Randon Images

 Weston Missouri

Iced buds

Maple Buds in ice

Crawford County

Maple Buds in Ice #2

Crawford County

Sunset with Iced over Maple Tree

Crawford County

Yesterday we had another ice storm here in SE Kansas. Not nearly as devestating as the last one, just enough to close schools and keep most families at home.

I am always amazed at how the buds in our trees survive these icey globes that form on them. They are beautiful but potentialy deadly to the buds waiting to bloom. Luckily it is way too early for them to flower, last year we did'nt get a peach, apple, berry or pear as late frosts and ice storms damaged flowers that bloomed early.

The sun poked its head out for around an hour right at sunset. After filling the bird feeders I took a short walk . The sun lit up these beautiful ice sculptures in the trees. Some reminded me of birds, some insects and some took on an almost human form. As I shot these photos I could'nt help but wonder if the buds will make it this year. I hope so.

Cloudy Morning

This morning I went for a short walk at sunup. We are expecting a "wintry" mix of precipitation. There was a small gap in the clouds that I thought might allow the sun to peek through for a quick peek and in doing so create some interesting light.

Turns out as I waited and listened to the ducks, geese and morning birds I found the sky made a pretty interesting background for some plants.
I think the plants are yarrow, goldenrod and some grass maybe brome.


I think the clouds won the contest but the sun did manage a short moment.

New Year New Calves

January and February in Kansas is a time of new life for some here in the middle of winter. Its calving time for some folks who raise cow-calf operations. About a half mile to the west my neighbor has around one bull and around fifty cows out in a large pasture. Most of the cows have recently calved. Ive been watching them for a couple of weeks as I drive by each morning and night. These little guys arrive in the bitter cold yet seem to have a fresh attitude on things. They have a little jump in their step and seem curious but cautious at the same time.





Today I stopped to get a picture or two. As soon as I pulled up to the gate the entire herd turned, looked over , and headed over to me at a trot.







I was surprised until I thought, well duh if you were a cow and a saw a really old white pickup and a middle aged guy wearing a brown chore coat get out and walk over wouldn't you think "treats" or at the least "fresh alfalfa hay".


I took a few pictures and left all the disappointed ladies there at the gate with the calves peeking out from behind legs and tails. Next time Ill bring treats.