Seasons and Angels

Today's gift: Changing seasons . . .

One of the blessings of living in Minnesota is the obvious and beautiful and exciting change of seasons. Growing up in Florida, I didn't experience the transition from spring to summer to fall to winter and around again in as dramatic a fashion as I get to experience it here.

The changes are especially apparent while standing at the end of the dock and overlooking the lake. I am going to try to take photos of this scene during the first week of each month for a year. It will be such fun to watch and share the delight of change! 

. . . and Angels

A friend once told me that whenever she sees a feather as she is enjoying the outdoors, she thinks of the angels watching over her. Today is the Feast of the Guardian Angels. During my prayer time this morning I read from the book of Tobit, "For a good angel will go with him, his journey will be successful, and he will return in good health." I rejoiced in reading this assurance that I have angels walking along with me and my shadows. I am glad for the feathers that I find on my walks--reminders of the protection of my guardian angel companions.  

Dewy Milkweed

Today's gift: Milkweed seed adorned with dew drops

What is it?

Today's gift: The whole Fairy Hat plant

I went back to the Fairy Hat plant to take photos of the whole plant and am hoping someone can tell me what it is. It is about knee high and the biggest leaves are a little smaller than my hand. I'm sure it would be called a weed, but it is rather interesting and a bit pretty with its yellow adornment.

Fairy Hat

Today's gift: Wouldn't this make 

a delightful little fairy hat?

Snail

Today's gift: Snail on leaf

Usually I see empty snail shells on the ground. This is the first time I have noticed a live snail clinging to a plant here in these woods. What a treat!

Garden Progress

Today's gift: Making progress on the garden

Unruly Garden

Today's gift: Great weather for 

tackling this unruly garden.

Digging up everything except the wild rose bushes. Separating the weeds and grass from the irises and roses. Replanting the irises. (Maybe planting crocus, tulips, and daffodils.) 

Stay tuned--it is a project for more than one day but will be worth it for next spring's beauty.