Happy New Year!

Perhaps we can all try again to believe in each other.

Right at the line....

A barge pusher...

You're right! You can walk on it!

While the ducks in the foreground are dabbling for food where they can, Henry and Matilda are standing on the ice.

The duck wonders why...?

... he can stand on the water!

What's the matter Henry? Cold feet?

Henry and Matilda, skirting the ice on the lake...

Sharing today with Mersad's Through My Lens

In perfect stillness...

... except for the occasional  quack, honk, or caw, and the crunch of our footsteps.

Wherever you are...

I hope that in your heart you are home for Christmas.  Merry Christmas!

Walking on the pier-- crunch crunch crunch...

Like a river of clouds...

Softly...

Still some ice in the wetlands...

And then the rain...

...comes to wash away the snow

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Just above the water...

More sun and less snow... The Great Blue Heron flies just above the water, still searching.

The Great Blue Heron...

... still out looking for dinner.

Winter, just outside the kitchen window...

Just before the snow...

Where the wild goose goes...

Canada Geese winter here by the thousands.

The snow always makes Elk Rock stand a bit taller...

In the last ray of light...

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Frosty Leaves....

Wintry wetlands walk...

Vigil...

Quiet... I wonder if frogs migrate...

Better stay here with us...

... it's crazy out there.

Hurry up, Henry!

The storm missed us!

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Beautifully cold...

A ray of sunshine...

Just when the darkness is closing in, a beam of light is so welcome...

December comes to the wetlands path...

December along the Columbia River...

No alternate endings...

Crows cawing in the distance, an angry squirrel's scolding--- very peaceful.

The sun, the sea, and the rocks will all still be here when our fears are gone and forgotten.

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Sunset surf...

She waits...

Softly saying goodnight...

Still thankful...

It's Thanksgiving in the USA-- And even if you're not here, I hope you have a good day with much to be thankful for.   I am thankful that we can touch each others' lives.

Flammable Fungus!

An incredible bright orange-red flower?  No, an incredible bright orange-red fungus lighting up the meadow!

Saying goodnight...

Dancing leaves...

Swirling and twirling! 

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Gathered together in the leaves and ferns...

I think they are smiling...

After the leaves have fallen...

We'll be back in the Spring...

The water lilies and other water plants sink back into the lake for their long winter's swim.  They'll be back in the Spring!

Down by the creek...

Fall with a touch of winter...

Some bits of Fall hang around...

Stay a while longer...

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Checking things out...

Cool air, crunching leaves, smoke from a welcoming fireplace...

... and somewhere in your heart, your mother is calling you home for dinner.