Bare Essentials

My granddaughter reminds me that there is something special about each season. Winter brings snow, and for her that means snow angels, sledding, and making snowmen!

For me, December offers a chance to spy “behind the scenes,”
 so to speak: to pull back the curtains and see the bare essentials, God’s beautiful creations once hidden by June leaves.

A pair of Gray Catbirds built this nest last summer in our forsythia bushes and lovingly raised their young here. I had seen a lot of activity near the bushes in the summer and thought there might be a nest in there, but I didn’t want to disturb them by looking. Even though they have now migrated toward Central America, I’m grateful they’ve left me this reminder of their happy visit with us.

Thankfully some residents stay all year, and the bare branches allow me to glimpse beauties like these Downy Woodpeckers.  

In the chilly winter months, snow decorates sturdy tree trunks and delicate, arching branches.

My granddaughter was right; each season brings special delights. Winter captivates us with a beauty all its own.