frost embossed

We've had some wonderfully chilly days lately!  Bright sun and blue skies make it feel like quintessential Indiana winter weather to me.  Although we're currently caught in the "frozen vortex" (temperature this morning when I woke up and briefly considered - and discarded - the idea of going to the gym:  -5 F), there's still a lot of beauty that comes along with the discomfort and inconvenience of the cold temperatures.

Last week we had such a heavy frost that it almost looked like the aftermath of an ice storm on the branches and weeds.

Aren't they gorgeous?  We've had some beautiful sunrises, too...

...that make even the slick ice of our apartment complex parking lot look appealing.

I am not immune to the dark days of January, though, that definitely curtail our hiking...and I do miss seeing a little color.  So I always make sure to buy a hyacinth.  They're amazing! You can probably find one - vase included - at your local grocery store for around $4.  Select one that isn't too close to blooming so you can enjoy it longer.

When the flower dies, don't toss the plant...just clip off the stem with the spent blooms and keep the greenery.  It will continue to live and look pretty for another week or so.  I love it!

We're mainly staying inside and not venturing out unless we have to, and our cats are enjoying every beam of light they can find.

I worry about outdoor animals, though.  At least I can rest assured that some are definitely keeping warm and toasty during this weather.  Before the worst of the cold snap, Todd and I were out hiking and saw plenty of beaver signs...

...and two dams.

They're industrious little things!  Here's a time-lapse video that shows one hard at work.  I miss seeing the beavers that worked in our South Carolina pond...

...but hopefully we'll find a property with a pond this spring, and perhaps we'll have a whole new family of beavers there!  Fingers crossed.

Have a great week!