Welcome Winter! February 17, 2026

When I looked out this morning I saw exactly what was forecasted and what I had hoped to see!  White and more white and nothing but white! Before it got even more white, I went out to get a couple of close by errands accomplished.  Then it was time to get all comfy and cozy enjoying being inside looking outside.  Being "out & about" outside will come tomorrow!

I have been watching lots of the Olympics! The scenery has been interesting to see almost as much as the athletes competing.  While figure skating will always be my most favourite sport to watch, I also enjoy those that are rough and tumble.  Watching the freestyle skiing and the snowboarding inspired me to do this watercolour painting.  

I was also inspired to look back at my photos and my blog posts from when I hiked in The Italian Dolomites in June of 2019.  While I am no olympic athlete, I like to think I am an "athlete" (the definition of "athlete" is in the heart & soul of the participant) and I can tell you I felt like a winner when I posed for this photo.  

Yesterday was a whole different story!  I walked from Carburn to Fish Creek and back while capturing the essence of a spring-like day in the middle of winter.   It was a beautiful day yet very dry and very dusty.  In fact, my black winter hiking boots are now brown after the last few "outs & abouts".  The clouds caught my full attention!  The Deer did their usual morning river crossing.  They know the safest place with the lowest water level to cross.  The coyote gave me the eye then took off over the hill.  The Carburn Bald Eagles were busy building their nest. The Ducks:  Female Common Merganser with the red head, Male Bufflehead with the white and green head, Male Common Merganser with the black head and red bill, Male Common Goldeneye with his head bent back. 

I am caught up once again on the thirty day watercolour challenge.  The instructor has been incorporating the use of coloured pencils and crayons but I have been sticking to watercolour paints to complete my version.  There are just a few more days to go.  I am feeling I am ready for this challenge to end!