heat felt so good after the nice but cold stroll around the gardens.

Many, many kids and adults took advantage of the caterpiller for a photo op.

This was such a nice colorful walkway. I bet you didn't know that a caterpiller glows inside!

One of the many scenes.

Even in winter we have flowers!

Just crawling along!

No matter what season it is, this has to be my favorite building in the gardens.
I hope you enjoyed the little walk around the gardens. There was so much more to see,  but I didn't want to bore you.  Hugs, Teresa

I really need to use more strawflowers and other natural items in my decorating.

These strawflowers are so bright against the green of the tree at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens.

I love how they used dried flowers to decorate this year.

Interesting! Plants are so fantastic in and out of bloom!

So wispy!

So many different shapes and colors.

                                                            So much to see!

  The tree in all it's glory!
I will have to show you pictures of the light scenes in the gardens. But that will be another post. Hugs, Teresa