Unexpected Joy

This week, we had an ice storm. Schools cancelled. Tree limbs bent down or broken off, heavily laden with ice. Late yesterday afternoon, as the sun was heading lower in the sky, I happened to look out the window and gasped! Every tree and bush in the front yard was absolutely sparkling, as the sun reflected on the ice covered branches. One of the loveliest things I'd ever seen! I hurried outside with my camera, but despite my repeated attempts and messing around with the settings, I could not capture more than a mere hint of the "sparkles" in all their glory. Perhaps you can imagine from the picture what it must have been like to see each individual branch shining. Truly a gift from God. How have you begun to notice the everyday wonder? What gifts have filled you with unexpected joy this week?

Sue

Close Encounters

Please excuse the absence from posting.  I've been battling a cold/allergy/sinus thing and haven't felt up to doing much other than resting during my free time.

At any rate, here are my most recent ramblings . . . . This past week, I've had two "close encounters" with nature that were quite delightful.  I went out to lunch in a nearby town with my husband and one of my girlfriends.  As we were walking down the street, we noticed a cat perched outside a window.  Nothing much unusual about that, right?  Well, what struck us was the fact that it was a second story window of an apartment above a store front.  I happened to have my camera with me, so took a few quick shots of this curious kitty.  You can see the shingles of the first floor store front roof, and also the Christmas lights wound around the balcony railing that the apartment tenant apparently hadn't taken down yet.  I don't know if the cat belonged to the apartment dwellers, or was just peeking in, hopeful they would want to adopt him.  Either way, he was fun to watch!

Then, later in the week, I came home from work one day to a terrific racket.  A large flock of Canada Geese had decided to use the fields which surround our house as a resting spot during their travels.  The honking from these guys was incredible to hear!  I ran inside to get my camera, and returned just in time to catch a few marching in a straight line across our yard to get from one field to another.  Apparently they not only fly in formation, but also parade in a similar fashion.  :)



The 1000 Gifts List continues . . .  . .(have you started yours yet???)

16.  Noticing sunrises are coming a bit earlier.  A sure sign of Spring on the way!

17.  Having lunch with friends

18.  Knowing that people are praying for me

19.  Ability to breathe after being sick

20.  Holding the hand of someone you love

Sue

1000 Gifts List continued . . . . . (11-15)

11.  Snow-covered bunny nibbling on what's left of our hedges
12.  Sunlight sparkling on snow drifts
13.  Playing a board game together on a cold evening
14.  Electric blankets and cozy quilts when the wind is howling outside
15.  Date Night with the man I love