One would expect Minnesotans to be somewhat jaded and indifferent to news of a fresh layer of snow in December. However, after a winter last year that was brown and gray for much of the season, and a November this year that left us with only a few inches for a brief period of time, many of us went to sleep last night hoping the weather forecast was accurate in predicting that when we opened the shades the next morning, we would be greeted with a winter wonderland of white!
In reading posts today from other Minnesotans whose blogs I follow (Northern Narratives, thirdeyemom), I see that I was not alone in wanting to share Mother Nature’s overnight costume change! The winter weather gods had painted each branch, stem and late-hanging leaf with a delicate detail brush! Something about waking to freshly fallen snow, coating each surface so gracefully, brings out a sense of awe-filled excitement, just as a child has when waking to learn the world has been blanketed in white while he slept.
Of course, that excited child did not have to drive a car in the white, slippery stuff . . . wondering if the wheels would catch and stop the car before it slowly slid into the curb of the opposite side of the intersection, despite cautious speeds, four-wheel drive, traction control and every other bell and whistle of automobile manufacturing technology. Thankfully, our required driving today was not extensive, and when not sliding slowly down unplowed inclines on the city streets, one could almost enjoy the fresh and pretty views!
This family’s day was one of homework, household tasks, office work, as well as breaks to unpack favorite Christmas decor to scatter about the house, while my husband put together a pot of chili which filled the house with the aroma of comfort food. Outside, the chickadees, nuthatches and sparrows kept busy, as well – a constant parade of visitors at the feeder. Had hoped to see the neighborhood cardinal pair, looking for that flash of red against the pure white snow, but they were elusive today.
No deep thoughts, no humorous anecdotes . . . just sharing a few of the common sights of the fresh December snow in Northern Minnesota.
Ciao! ~ Kat
Travel. Garden. Eat. 
38 responses to “Peaceful Sunday at the Feeder”
[…] Peaceful Sunday at the Feeder […]
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Love it! Esp. the nuthatch! As a former New Yorker who grew up with snow and bird feeders, I’m really not missing the snow so much here in the pacific northwest, and I’m happy to see chickadees, nuthatches, flickers, woodpeckers and jays here, though they look a little different. The squirrels are just as horrible though…(thanks for stopping by my blog, too!)
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You have some beautiful photos from your neck of the woods — I look forward to exploring your blog further when I have time! ~ Kat
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Kat, these are some lovely snow photos, truly! You had a beautiful little snowfall. I like the snow when we don’t have to go anywhere. The excited child knows nothing of the perils of winter driving, that’s for sure. We may get some snow in the next few days. There is only an inch left on the ground after the last snowfall.
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And we are back to rain today hoping it won’t ruin the few XC ski trails around here! Hoping it drops a few degrees without creating treacherous roads and sidewalks to give us more of the white stuff! ~ Kat
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Love these photos! The monochrome and the lovely birds are just perfect. These would make great Christmas cards!
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Those snow-covered branches paint a holiday scene — thanks, TGG ~ Kat
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Lovely photos.. never experience snow here in my country.. but would love to experience on.. cool photos.. Very beautiful winter photos
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Thank you, Xander — it is beautiful when everything is coated in white, or big white flakes are falling from the sky! ~ Kat
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A beautiful gift of Winter. The birds were just adorable. I may not see snow in Houston but somehow I felt Winter’s magic through your images. Thanks. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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That’s the joy of blogging — enjoy the sights and traditions around the world! ~ Kat
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We (ie, the kids!) are yet waiting for our first significant snowfall in mid Michigan. Your feathered friends are charming, Kat – I’m guessing you’re like me and happy they don’t leave for the winter.
Thanks again for your recent kind words – I wasn’t really on the prowl for encouragment, but I do so appreciate what I got anyway. You kind of rock, Kat!
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Aw, shucks, Sid, thanks so much! ~ Kat
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Looks like you got a great snow – I’m jealous!
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It’s a good start! ~ Kathy
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Snow! Chickadees! Chili! I can’t wait – it is freezing rain here… Thanks for letting me live vicariously!
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Freezing rain is the worst of both worlds. Hope you see the white stuff soon! ~ Kat
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I’ll be doing the “snow dance” on the patio soon if this keeps up…
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Pardon me, the views and your description of it is so dreamy. But you really had me on that pot of chili. hehehe 😀 I’m virtual eating right now.
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A bowl of chili is perfect for a cold, snowy day! Thanks, Rommel ~ Kat
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Lovely words and photos! Thank you for sharing, Kat!
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Thank you for stopping by with a comment! It was such a pretty day. ~ Kat
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It’s absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing these photos!
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Thank you, ODW — I love these first snows of the season! ~ Kat
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Great bird photos. Snow always messes with my light meter on my camera, but yours look nice.
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My little point-and-shoot didn’t do too badly even through the window — I think the contrasting branches throughout helped balance things. When I get the wide fields of snow, things tend to get a little off. Thanks for commenting, Gwynne! ~ Kat
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We had a pair of cardinals that seemed to disappear when the weather changed. I hope they come back. Thanks for mentioning my blog 🙂 Judy
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You are welcome, Judy — we have usually had at least one pair through the winter the past few seasons, but we will see what this year brings!
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I always love the first snowfall. Snow makes everything look so beautiful.
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If only it would stay pretty and white without needing that periodic fresh coat again! ~ Kat
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Beautiful bird photos!! We didn’t get as much snow in south central North Dakota, but it was enough to put a quiet into the air.
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Cold, snowy days have that special kind of quiet — extra-crisp! ~ Kat
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Love your photos! We have snow up in the mountains ( I live in Seattle, WA) about an hour from me. We will be going up to snow shoe..It will be lovely! Alesia
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Snowshoeing is such a great way to enjoy the winter snow! Enjoy! ~ Kat
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I agree!
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I’m so ridiculously thrilled by the snow, even though we had to shovel twice today. It’s beautiful out. I love your bird photos – chickadees and nuthatches, along with the cardinals are my favorite winter birds. Stay warm – it’s going to be a chilly day tomorrow!
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Perhaps the cold snap will help as another ambush defense strategy — time to hunker down and be productive!?
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Exactly right! Plus, it just gives me a romantic vision of a writer working away with a hot cup of whatever. After the driveway is shoveled, of course!
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