Crystal Crescent Memories

While going through old photos for a post over at Mud Puddles I felt like I was going through a bit of a time warp. We discovered Crystal Crescent Beach during our first month in Nova Scotia and over the next five years returned countless times during all seasons - fall and winter being our favorite time of year to be there.

It made me think about how I don't make photo albums anymore. It is so much easier to have the photos on the computer and not take up shelf space with an album (or have the expense of printing). That being said, my girl loves to look at the few photo albums we do have and I would love to have something easy for her to pick up and look though old photos. A compromise is certainly in order. Maybe something digital is the answer?

I gathered quite a few that I did not end up using in the post. Here are the ones that did not make the cut... although I still love them!

Not a bad little spot! Eh?

A walk along the river...

With the snowy weather we decided to stick a little closer to home for a walk this last weekend. We found ourselves at the Nature Center and Riverwalk in town. But there was still plenty to see...

It was cold and our blood has not quick thickened yet (honestly, I really just wanted to stay home and snuggle next to the fire). But we really needed to get out, so I kept my feelings to myself, and put on an extra layer to head out. 

I am so happy I did. It was a beautiful walk filled with new discovries. Now that the leaves are all off the trees we spotted a new wasp nest, which was a neat find. Along with the usual water fowl we also saw a western blue bird, which was very fun to see in flight with all of it's blue and orange feathers putting on a show. 

It did start to get pretty cold toward the end of the walk, but that was nothing a little game of "Chase and Capture the Dad" could not cure. It seems to do the trick every time!

Perfect snowflakes came down as we headed back to the car. A beautiful ending to a really lovely walk along the river.

Snowy Cacti

When we moved I was often asked if we would miss the seasons. When I told people we would still have the seasons in our area of Northern New Mexico they seemed surprised. While New Mexico may be known for the desert, mesas and even cacti, it is not known for it's seasons. But, we do get seasons and snow here. Our first snow came this weekend. 

The little man had to immediately suit up and get out in it, even though it was just a dusting, and I was soon to follow. I wanted to check out the cactus patch on the trail out back and it did not dissapoint. Snow covered cacti is pretty amazing, and of course I had to snap a few photos. Okay, a lot of photos, but hey, it is snow on cactus!

So, there you have it, the beginning of a New Mexico winter!

In Love: Cottonwoods

There was a time when I would have told you that I really like cottonwood trees...

But now, now I am in the middle of a full blown love affair. (Yes, I freely admit to being a total nature nerd!)

I can't take my eyes off them; with their sunny heart shaped leaves and their towering trunks.
It is like the sun grew limbs and kissed each one with bright yellow droplets that blow and flitter in the breeze.
The dark crevices of their deep fissured bark make me want to reach out and touch them each time I stroll by, trying to contain my giddy self. (And not totally embarrass the children by taking too many photos of tree bark.)

The kids think I am a bit off my rocker. They think these trees are pretty neat too, but love, well, that is a pretty strong word!

But.
I am in love.

I am in love with these trees and thoroughly enjoying this uniquely yellow fall.